Keyan-the-Eagle144 Reviews

Dune: Part Two (2024)

"Dune" to the wire!

[10/10 · 8 March 2024]

As a fan of the original books and having enjoyed the first part of the new Dune, this was the true followup. Forget The Empire Strikes Back, sci-fi, we have a new champion! It was a little slow at the beginning but then the action picked up and I was almost instantly captivated. More action much like the RTS games from the now-gone Westwood Studios and the Fremen are back. I can hardly wait to see what's in store for the further Dune adventures. I think this is the start of a beautiful franchise. Who knows, maybe we'll get all of the Dune Chronicles as films someday. All of the actors did their jobs really well and the props and scenery were fantastic. I'd say this really rekindled my relationship with the Dune franchise. This and the first part. Thank you, everyone.

As the Fremen would shout, "Long live the fighters!"

Digimon: Digital Monsters (1999–2007)

Perfect for those bored by Pokemon

[7/10 · 30 September 2023]

I remember seeing bits and pieces of this show back in the late 1990s when I was still watching Saturday morning TV. When I first saw it, I thought to myself, "Big deal. It's a Pokemon ripoff." But then I sat down to watch it at one point and it captivated me. No more endless competition a la Pokemon. Just one big story. Not only that, I liked the more detailed creature designs of the show and the human characters were a lot more relatable to us humans in real life. One of the human characters from the first season even looks and acts like me when I was his age! For those bored by Pokemon and want an engaging story that isn't defined by endless duels and characters that seem two-dimensional and not-so-creative elements, this might be the perfect remedy. It might get a little intense at parts but it's pretty good.

Cowboy Bebop (1998–1999)

Pretty good

[7/10 · 30 September 2023]

I had heard a lot of good things about this anime back when I was in my twenties. I hadn't seen it when it first came out and the only anime I have seen were Escaflowne, Digimon, and Pokemon. Oh, and a little of Yu-Gi-Oh! But Cowboy Bebop is one of the most serious animated shows I have watched and it isn't too slapstick if you don't count Radical Ed's wackiness. But I tried it and was pleasantly surprised. I have all the episodes on my iTunes account and I've only seen like the first ten or eleven episodes so far but I'm enjoying it. I'm not a humongous fan but it's entertaining. I still have a soft spot for the original Escaflowne but I'll probably make Cowboy Bebop a close contender. Still, if you like bounty hunter and outer space shenanigans but don't care for something like Star Wars (like lightsabers and aliens) or Star Trek (with all the scientific jargon), then why not try this? Cowboy Bebop might be a little over-the-top but at least it takes place in the galaxy we call home.

City Island (2022– )

One city for us all

[8/10 · 30 September 2023]

I first became aware of this show while watching some PBS a short while ago. I was getting a little bored watching some of the other channels so I thought I'd go back to my wholesome and educational and informational shows on the channel I grew up with when I was a wee one. And then I saw this one between some programs and it looked interesting. Everyone is based on a machine or some inanimate object but they all contribute to a good cause and make the most of the city (and the world) in which they live. Like most PBS shows, this one has tons of good messages and morals. Plus, it makes kids more aware of society and how it works. If you're new to PBS and enjoy talking objects, this might work for you. It's a welcome change from those talking animals.

Bluey (2018– )

Funny and touching

[10/10 · 30 September 2023]

I'd heard so many good things about this particular show and I knew I had to see it for myself. I admit that I wasn't a fan of the art style but after a while it grew on me. Plus, it has dogs and a lovely, over-the-top family. Most animated sitcoms now I avoid but this might compensate for the likes of The Simpsons and Family Guy. I love how the dog family goes through life being there for each other and navigating the ups and downs. Their antics are really funny and I'm always laughing. In fact, I'm laughing right now even as we speak. For someone who grew up with dogs, this is a perfect little show to share with your youngsters as long as they love dogs too. After The Lion Guard ended, I was hoping to try something just as family-friendly and then this came along. Disney Junior, I think we have a winner! Thank you so much.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

A step up from Crystal Skull

[7/10 · 30 September 2023]

I was curious to see what Disney had in store for us in the Indiana Jones franchise with this fifth film. When I sat down to watch it in theaters with a friend one Monday, I wasn't bored. There were tons of fun moments and lots of action. I also liked the various references and Easter eggs throughout the film. At least there was an actual historical artifact instead of some weird sci-fi element. As of this review, Dial of Destiny is my new-favorite Indiana Jones film. Yes, the box office results weren't great but movies don't need to make a lot of money just to be good. It's important that we the viewers enjoy what's put in front of us. Well, most of us. Anyway, if you've seen the original three then you probably don't need to see this. Oh, and for those new to the franchise, avoid Crystal Skull and at least see Last Crusade.

Sabrina: The Animated Series (1999–2000)

It's pretty good

[6/10 · 27 April 2022]

For someone who never watched the original Sabrina the Teenage Witch, much less read any of the original Archie comics, this was the closest I could get to those. It was pretty good for its time and there is a lesson or moral involved at the end of each episode. Even if it was short-lived I enjoyed most of the episodes. It's good for the preteen crowd or even younger if you want something wholesome for your young ones. Some parts might get a little intense though.

The Book of Boba Fett (2021–2022)

Not as good as The Mandalorian, but still enjoyable

[8/10 · 19 February 2022]

I was a little leery of Boba Fett's further adventures Disney-style after Return of the Jedi and even if he did survive at all. I had avoided this show after it came out but I reinstated my Disney Plus membership and watched the whole thing. Yes, I understand it's not for everyone, but in some ways I liked it better than the old EU post-ROTJ Boba Fett saga. At least we got to see a live version of our favorite mercenary. A lot of the scenes were really cool and lots of action involved. What's not to like?

The Mandalorian (2019– )

Best of Disney Star Wars

[10/10 · 19 February 2022]

I had some misgivings about this live Star Wars series before it came out considering the debacle(s) that was/were? The Disney Star Wars films. But I gave it a try and I really enjoyed it from start to finish. No Skywalker saga involved. I wasn't bored and it gave us an all-new spin on the Star Wars galaxy. At least now there aren't very many Jedi or Sith and it focuses on the gray area of the two (or three?) sides of the equation. Of course, not everyone will agree with me but if you want to get into Disney Star Wars but have heard not-so-great things about the latest films, then give this a go.

No lightsabers required!

The Matrix Resurrections (I) (2021)

Back online

[7/10 · 22 December 2021]

It's been too long since a movie about The Matrix had been on screens and this was a welcome return. I'd hoped that there'd be a followup to Revolutions and this helped relieve that worry. I never gave up hope that I (or rather we) would see Neo and Trinity and the supposed real world again. The action was pretty cool and yes it had some parallels with the first movie but I wasn't bored. Some might say the first hour was more of a rom-com and was boring but I wasn't bothered. Still, if you were satisfied by the original trilogy, you probably don't need to see it. But if you felt the third one was a letdown this might make you feel better.

On another note, the new faces were a welcome sight.

Primal (2019– )

I like this one better than Samurai Jack

[8/10 · 14 December 2021]

I first became aware of Genndy Tartakovsky via Samurai Jack and Clone Wars 2D. When I heard about Primal, I wanted to learn more. Yes, it's violent, but the creatures were the best part. And maybe it doesn't follow true Earth evolution but that's not the point. What matters is that we want to be entertained. And we get it. Well, most of us who follow Genndy. Not only that, the lack of spoken words in the show makes it more interesting. I don't believe I've seen a TV show with a lot of action and little to no dialogue. But a first time for everything, right?

I'm almost done with the first season now (only like two or three more episodes to go) and when the second comes out I will be watching. Aside from that, I like this one a little more than Samurai Jack and Clone Wars 2D. It shows that our man Genndy can make something cool out of anything.

The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

Some good, some bad

[5/10 · 14 December 2021]

I had so many expectations for this film and it felt like a cop out when I watched it. Yes, there were some good parts but it probably wouldn't have been the way I would have ended it. After the movie ended, I'd hoped that there'd be more despite the filmmakers saying no way. If the movie leaves us with multiple loose ends, then I don't see how the filmmakers can call it quits. There were so many questions in the series but not enough answers. Soon we'll get the next Matrix film and I'm hoping to see more of the new saga and what happens next.

The end credits song was cool on the other hand.

The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

More Matrix, but a little underwhelming

[6/10 · 13 December 2021]

I was curious when I heard that there was going to be a second Matrix film. We'd get to see more of Morpheus and the gang. Some of the sets were really cool, like the human city, but the fights were a little overdone in the CGI department. I did like some of them though. Overall, the movie was decent and I don't know if I'll watch it again but the ending led into the third (and supposedly final) chapter of the saga. And now that we're getting another Matrix film, I figured now would be a good time to go back and see what I had missed.

Even if this and the third one weren't that great, I'm hoping that the Matrix saga will get its own expanded universe. If Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who and all of those other sci-fi movie sagas can get their very own expanded universes, then why not this one?

Bottom line: if you liked the first one, stick with it. Otherwise, the series goes a little downhill after that one.

Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1970 TV Movie)

My second-favorite Christmas special

[7/10 · 13 December 2021]

Of all the Christmas specials I've seen in the past, this is my second-favorite of them with the 1980s version of The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus being my first.

It wasn't until recently that I became aware of this one but I did enjoy it immensely. You have your unforgettable characters, some shady villains as well as funny, if a little eccentric, supporting characters, and a central figure whose destiny is helping the weak and the poor. Aside from that, you have the late, great Mickey Rooney leading a good cast. It wasn't until a few years ago that I got this one on Apple TV and maybe I'll watch it during the holiday season in the years to come.

Of all the Christmas specials, this is the best!

The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus (1985 TV Movie)

One of the better Christmas specials

[7/10 · 13 December 2021]

I remember watching this one all the time after my folks taped it. As a Rankin-Bass production, and after watching the original 1980s Thundercats I started to see multiple parallels. The voices were similar (the villain is voiced by the same guy who did Panthro and also Bill Cosby's TV dad from The Cosby Show) and even the music sounds like Thundercats.

But back to the Christmas special. It wasn't until later I learned that the special was originally a novel by Oz creator L. Frank Baum. I read that book a while ago and really enjoyed it. It's like a Christmas version of The Lord of the Rings. All of the characters in this one were very unique and had personality. Yes, it's a little dark and it has nothing to do with Christianity but if you're sick of religious overtones this may be the perfect remedy.

What I'd really like now is to see this one brought back to TV or at least put on Apple TV's streaming service. I'd watch it in a second. Maybe the dark themes turned a lot of people off and that's why it's not on anymore. Still, it's a nice second viewpoint of the Christmas story.

Thundercats (1985–1989)

Give me sight beyond sight

[7/10 · 13 December 2021]

I used to rent this show's videos from my local video outlet when I was like 7 or 8 back in the 1990s. I never got bored of it. At one point I lost interest but then when I was 14 I watched it on Cartoon Network's Toonami and it captivated me once again. Of course, like most 1980s shows it hasn't aged well and it deserves a proper reboot sooner or later. The music was the best part and the characters were stunning. Mumm-Ra stole the show as the main villain (I liked him better than Skeletor). Yes, it does share similarities with He-Man but I never really watched the original He-Man.

The show has science and magic, various races, and a world of intriguing settings. What's not to like? And each show has an ending that works like a public service announcement. Morals and such. You don't get that very often in today's shows.

In short, if you're an old-time fan, a visit can be a nice little reunion. Most kids from the current era will find this one a little hokey and cliched, but as before, someone needs to give this show a proper reboot. If TMNT and Transformers can get multiple reboots and alternate universes, then why can't this?

GoBots: Battle of the Rock Lords (1986)

I used to watch this one all the time.

[7/10 · 13 December 2021]

I admit I did watch more of the GoBots in childhood than I did the original G1 Transformers. Yes, they do have their similarities but some of the characters from both shows have personality.

Anyway, the Rock Lords movie was an interesting piece. Yes, we get all-new characters in the form of a race of golem-like beings and it wasn't bad. I used to watch this movie all the time but I can't remember the last time I saw it. The Rock Lords were an interesting species. And in all honesty, these stone beings should have gotten their own series a long time ago. With all the reboots going around at the moment, it seems likely. I mean, you can only cover so much in one movie. And all those characters should have been fleshed out too.

Rock Lords might not have aged gracefully but it had an interesting plot. The main stars who played the Rock People did their jobs quite well. I'm not sure I'd watch it again but I can always look on YouTube to see what I remember and what I don't.

If you're not a fan of transforming robots, then this is probably skippable. If you like cheesy yet interesting popcorn plots try it. I'm sure it's a lot better than those live Michael Bay Transformer films.

Dune (2021)

I hope you "Dune" (No spoilers!)

[10/10 · 26 October 2021]

To be honest, I didn't get into Dune until my teens. I'd heard of some of the games and only read some of the novels. It wasn't until later I watched the 2000 SyFy miniseries that everything started to make more sense. We get an entire galaxy that predates Star Wars and so much more.

Though the original Dune novel came a decade before 1977's Star Wars, this Dune movie does away with most of the elements of science-fiction, especially those of Star Wars. No lightsabers, no aliens, no ultimate super-technology, no robots or whatever. Dune is more than just good and evil. It's politics, ecology, religion and history all rolled into one.

Anyway, back to the movie. Yes, 2.5 hours is a long running time but to be honest, when I watched the film I wasn't bored in the slightest. Everything was so well-done and every actor and actress did a phenomenal job. The sets were beautiful, the props were beautiful, even the special effects were beautiful. And some of the names from the cast I recognized; some of whom were from the MCU and one was from the DCEU series. I didn't know if I'd like Jason Momoa until this movie came out but he did such a wonderful job. As Minsc of Baldur's Gate would say, "Butt-kicking for goodness!"

Though I felt the director's previous movie, Blade Runner 2049, was a bit underwhelming, this absolutely makes up for it. Not that Blade Runner wasn't terrible, it's just that Dune had been ignored for so long and it was time to let this Star Wars precursor shine. And it did.

Yes, the movie leaves the door open but that was a smart move on the director's part. A followup is definitely in the cards. And with the success of this first part, it is very much a possibility.

If you were bored by the Star Wars sequel trilogy, give this a go. You won't be sorry.

Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum (2019– )

Ready for adventure? Sign me up!

[8/10 · 19 June 2021]

I'd seen various books in this show's style but never got around to reading them until after the show premiered. The style is reminiscent of Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes but in some ways I like Xavier Riddle more than both of those combined. At least nobody is putting everyone down or bossing around the weaker ones like in those two aforementioned strips. Still, I like the lessons that Xavier Riddle and his little friends impart on their viewers and how they meet various folks from ancient history. It's a sweet combination and it's got time travel and comedy too. As of about a year or so ago, this is my new-favorite PBS show. I will watch more and I am ready for adventure. Won't you be?

Terminator Salvation (2009)

Underrated

[7/10 · 19 June 2021]

I hoped to watch this movie the summer it premiered but was turned off by all the bad reviews. Then I watched it for myself and was pleasantly surprised. It was actually good and it brought the Earth of the post-apocalyptic future to life. Some of my online friends say it's one of their favorite underrated films and now it's mine too. I like this one a little below the first two but above T3: Rise of the Machines (which I found boring). And I skipped the later Terminator films after Salvation. Some might say that was a smart move. Anyway, it's good as a prequel to the events of the very-first movie and sets the stage for the whole John Connor saga. Time travel isn't really my forte but it's best in comedic purposes like in Bill and Ted.

In short: I enjoyed it.

Mortal Kombat (1995)

One of the better video game adaptations

[6/10 · 19 June 2021]

I remember renting this movie after hearing a lot of the hype before the rental. My sister and I watched it. I never asked her her opinion on the movie but I found it more entertaining than the Street Fighter movie which starred the late, great Raul Julia. Be that as it may, I'm not a huge fan of Mortal Kombat but I like the mythology behind the story. Lots of different fighters doing battle across lots of different worlds. It even offers characters who aren't even human. That's something you almost never saw in Street Fighter. As someone who never got to play very many video games this was the closest to the phenomenon I could get. Of course, if you want MK, try making it a little closer to the game's original vision. Maybe more blood? If anything, by today's standards, this would probably displease its longtime fans. Who knows, maybe after writing this review I'll get to the most recent MK. But of course, this probably pales in comparison with the modern Mortal Kombat. A bit too kid-friendly? Anyway, it's probably better than something like the movie adaptations of Super Mario Brothers and Wing Commander.

Tales from Muppetland: The Frog Prince (1971 TV Movie)

One of Jim Henson's best!

[8/10 · 19 June 2021]

I remember seeing this special a long time ago on cable TV and I enjoyed it. I don't remember a lot but it was very entertaining. I especially loved the frogs and the princess who speaks in nonsense. I wouldn't mind watching it again. I wonder if a streaming service has it? Please bring it back?

The Dragon Prince (2018– )

My new-favorite action cartoon serial

[9/10 · 19 June 2021]

I didn't think there'd be anything to top Avatar: The Last Airbender after I finished that series but after hearing about The Dragon Prince and getting a Netflix account I knew it was almost mandatory. This show has it all. Lots of very cool characters and elements that look like they were lifted from Tolkien and Dungeons and Dragons. This is now my favorite Tolkien-inspired fantasy and it's to Europe what Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra were to Asia and the Americas. Of all the recent animated shows, this and Airbender are my favorites. Now bring on the next seasons of the show, please!

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

My new-favorite animated movie

[8/10 · 19 June 2021]

I heard about this movie vaguely in the past year from various sources. I wasn't sure what to expect and it did remind me of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra but this animated feature is its own thing. Cute characters and lots of action. If only Disney did more of this. Of course, there were some things I could have done without, such as the baby, but I was entertained from start to finish. If you like Asian-inspired fantasies but only want a single movie make this your priority. Thank you.

Romancing the Stone (1984)

Good as an Indy clone

[6/10 · 19 March 2021]

I didn't get to this movie until recently but when I did it was entertaining. It's a little slow and it's no Indiana Jones but it's got a likable hero type and his interesting love interest. They have all sorts of adventures and are pursued by a dangerous foe. The two main stars have interesting interactions and they work well together. What's not to like?