Movie Review: The Lorax

I speak for the trees, and the trees say, "What the actual hell is this movie?"

Thanks to these Illumination Entertainment adaptations of these classic stories, Dr. Seuss is now rolling in his grave so much we can power the entire country! Ah yes, The Lorax, a classic story showcasing how we need to take care of our forests, and not allow them to be chopped down in the name of capitalism. What better way to truly show off that message then to make a movie that's sponsored by a car. A car that comes from a polluting factory. Not to mention all the toys that were made as well from plastic heavy Happy Meal trinkets, to plushies, most likely from a toxic factory somewhere in a 3rd-world country. Ah yes, just as Theodor Seuss himself  intended. Moving away from that though, the movie on it's own tries to tell a heart warming story of a young boy determined to get a real tree in a world, or at least area with no trees at all. The Lorax however just presents itself as a soulless cash grab of an iconic story for the sake of seeming Eco-friendly.

The Lorax opens with the titular character telling us about Thneedville, though that really isn't necessary as we immediately jump into a exposition musical number. Yes, this movie is a musical. During this song we learn everything there is to know about the city, and how life seems to be perfect despite the fact that they need to buy bottled air frequently. This song shows one thing I really dislike about this movie, it explains everything to the viewer. Even if it is "just a kid's movie", by giving everything to the audience, you make them feel stupid, and sure kids can be pretty dumb, but I think they're smarter then Hollywood thinks they are. After the musical number we are introduced to our main character Ted who has a crush on this girl, but I forgot her name because she only appears a couple times in the movie despite seeming like a major character. I'll just call her Tree Girl, cause this hoe is obsessed with wanting to see a real tree. She even states that if a boy brought her a real tree, she would marry him on the spot. Thus with his dick raised, Ted sets out to find a real tree. Yup, you heard that right folks. This kid saves the environment by being horny. Good job Ted. At home Ted's "wacky XD" grandma tells him about The Once-ler, a shut-in hermit who lives outside of Thneedville, and somehow hasn't died yet from the smog, and poisoned waters. Ted finds a way outside of town, and comes across the home of The Once-ler. Once-ler reluctantly begins to tell the tale of how he destroyed all trees. In the beginning though he was an aspiring entrepreneur hoping to find the perfect material for his latest invention The Thneed. He soon comes across the grand, and beautiful Truffula Tree Forest inhabited by a variety of forest animals such as Minion Bears, Minion Fish, and Birds. Of course Illumination were going to shove their Minion formula into this, though this only created annoying side characters that don't add anything. Upon arriving at the forest, Once-ler chops down one of the trees, summoning the titular Lorax.

As Once-ler begins to make his first Thneed, Lorax tries to explain that he can't just cut down the trees with no consequences. Once-ler ignores the furry critter though, and continues his work. That night The Lorax along with the other woodland animals take him in his bed, and float Once-ler down a river hoping that he will just disappear. However, one of the bears is on the bed meaning that Lorax has to stop the bed from going over the waterfall. One pointless scene later, Once-ler promises not to cut down another tree ever, yeah that will last long. Once-ler, Lorax, and the animals all become good friends now as Once-ler attempts to sell his Thneed to the people living in a nearby city. Every time though he gets only tomatoes thrown at him. That is until he decides to give up, and tosses the Thneed. The Thneed lands on a girl's head as a hat, and everyone wants one now. Once-ler at first plans to handle this demand in a Eco-friendly manner by just harvesting the tufts from the Truffula Trees much rather then cutting down the whole tree. That changes though once Once-ler's selfish family arrives, and complaining about the efficiency convince Once-ler to let them chop down trees. Once-ler attempts to defend his actions in the song, "How Bad Can I Be?", which is one of the only memorable parts from the movie to be honest. During the song, Once-ler proceeds to build huge factories that pollute the sky, and water. With the song over, Lorax tries to stop him only for it to be too late, the last tree falls. Along with all the animals, the Lorax leaves, leaving Once-ler in a desolate wasteland. With the story now complete, Once-ler gives a special item to Ted, a single Truffula Tree seed. He is then directed to plant it in the center of town where everyone will see it. It won't be too easy however.

Waiting for him at home is O'Hare who sells air to everyone in Thneedville. He wants to keep Ted from planting the tree due to the fact that the trees produce free air. A drawn out chase scene then happens. At first when Ted proposes that they let the tree grow, the people are against him. Though after using a bulldozer to bring down the wall of Thneedville to show off what the world has become, the people change their minds in the song, "Let it grow". The movie skips to the nearby future where Once-ler is tending to a garden of Truffula Tree saplings. They never explain where the other seeds come from though. As Once-ler finally redeemed himself, The Lorax, along with the woodland animals return. The movie then ends, and what did we learn? We learned that the Truffula Trees would've never came back if it wasn't for Ted being horny. So kids, the lesson here is to always follow your dick.

First things first, if you want to watch an actually good movie about environmentalism, then watch Wall-E instead of this shameless cash grab. The Lorax might entertain children for a short period, but if you want your kids to get anything meaningful out of this movie, you're out of luck. This movie is incredibly forgettable, with me forgetting about major plot points halfway through the movie! The only redeeming quality this movie might have was having Danny Devito as the titular character. However, even he can't save this dumpster fire. The Lorax gets a 1 out of 5 Paws up.

Movie Review: Hop

Jesus didn't die for this

What the actual hell were they thinking when making this movie. Illumination, known infamously for bringing the Minions into the world. In 2011, the company produced a live-action/animation hybrid movie just in time for Easter called Hop. Hop is the story of the son of the Easter Bunny, E.B. who does not want to become a Easter Bunny. E.B. much rather become a professional drummer. The young rabbit teams up with the human Fred who has always been a fan of the Easter Bunny, and trains him to become the first human Easter Bunny. That isn't even the worst part. The worst part is probably the oppressed Mexican chicks that work for the bunnies at their Easter factory, but I'll get more into that in a bit.

The movie opens on portraits of past Easter Bunnies with Fred narrating before saying that the movie we are about to watch is the story of how he became the first human Easter Bunny. There is then a panning shot Easter Island, where underneath the strange heads lives the Easter Bunny, and his entire operation. We are introduced to a young E.B.who we can already tell really likes playing drums, even from a young age. His unnamed father who is only referred to as The Easter Bunny gives young E.B. a tour of the Easter Factory. Here we immediately see the symbolism in this movies as the bunnies exert their white privilege over the Hispanic chicks, and um. I was going somewhere, but then I got distracted because one of the chicks was doing a funny dance haha. In the next scene we see a young Fred spotting the Easter Bunny in his backyard hiding eggs all over the place. After that we cut to twenty years later when Fred is now fully grown into the family disappointment. Like literally everyone in his family has this disgust towards him. Everyone except his supportive sister who sets him up with a job interview, and a place to stay for a couple of weeks. At the same time E.B. decides to run away from home not wanting to become the next Easter Bunny. When Fred is driving to the house he'll be staying at, he accidentally hits E.B. with his car. Though he isn't hurt at all it seems. E.B. however decides to fake an injury, so he can have Fred take him home to take care of him. I should probably add, in the scene before E.B. tries to get into the Playboy Manor saying that he fits the criteria of being "sexy", and a "bunny". You know, for kids!

The next day, Fred finds that E.B. is just fine, and that he's made a huge mess out of the house that he was supposed to make sure nothing happened to. Fred decides to then take E.B., and attempt to ditch him in the wild. It does not work out though as E.B. explains to Fred that he is actually the Easter Bunny, and proves it by shitting jellybeans. I know it's always been a silly joke with kids that jellybeans are rabbit poop, but Illumination didn't have to take that literally! Fred reluctantly decides to allow E.B. to stay with him, but first he needs to go to the job interview that his sister set up for him at a local Video Game Development Company. Though he is half an hour late, Fred is given a tour of the building while the manager interviews him. E.B. seemed fine waiting in the car as well, though he can't stay in the car as it turns out his father had sent the Pink Berets after him. Of course the trio are a homage to Charlie's Angels, another joke in this movie that children will not get. E.B. loses the Pink Berets by going into the building where Fred is doing his interview. Soon enough the rabbit finds his way into the recording studio where a blind blues band is recording their music. E.B. joins in seeing that they are missing a drummer. After the performance, the band tells him that they know he's not their drummer, but he plays great. One of the members can even tell that he's a rabbit as he leaves. Fred ends up not getting the job, but E.B. finds a new opportunity, the band told him that David Hasslehoff is hosting a talent competition, and he should try out. Fred agrees to take E.B. to the tryouts. 

Fred, and E.B. go to the Auditions, and The Hoff approves. Though upon asking David why he isn't phased by the talking rabbit, David replies, "My best friend is a talking car". I'll admit, that part made me laugh a bit, but once again it's a joke that children will not get at all. Later that night Fred attends his younger sister's Easter play. E.B. though interrupts forcing Fred to fake a ventriloquist act, completely upstaging his sister. It is after this that Fred realizes he wants to become the Easter Bunny. Though reluctant E.B. agrees to help him, and queue the training montage. The leader of the chicks, Carlos also has his own training montage as he wants to take over as the Easter Chick. At the end of the montage, the Pink Berets finally figure out where E.B. is. Not wanting to lose his chance at fame playing on David Hasselhoff's show, he quickly fakes his death by dressing up a turkey, and placing in a boiling pot of water. Good thing rabbits are super dumb because this works. Fred is accused of murder, and is taken to Easter Island. Now thinking that E.B. is dead, Carlos puts his plans to work, and steals E.B.'s dad's magic staff that gives him his Easter Bunny powers. E.B. arrives, and is captured, but manages to escape with ease. Same with Fred, and E.B.'s dad. Carlos now morphs into an abomination hybrid of a chick, and bunny. Carlos is about to get away with taking over Easter when E.B. starts playing some nearby crates as drums causing the funny dancing chicken from before to start dancing. The dancing leads to the Easter sleigh crashing, and Carlos is defeated (Yes, I know what I just said). E.B.'s dad then assigns both Fred, and E.B. as co-Easter Bunnies, and all is well, except for Carlos whose species' exploitation will only continue until their untimely possibly factory related demise. Fred's family is also now proud of him for getting a job, even if that job is delivering Easter baskets all around the globe. I know what you're thinking, "what the actual fuck", but yes, that's the end.

Hop is probably one of the most cursed movies I have ever seen. It should've never been. I now want to go back in time, and stop Jesus from dying so then Easter doesn't exist, and with it this damn movie. Peter Rabbit Cottontail is hopping his way into a 2 out of 5 Paws up rating. Happy Easter, don't watch this movie please.

Movie Review: Resident Evil: Degeneration

Thanks, but I much rather play the games

The new remake for Resident Evil 3 has come out. I myself am a big fan of the series, and so decided that this week I will be looking at one of the Resident Evil movies. Not the live action ones however, I have too much of a dislike for those films. Instead we will be looking at the first of the animated movie trilogy. Released in 2008 Resident Evil: Degeneration takes place seven years after the events of the first, second, and third game, this is because the first 3 games take place in the same time. The main characters from the second game, Leon, and Claire are forced into a new nightmare after barely escaping Raccoon City seven years ago. 

Our movie begins with news clips because news clips at the beginning of a zombie movie are so very spooky. It also provides context to the movie's plot as well as recaps the final moments of the original trilogy, which is just Raccoon City being exploded by a small nuke. We learn that the company behind the zombie virus, Umbrella Corporation goes bankrupt, and is bought by WilPharma. Despite everyone's protests to close down the company to prevent another outbreak, they don't listen of course. We skip to the present (2005), and we are introduced to Claire Redfield, the second main character from Resident Evil 2. I really don't know what she's doing, but she's at the airport to meet up with this kid who is related to someone who works at the same anti-bio-terror organization as Claire. There really isn't any explanation to this, except they needed to come up with some bullshit excuse to have her at this airport. Like after the first 20 minutes we don't see this kid ever again except at the end of the movie. Anyway, the two spot the politician guy, and watch as a news reporter, and a protester dressed up like a zombie harass him. Claire steps in, and stops the protester. Moments later though, a real zombie shows up, and kills the police officer there. A whole panic then erupts in the airport as suddenly there are tons of zombies everywhere. As messed up as it may sound, I love scenes like this, I like to refer to these scenes as "Day 1 Panic" when people left, and right are just being chomped on by zombies, and it's just absolute chaos. Outside the airport, a couple of military people are being sent to go save the politician guy, along with the help of Leon S. Kennedy, main character of RE 2, 4, and a smaller role in 6. By the way, chronologically this takes place after Resident Evil 4, which means that at this point in time Leon had not only survived the Raccoon City outbreak, but he has also rescued the President's Daughter from a creepy cult located in rural Spain; this guy has one hell of a resume. The trio go into the airport, and meet up with Claire's group which consists of a couple of useless side characters, the useless kid, and politician guy. Surprisingly they all make it out okay, except for the military guy named Greg, he died, but I don't care because he was a asshole. Sacrificing yourself doesn't automatically make you not a asshole. 

To be honest the movie really comes to a stop after the group leaves the airport, and doesn't pick up again until towards the end. Just like Doom Annihilation, how the fuck, do you make a Resident Evil movie boring? To be completely honest, I really don't remember what happened in this movie, there were zombies, then a bunch of talking, then a big monster showed up. They didn't even blow it up in true Resident Evil fashion, instead it fell to it's death, BOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRING! Unlike the newer Doom movie though, this movie got 2 sequels. I almost forgot to mention, the cg really hasn't aged well. I've seen video game cut scenes from the PlayStation 2 era that look nicer. Really I only recommend that you watch this if you're a die-hard Resident Evil fan, otherwise just avoid it like the zombie plague. This glorified video game cut scene gets a 1 out of 5 Paws up.

Movie Review: Animal Crossing

Well boys, we did it, depression is no more.

As of today, Animal Crossing New Horizons is finally out! It feels so surreal since Animal Crossing fans have been waiting for so long. In case you are not aware, Animal Crossing is a life simulator game where you play as a new resident of a town populated by adorable animal villagers. Unlike other games, Animal Crossing has no end, it is simply life, and it can be very therapeutic. This 2006 movie is based on the second game in the franchise, Animal Crossing: Wild World for the DS. In this movie we follow a young girl named Ai, as she moves into Animal Village, and not much happens actually. This movie feels more like a slice-of-life episodic series, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Despite the movie using the the original Japanese names for the characters, I will be using their localized English names for simplicity. 

The movie begins introducing us to our main character, Ai. She is taken into Animal Village, and goes to the Town Hall where she meets the mayor, Tortimer, a tortoise who had been the mayor of Animal Village for many years (Although as of Animal Crossing: New Leaf, he has retired, and the player character takes over as mayor). Tortimer tells her that she needs to go visit Tom Nook at his shop, Nook's Cranny, as he is her landlord. Upon meeting, Tom Nook, just like in the games, puts Ai straight to work to help pay off her house loan. During this part Ai gets to meet all of her new neighbors as well. The first villager she meets is a peppy cat named Rosie. Next is the lazy alligator, Alfonso (who wears a cute little Mario shirt). She then meets the Able sisters, Mable, and Sable who run the clothing shop. Now after a hard day of work, Ai finally arrives at her new home. Though on her way she comes across a human boy from the next town over named, Yu. The next day while delivering a package to Apollo, the Eagle, Yu returns, accidentally knocking her over into Apollo's garden, crushing some of his flowers. She then meets Mr. Resetti, who in the games would only appear if you turn off the game without saving first to punish the player. Ai learns from Mr. Resetti that Apollo might be at the museum's cafe. At the museum she meets the owl siblings, Blathers, and Celeste who run the museum together. From Blathers we find out the the museum is almost complete, but they have yet to find one remaining fossil, the Seismosaurus (Nowadays, it's referred to as Diplodocus instead). Down in the cafe, we meet Brewster, the pigeon who runs the cafe, as well as Caesar, the Gorilla, and Cyrano the Anteater. Ai then meets Apollo, she tries to apologize to him, but he doesn't seem to respond making Ai think that he is mad at her.

On her last delivery of the day, Ai meets Margie, the elephant. The two bond over sharing cherries, and talking about each other's dreams for the future. Margie is hoping that she can become a famous fashion designer one day. The two then compare their aspirations, and talents to Cherry Pie. Margie states that you shouldn't leave a cherry pie in the fridge because then you might forget about it, just like how it's good to practice your talents, or risk getting a bit rusty. Ai then says that Margie's sketch book must be her cherry pie. We then skip a bit forward to nighttime where Ai is walking along the beach when she stumbles across a message in a bottle that speaks of a Winter Festival Miracle. Although she has no idea of what it could mean at the time. The movie skips forward a bit to the middle of summer. One evening when Ai is walking along the beach once more, she finds another message in a bottle. This time it's asking her to plant trees in certain areas of the village, complete with a map of where she needs to plant them. The next day, or so Yu, and Alfonso are searching the village for fossils. Rosie then mentions that she had found a whole bunch of them awhile back. The boys then have Ai, Margie, and Rosie join them on a small adventure to find the fossils. They end up in a large cave where they do find the fossils, but they also find something better. They come across an entire Seismosaurus fossil. Yu tries to break the fossil free only to make the cave start crumbling in on itself. The group make it out in time, but now no one will be able to get the Seismosaurus. Later that night is the Fireworks Festival, where the famous K.K. Slider is going to preform live (I wish I could see him live, America why you so boring). There Margie requests the song K.K. Bossa, which really is one of the best songs in the series. A little while after the festival, Ai goes to the beach again, and finds yet another message in a bottle, this is going somewhere trust me.

The movie then skips to early fall where Ai is approached by Rosie. Rosie berates Ai for not being at Margie's farewell party. The thing is though is that, despite being her best friend Ai was not even made aware of such a thing. Ai feeling hurt that Margie would leave without telling her heads out to the cafe to try, and calm down. However at the cafe, K.K. Bossa, Margie's favorite song comes on the radio, and the girl begins crying. Upon walking back home, still a bit bummed out she comes across the wandering artist, Wendell, the walrus. Ai takes him back to her home, and gives him some food, and water. She then finds a letter from Margie. The letter reads that she apologizes for leaving without telling her. She didn't want to leave for her next step in life with tears in her eyes, since she knew saying goodbye to her best friend would make her feel sad. Ai goes back into her house only to find Wendell gone, a painting left from where he was, kinda like in the actual game. Feeling uplifted by Margie's letter, Ai decides that she must make her own cherry pie, first by believing in herself more. Rosie also stops by, and apologizes to Ai for what she said. Ai forgives her as the two watch a meteor shower fill the sky. We skip time again to winter time, specifically the day of the Winter Festival. Ai walks around the village taking notice of the trees she had planted that summer as the letter asked. She wonders if the Winter Festival Miracle will even happen, oh little does she know man. That night, the village comes alive with a assortment of lights decorating both the trees, and the homes of the residents of Animal Village. Though as the Winter Festival starts, something strange happens. What appears to be a UFO crashes in the middle of the forest. In the UFO is Gulliver the seagull who during the Wild World game traveled via UFO instead of ship for some reason. Glad he went back to his seafaring roots as of New Leaf. The town's people actually do believe him to be an alien, and agree to help fix his ship.

Ai, Rosie, Alfonso. and Yu group up together to find one of the pieces which leads them back to the cave they had found back in summer. They however cannot push the boulder blocking the entrance, but help arrives in a big surprise. Margie had returned to Animal Village to celebrate the Winter Festival with her friends. Though hearing about the UFO, and hearing that her friends went to the cave she headed off to help. With her strength, they are able to move the boulder out of the way. Inside the cave, Yu spots a gear on top of the Seismosaurus fossil. With the cold making the cave more sturdy, Yu is able to climb up the fossil, and retrieve the gear. On the way down though he slips, and falls off the fossil. He is saved by his friend Alfonso though, while Ai catches the gear. The hood that Yu was wearing as part of his costume also comes off, revealing that this would be the first time anyone would be able to see his actual face, and Ai calls him cute (This is so sweet, i'm going to get diabetes). The group then return to Gulliver where they find that someone had already found a gear that looks identical to the one that they just got. Suddenly the gear begins to glow, and float, and shift into it's true form. Turns out, that gear was a tiny UFO that they saved, also a real UFO this time. Above them appears the mothership, but of course it's friendly, and only wants the tiny one back. Upon returning the small UFO, the fleet then creates a constellation in the image of Ai before leaving as thanks. Blathers decides that Ai should be the winner of the decoration contest since she used the sky to decorate the town. Gulliver then leaves, and thinks to himself that he really didn't intend for that to happen. How was he supposed to know that arranging the trees in that way would attract a real UFO. This also means that Gulliver was the one behind the bottled messages. Everyone celebrates as Ai finally feels like a proper member of the community. Apollo also apologizes to Ai for not making it clear that he wasn't mad at her the whole time. During the credits we learn that Margie had finally made a design that everyone wears. Tom Nook's shop also upgrades, just like how it does in the games. Blathers is able to receive the Seismosaurus. Ai helps Apollo re-grow his garden. Ai also becomes great friends with Celeste (Though she was starting to be friends with her as of the winter story arc). With the end of the credits is the end of the movie.

So, i'll state right now. I'm probably a little biased because Animal Crossing is one of the things in this world that makes me feel so happy. The plot may not be the best, but I think it makes up for it with charm, and wholesomeness. The more I play the games, or re-watch this movie, I just want to be a part of this joyful world. Especially if my cat, Mr. June was a villager. He'd make for a good character I think. Back on subject though! Another thing I really love about this movie is the soundtrack, and sound design, lifting straight from the game. Funny enough I actually have owned this movie on DVD for quite awhile. However, it is only in Japanese, it's only been recently that I've finally watched, and understood it completely. As you can probably guess, Animal Crossing is pretty special to me, so don't mind if I just disappear for a few months once I get my copy of New Horizons. This movie gets a 5 out of 5 Paws up from me (Mainly because of the sentimental value it has to me). 

Mini Review: Onward

Pixar is moving "Onward" to greatness

Now don't get me wrong, I love Pixar very much, but the last half of the 2010s was a bit lackluster. The reason, mainly because they focused a lot on sequels. I don't hate these sequels, I think they did a good job on expanding their movie's story. Of course though, eventually the fans are going to want some new original content, and Pixar provided. Onward is a movie set in a fantasy world where magic exists. Though magic was hard to learn, so normal people instead invented electricity, and modern technology, as the years go by, magic basically disappears. However two Elf brothers go on a quest to find a little bit more magic in the world, so they may see their dad one last time. 

Onward is a emotionally driven movie with plenty of silly moments in between. Although, personally I feel that this movie is geared towards a older crowd, especially with the Dungeons and Dragons related jokes. This movie is ultimately about brotherhood, so those who grew up with a older brother taking care of them will be able to relate to the main characters. I know that after seeing this movie, I had to hug my older brother, and thank him for all he's done for me. If Onward was simply an appetizer before the main course that is Soul, coming out this summer, oh man, Soul is going to make me cry a literal river. In other words, this urban fantasy tale of brotherhood gets a 5 out of 5 Paws up.

Movie Review: Pokemon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution

A classic remade for a new generation of fans

Yesterday was Pokemon Day, the day in which Pokemon fans celebrate the anniversary of the release of the original games released in Japan back on February 27th, 1996. Yes, I realize I am a day late, but chances are most of the people reading my blog aren't exactly into Pokemon, and thus don't care too much about the timing of my review. Anyway, Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution is a remake of the 1998 (If we go with Japanese release dates) animated movie Pokemon: The First Movie. Aside from adding in the prologue that was originally a DVD bonus feature, the plot is identical, this is a good thing though. I'd imagine fans wouldn't be too happy if it were all different after all. In case you haven't seen it within the 22 years it's been out though, allow me to explain. The movie follows a group of young Pokemon Trainers, Ash, Misty, and Brock who are invited to a mysterious, isolated island out in the middle of the sea where they encounter The Artificial Pokemon, Mewtwo. I won't say much else right now as that is what the rest of the review is for, so let's jump right into it.

The movie begins with the added prologue I mentioned earlier. A group of scientists come across the ancient ruins of the mythical Pokemon, Mew, who is said to not only be the strongest Pokemon, but also the genetic ancestor to all Pokemon. They manage to find some fossilized fur nearby from Mew, and with it they are able to proceed with their project. Have a little fun fact, in the original movie the jungle they are in is identified as part of the real world country, Co-operative Republic of Guyana. What does this mean? Obviously it means that Mew is probably chilling out in the Amazon; another reason to save the rain forests. In the next scene Mewtwo, the clone of Mew is born, and he is having an existential crisis. Who am I, What am I, Where am I are some of the many questions he asks himself. He also sees Mew in a vision. Upon being told that he is simply a human creation created in the name of science, Mewtwo goes berserk and destroys the entire lab, taking out all the people with it. You heard that right, Mewtwo just committed mass murder! Ya know, for kids! Mewtwo is then approached by Giovanni, the leader the Team Rocket, a criminal organization bent on world domination. We then get Armored Mewtwo, like normal Mewtwo, but with a cool suit of hi-tech armor on him. Together Giovanni, and Mewtwo wreck havoc on the Kanto region. That is until Mewtwo begins to question Giovanni, wondering what he is fighting for. Giovanni responds saying that Pokemon are to obey their masters, and nothing more. Mewtwo argues that he is no Pokemon, but not human either, and destroys the base. Coming to the conclusion that all humans are selfish, and cruel, and for bringing him into the world when he did not ask to be born, he shall strike back against humanity. Wow, that sure was pretty serious, let's go on to something more family friendly. 

A narrator then introduces us to Ash, and his friends, Misty, and Brock. The group decide to have a picnic near the ocean when a random trainer challenges Ash to a Pokemon battle. Ash agrees to, and the sequence is a perfect shot by shot recreation of the iconic opening credits scene of the original. Ash wins without any trouble, and is ready to celebrate with his friends. Meanwhile we cut back to Mewtwo who has noticed Ash, and his friends. He decides to have an invitation sent to them. His human assistant agrees, and sends off a Dragonite to deliver the message. Back at the group the comically evil Team Rocket trio of Jessie, James, and Meowth are spying on them trying to find the right opportunity to catch Ash's Pikachu as they usually try to do in the show. A Dragonite flying at mach speed though disrupts the picnic as it delivers the invitation to the trio. The message has Mewtwo's human assistant appear saying that her master had invited the three of them to a party, celebrating how much of strong trainers they are.The group accept the invitation, and head off to a near by harbor so they can reach New Island, where the party is being held. Although as they arrive at the harbor, Mewtwo has whipped a dangerous hurricane making the ocean too dangerous to cross via boat. The trainers that had been invited though are not willing to give up as they pull out either winged flying-types, or sea-faring water-types to assist them across the dangerous sea. Ash, and friends are left behind as they do not have the right kind of Pokemon to cross the sea. Luckily though Team Rocket is there in disguise, operating a small motorboat. They happen to be heading to the island as well due to the fact that they stole a invitation from the Dragonite. The group hops on, and it's going well until the violent waves force them underwater, ruining Team Rocket's disguise. Before the trio can get close to finish their motto, they are thrown off the boat into the ocean, and soon so are Ash, and friends. Using Misty's Staryu, and Ash's Squirtle they are able to swim the rest of the way to the island where they are greeted by the mysterious woman who sent the invitation. After this part we also find that Team Rocket managed to make it there as well by just dumb luck.

The mysterious woman takes the group into the main room where the other trainers are located. Though turns out that only three people actually made it, geez, it's kinda dark to think about what might've happened to the others... let's just say they returned to the harbor, okay? The trainers then introduce each other, and their partner Pokemon. Meanwhile somewhere in the Amazon, or wherever Mew feels a disturbance in the force, and rushes off to go find what's causing it. After the trainers get to know each other, the woman tells them that they are there to have a opportunity to battle the Strongest Pokemon Trainer ever, Mewtwo. One of the trainers argues though that a Pokemon cannot be a trainer to which Mewtwo responds by attacking the man. The trainer then attempts to use his Gyarados' Hyper Beam attack on Mewtwo, but the powerful Pokemon only reflects it back. Meanwhile in the basement of the palace, Team Rocket come across a lab dedicated to cloning Pokemon as they see when Meowth is accidentally cloned. Back on the upper level of the palace Mewtwo releases his control on the woman he had been brainwashing, and turns out it was Nurse Joy from the harbor's Pokemon Center who disappeared a week, or two prior. Mewtwo also reveals his three cloned Pokemon based on the final evolutions of the Kanto starters; Venusaur, Blastoise, and Charizard. The room then opens up revealing a large stadium where Mewtwo challenges the trainers to go against his powerful cloned Pokemon. One by one, everyone is defeated, and with this Mewtwo then proceeds to send out Pokeballs of his own making to capture every single one of the trainer's Pokemon. Only Misty's Togepi is able to avoid capture as it was able to hide in her backpack, but everyone else, all their Pokemon are taken away, even Pikachu. Ash does not give up so easily though as he goes down the chute where the balls are being sent to the cloning lab.

Down in the lab Ash is able to save Pikachu while also freeing the other Pokemon that had been captured. It is too late though as all the cloned Pokemon have left to join Mewtwo in the stadium. Filled with determination Ash leads the other Pokemon into the stadium, which in the original version is one of the best moments in Pokemon movie history in my opinion. The newer version feels a bit lackluster in comparison. Mew also finally reveals itself to Mewtwo. Mewtwo feeling that he must be superior to Mew begins fighting with it, and along with that the clones, and the original Pokemon all begin fighting each other. Everyone is fighting, except for Meowth who ends up befriending his clone, and Pikachu who does not wish to fight. During this fight scene is some very serious talk about what constitutes a living being, and just because they are the same doesn't mean they can't share peace. The Pokemon continue to fight each other even when they are all out of energy. Although the cloned Pikachu refuses to give in, even though Pikachu is not willing to fight, and instead is willingly receiving it's hits. Realizing that if Mew, and Mewtwo don't stop fighting, then the fighting will never end. When the two legionaries prepare their ultimate attacks, Ash jumps in the middle to try, and stop them, but is only caught in the cross fire. Ash is turned into solid stone. His Pikachu attempts to revive him, but to no avail, and begins sobbing. The other Pokemon seeing Ash's sacrifice, and Pikachu's love for his trainer they all begin crying as well. 2D, or 3D; 5, or 21, this scene will always make me cry like a baby. Luckily for Ash though, the tears of the Pokemon actually end up bringing him back to life. It is here that Mewtwo learns the value of life, and how humans can have kindness in their hearts. The storm subsides as Mewtwo then takes all the cloned Pokemon, and leaves to go find them a new safe home. The trainers, and their Pokemon are sent back to the harbor as well with no memories of the events that had just transpired. The trio of friends look out towards the ocean where Ash catches a glimpse of Mew right before the movie ends. 

This movie is not perfect, but it isn't terrible either. Personally I love what they were trying to do with this. After all, all the original Pokemon fans are now grown up with children of their own. It only makes sense that they recreate a classic movie from our childhood so then it may be a part of the newest generation's childhood. The animation I thought looked really great in some part, and made some of the scenes from the original much more dynamic. Though I am not much a fan of the human character designs, but I can get over it. Mewtwo Strikes Back, whether you're watching the original, or this new version it is a much watch, even if your knowledge of Pokemon is limited to the Pokemon Go mobile game. I highly recommend this emotionally powerful movie. Technically Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution gets a 4 out of 5 Paws up. Although I would give the original one a 5 out of 5 Paws up, and no i'm not going to do a second review just for the original one.

Mini Review: Frozen 2

Let It Go, Into The Unknown

This movie doesn't deserve to be as good as it was. I still can't believe that the first movie came out six years ago, is this what it feels like to be old? There are so many things I have to say about this movie, it is near perfection. I am well aware however that a lot of people do not agree with me on that statement, and that's okay. Anyway enough with the teasing, I really want to talk about this movie!

The animation was gorgeous, and the music I thought was much more better in this movie then the first one. They say that the song, "Into the Unknown" is the new "Let It Go", but personally "Show Yourself" Is my absolute favorite song from this film. Sure the plot wasn't the best, but it really did connect with me. I know i'll probably sound like a rambling idiot, but I feel like this movie was created with people riddled with depression, and anxiety in mind. Especially the song, "The Right Next Thing", is literally a song about coping with depression, and not letting it engulf you. I am actually someone who constantly struggles with anxiety, and depression. Gosh, i'm actually starting to cry typing this up. I'm so happy that this seemingly childish film was able to address such heavy topics. First Inside Out, now Frozen 2, I hope more movies like this come out in the future, because these could be very important with how children cope with their own complex emotions. 

To be honest, I would actually go see this in theaters again, it is such an experience. I understand though that for some the movie can be slow paced, and the story could use some polishing. Other then those flaws though, I can see this movie becoming a classic, possibly ranking even higher then the original. I give this movie, 5 out of 5 paws up.

PARENTAL WARNING
Though it is rated PG, I wouldn't recommend it for younger children as it delves into heavier topics as I mentioned before. It is also very slow paced in the first act, so it may bore a child easily. Keep this in mind if you're thinking of bringing Little Timmy to see the fun princess movie.

Movie Review: Klaus

A modern holiday classic

Klaus is the directorial debut of Sergio Pablos (He was the creator of Despicable Me), and is the first movie from his new animation studio. Perhaps Klaus is his apology to the animation industry for bringing Minions into existence. Klaus was released last month, but I wanted to save it for the holidays as that would be more appropriate. The movie follows Jesper Johansson (Voiced by Jason Schwartzman. Who I just found out played the main villain, Gideon, from Scott Pilgrim vs the World; good movie, great movie), the lazy, and spoiled son of the post master. Jesper is then taken to the small island town of Smeerenburg where a non-stop generational feud is what keeps the town alive, and it is up to the reluctant postman to establish a functioning post-office there. Though Jesper will find help in the most unlikely of places. Just before I get into the review I already want to say that this movie has to be one of the best animated movies to come out this decade! Anyways, on with the review.

The movie begins with Jesper narrating the legends of Santa, but then goes into further explanation, to explain why the myth exists in the first place, and it all started with a letter. We then get a lovely montage as this bright blue letter travels through this grand area that is revealed to be the Royal Postal Academy. The letter is given to a drill sergeant who then hands it off to Jesper, who is seen slaking off when he should be doing his training. The letter is from Jesper's father who has asked for his appearance in his office. Jesper willingly goes thinking that maybe it's because his father is letting him go back home now. That is not the case however. Jesper's father, the post master wants his son to learn how to be responsible, and to do so assigns him to an isolated island village by the name of Smeerenburg where no postman has ever successfully established an office there. Jesper is to establish a working post office in a year with about six-thousand letters sent. Jesper must complete the task or else he will be disconnected from the family entirely. Reluctantly, and with plenty of hilarious sarcasm, he goes off. Jesper's attitude during the first quarter of the film reminds me a lot of Kuzco from Disney's The Emperor's New Groove, which I love very much.

Jesper soon meets up with a sarcastic boat captain who takes him to Smeerenburg. The captain also tricks Jesper into ringing a bell in the middle of the town saying that it'll be the welcome party. Jesper rings it, only for him to find out it's the battle bell, whenever rung the two clans begin to fight. Jesper barely makes it away into what seems to be a run-down school house. Though it isn't much of a school since it had to become a fish shop. This is where Jesper meets Alva (Voiced by Rashida Jones, who is quite multi-talented, seriously check out her filmography), the only teacher on the island, but since no one sends their children to school she was forced to become a fish shop owner in order to save up money to eventually leave. The captain then finds Jesper, and takes him to the abandoned post office where he will be staying at. It is comically run down with even chickens living in the mail slots. Jesper reluctantly gets to work just wanting to leave as soon as possible, lo and behold, however Jesper finds that no one is interested in sending letters to anyone. Just when he loses all hope he comes across a drawing dropped by a child living in a large towering building. Jesper sees this as an opportunity to deliver the letter, but before he can convince the child to do so the child's father returns, and scares off Jesper. With all faith just about lost he finds a lone house on his map that he hasn't visited yet, The Woodcutter's Cabin.

Jesper makes it to the lone cabin, but finds the woodcutter no where. Though he enters the workshop only for him to be blocked in with icicles. Within the workshop, Jesper finds an assortment of handcrafted toys, one of which starts playing music which spooks the cowardly postman. During his panicking, the old woodcutter (Voiced by J.K. Simmons) finds him in there, Jesper only seeing this hulking man with a axe quickly takes his leave. Though on the way he drops the child's drawing. Back down at the village Jesper is trying to decide what to do, when suddenly the woodcutter approaches him. The woodcutter has Jesper show him where the letter came from, once there it is now night time, and the woodcutter prompts Jesper to deliver a package to the young child inside the house. Through a series of hijinks he manages to get in, and out of the house. The woodcutter then takes Jesper, and they watch through the window as the young boy unwraps his new toy frog. The next day Jesper finds children lined up outside the post office having heard that by sending a letter to Klaus, the woodcutter, they would be able to get a new toy. Jesper sees this as his opportunity to meet his quota, and goes to meet with Klaus. Jesper explains that since Klaus has so many toys he could basically donate them to the children. Though hesitant at first Klaus agrees, only on the condition that it's at night. 

Everything seems to be going fine, though when two of the children are found playing with other, we get a small explanation for the feud. They fight simply because their ancestors did, and the adults of the two clans believe that the two clans can never get along because of this. Huh, kinda sounds like boomers wanting to keep the status quo. Despite this however, Klaus, and Jesper's deliveries go smoothly, and with each delivery the children start creating stories about Klaus, which really was mostly Jesper. What I like a lot about this movie is that, it is very grounded in reality, there is no magic; except for maybe at the very end, but it's quite subtle. Although during one delivery he finds himself at the home of the village bully, and decides instead of giving him a toy, instead he'll give him coal. The next day the bully confronts Jesper asking why he didn't get a toy. Jesper knowing well of all the stories the children are putting together convinces them that only good kids get toys, while naughty ones get coal. This leads to the village children doing acts of good will, and from those selfless acts the adults soon follow through as well. Alva also finally gets to become a teacher as the children are encouraged to go to school so they can learn how to write, even using up all of her savings to rebuild the school house.

Klaus eventually runs out of toys however, though Jesper suggests that he simply make more. Klaus insists that he can't, though doesn't explain why. Jesper decides to upgrade his workshop then hoping that with it tidied up maybe Klaus will make more toys. Though upon finding a old covered up memorial of Klaus and his late wife Lydia, Klaus is angered, and Jesper leaves. Before leaving, Klaus explains how they always wanted children, so that was why he made the toys, for his children that were never born, and his wife passing away shortly after he had built the cabin there. Upon arriving back at the post office he finds a little Saami girl (They are a real life indigenous people who occupy mostly Northern Finland, and the Kola Peninsula off of the western area of Russia). Not being able to understand her, Jesper takes her to Alva hoping that she can interpret. With Alva translating, Jesper is able to help the little girl, who we learn her name is Márgu, write a letter to Klaus. Though with how Klaus was at the moment, but not wanting to let her down, he attempts to try, and build the toy himself. Jesper ends up falling asleep, and while doing so Klaus appears, and wakes Jesper up wanting to help him, and be partners again. The two work together, and create a sled for Márgu, and deliver it to her. Upon seeing her reaction in the morning, Jesper is filled with a new spirit, now not caring about quotas, but instead wanting to bring people happiness. 

The two decide that the next time they deliver presents, it will be on Christmas night (Chances are they're speaking about the religious version of the holiday, though they don't clarify if so), though they do not know where to even start. Although because of their act of kindness, the Saami people come to help Jesper, and Klaus put together the whole Christmas event, and so does Alva as well. During the montage is a heartwarming moment in which Jesper adds small figurines of everyone to the memorial, as if saying that they are Klaus' family. Back down at the village however, the clan leaders meet together to discuss the issue with all the villagers becoming non-violent, and breaking tradition. To fix this they decide to have a temporary truce, and go on to forge eighteen-thousand letters, and send them off. Right on Christmas night Jesper is surprised to find that his father has arrived to meet him because he had overfilled his quota, and is ready to bring him back home. Klaus, and the others overhear this, and realize that Jesper had ulterior motives all along. Jesper reluctantly goes with his father onto the ship, though before it can leave he has a heartfelt conversation with his father. Jesper's father happily accepts this, and encourages him to go back, and even says that he is proud of him. Jesper quickly returns to the workshop seeing how the clan leaders had wrangled up a torch wielding angry mob, bent on destroying the toys.

Jesper makes it to the workshop in time, and we go into a chase scene which ends in tragedy. Jesper saves the sleigh, but is unable to save the gifts. Although even though the clan leaders think that now things will go back to normal, it is far from the truth, as the children of the leaders fall in love. Jesper is still sad about the gifts however. Klaus reassures him however; turns out that bag full of "toys" were actually decoys as they were well aware that the clan leaders would come, and try to stop them. Though with Jesper's act of selflessness, he earns everyone's trust once more, and Christmas goes off without a problem. We then learn that overtime they were not only able to expand their service to other areas, but also the town finally had peace. Jesper, and Alva get married, and he and Klaus stay good friends. Though as he sadly says, one year, he simply disappeared without a trace. Though now every Christmas eve Jesper knows that Klaus returns in spirit, spreading joy across the world. I would be lying if I said this part didn't make me tear up. The movie then concludes, and it's officially cemented as one of my new favorite Christmas movies.

Klaus is a perfect movie to end the decade, because despite all this advancement in the animation industry, this is what we all really want. I still can't believe that this is a 2D animated movie, it is so beautiful, and unique to look at. Folks, keep SPA studios (Sergio Pablos Animation Studio) on your radar, because if this was just their debut movie we can only hope it gets better from here. I also felt that the movie was almost like a better version of the classic stop-motion animated film, "Santa Clause is Comin' to Town". I know a bit silly to compare it, but so far this has to be one of my favorite, "Santa Origin" movies ever. I'll most definitely watch this one on a yearly basis. Anyway this modern Christmas Classic gets a 5 out of 5 paws up.

Movie Review: Barbie in The Nutcracker

A personnel childhood classic

The Nutcracker is a timeless tale of a young girl going on an adventure with a nutcracker to stop the evil mouse king, it helps that it is accompanied by a wonderful score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky had also scored other iconic ballets such as Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty. With The Nutcracker being so old, of course it's in the public domain, meaning that anyone is allowed to not only use the music, but create their own interpretation of the story. Today I'll be looking back on my favorite adaptation of The Nutcracker; Barbie in The Nutcracker. The movie was released back in 2001, and was at the first CGI Barbie movie, and it shows. Despite remembering this movie fondly, i'll do my best to not judge the movie with rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia.

The movie starts with Barbie, and her younger sister, Kelly practicing their ballet routine for the upcoming performance of The Nutcracker that the two will be in. Kelly tries to get it right, but feels discouraged as ballet is quite difficult. Barbie comforts her, and says that she should be brave, and willing to try like Clara from the ballet. She then proceeds to start telling the story which brings us into the actual movie. We are quickly introduced to Clara, her stern grandfather, and her pesky younger brother, Tommy. Clara is quickly shown to be a thoughtful young woman, as we start with her daydreaming. Her grandfather scolds her as she gets back to decorating the Christmas tree, putting up a ornament of a ballerina onto the tree saying that her mother had gotten her that the first time she was taken to a ballet. Clara's adventurous aunt then comes around telling the young girl of all the places she had been to this year. Clara's grandfather tries to stop her aunt from filling Clara's head with such ideas as he is a old sexist boomer who believes Clara should stay where she is. After the grandfather leaves, Clara's aunt secretly tells her that she'll try to convince her grandfather to let Clara go with her on her next adventure. In the meantime though Clara, and Tommy are given gifts from the aunt. For Tommy it is two toy soldiers, and for Clara it is our titular Nutcracker. Her aunt explains that even though he isn't the best looking, on the inside is the heart of a prince. Tommy being the little brat he is though attempts to steal The Nutcracker from Clara causing it to break.

After fixing up the nutcracker by using a ribbon as a sling, Clara ends up falling asleep. Later on that night, the clock strikes midnight causing the room to come alive with magic. Though not all of it is good magic as an army of mice march out of the mouse hole. Luckily some of the magic reaches Nutcracker, and he comes alive, immediately springing into action. Clara is woken up, and looks around wondering if perhaps this is simply a dream. The Nutcracker tells her though that it is not, as the Mouse King (Voiced by Tim Curry, who is most famously known for his role as the Sweet Transvestite, from Transsexual, Transylvania in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Perfect casting for a children's movie!) emerges from the hole. Nutcracker and the Mouse King get into a sword fight. Clara tries to help only for the Mouse King to then shrink her down into the size of a doll. She retreats up a garland, watching the fight from a distance. Seeing The Nutcracker in danger she kicks off her shoe, causing it to somehow knock out the king. The mice retreat, taking their king with them. Once they are safe, Nutcracker, and Clara regroup as Nutcracker explains that the only way to get her back to her original size, she must go with him to find the mysterious Sugarplum Princess, who will also be the key in stopping the Mouse King. Clara is reluctant at first, wondering how she would even get home. The wooden owl that sits on top of the clock then comes to life to give Clara a locket that will take her home once she opens it. The owl also tells the two where they can find the Sugarplum Princess. With a idea of where to go, the duo head off into the mouse hole.

Clara, and Nutcracker are swept into a magical portal that lands them inside an icy cavern. At first they think they are trapped, but soon a snow fairy comes by to try, and play with them. The fairy ends up hurting her wing, which Clara fixes up. To show their gratitude the snow fairies not only dance for them, but also open up an exit to the cave. I'd be lying if I said this part wasn't nice to watch; for the early 2000s the choreography is stunning, and the music of course makes it all the more better. The two leave the cave, and Clara takes in the beauty of the Nutcracker's home world, Parthenia, before going forward on their quest. Though what they weren't aware of was the Mouse King's right hand bat, Pimm, who was eavesdropping on their conversation, and heads back to the palace to warn the king. The two soon make it to a deserted, and destroyed gingerbread kingdom, the only thing left is a horse tied to a carriage. Suddenly they are attacked by two young children with snowballs. Clara is able to get them to stop attacking though as she gives the little girl her doll, which Clara found on the ground. The two children then explain that they had gone berry picking, and upon arriving back the village was destroyed. They also express their dislike for Prince Eric who had abandoned them, and he's the reason why the Mouse King was able to take the throne. Since there is nothing else for them in the village, the children decide to join Clara, and Nutcracker on their search for the Sugarplum Princess. They take the horse as well, whose name is Marzipan. 

Shortly after leaving the village the group is ambushed by the Mouse King's army, and Marzipan runs away. They run into a forest where suddenly a ladder drops from a tree. The group climbs aboard, and avoid the army. Though up in the trees isn't any better. Clara, and Nutcracker are met with distrust from the villagers who had manged to escape, especially from Major Mint, and Captain Candy. Though Nutcracker reassures them that they are not with the Mouse King, and instead they were sent by Prince Eric to find the Sugarplum Princess. Major Mint is very skeptical, but Captain Candy believes Nutcracker as he was friends with the prince. Captain Candy then asks what became of the prince, Nutcracker replies that he was killed by the prince. After some hesitation, Major Mint agrees to help them on their quest, on the condition that he be the leader of course. Later that night Clara confronts Nutcracker seeing through his lie. She had already figured it out that he is Prince Eric. Eric explains that he feels he isn't worthy however as it indeed was his fault as to why the kingdom is in the shape it is. Clara reassures him though that he is worthy, though he doesn't exactly believe it himself. Meanwhile at the castle the Mouse King decides how he wants to punish the guards who had let Nutcracker, and Clara escape. With Pimm's help he decides to turn them into bookends. Afterwards he looks through a book trying to find information on the Sugarplum Princess, but only finding the following; "She is Kind, Smart, and Brave", keep this in mind for later folks. He also creates a rock giant with the intention of using it to completely destroy the Nutcracker.

The next day the group sets out on their journey (minus the gingerbread village children of course). First they have to cross a path of floating rocks, Major Mint gets across easily, but Captain Candy falls off, and would've fallen into the ravine below if not for Nutcracker. Though Captain Candy was saved, the supplies he was carrying fell below into the ravine. They soon make it to an abandoned port, and while Major Mint, and Captain Candy fix up one of the ships, Clara and Eric head off to find more supplies. Clara, and Eric come across a dried up grove, which Eric claims used to be full of life along with a well. Soon enough they find that the well had been covered up. Using his sword he uncovers the well, and with it releases the trapped Spring Fairies. One of the fairies tells him that the Mouse King had trapped them in the well after destroying the grove. Though with them free, they quickly get to work reviving the area, along with providing supplies for their journey with fresh apples. To be honest this always was one of my most favorite scenes from the movie. I just love how everything springs to life, as well as the dancing, and music in it. During this part, Clara, and Eric share a tender moment only for it to be quickly spoiled as over the hill comes the rock giant being guided by Pimm the bat. The duo quickly run away back to the port, the rock giant following after them.

Upon arriving back at the port, of course the rock giant had manged to follow them there as well, and destroys their ship. Nutcracker is willing to risk his life for them to escape, though that doesn't need to happen as the Snow Fairies return, freezing the ocean, thus creating safe passage across the sea. Marzipan also returns just in time for everyone to jump into her carriage. At first they think they are safe as the ice should break under the weight of the rock giant. Alas the Snow Fairies did their job a little too well, as the ice stays intact. Nutcracker then jumps out, and uses his sword to crack the ice causing the giant to fall through, and sink to the ocean floor. Pretty brutal man. Captain Candy also states that Nutcracker should be the leader of their group as Major Mint is pretty useless. Soon enough they reach the island, and see the Sugarplum Princesses' castle just up ahead. Clara stays behind for a short bit however, contemplating on whether or not she would want to go home. As it turns out however, it was all a trap, all the men get captured, and taken to the Mouse King's palace, and leaving Clara stranded on the island. Meanwhile back in the village the village people decide that it is time to rise up against the Mouse King. Though Mouse King hears about the supposed uprising, and has all the villagers captured, and taken to his palace for a show of power by burning the Nutcracker in a large bonfire.

Clara is just about ready to give up when a familiar group of Spring Fairies come to her rescue. They give her a ride all the way to the Mouse King's palace, where she then goes off on her own to save the guys. No wonder I loved this movie as a kid, it had some really nice role reversal action in it! Clara is able to outsmart the mouse guards guarding the dungeon before going in. Though when she gets in there, she sees that it is empty. Actually turns out the guys are being kept behind an invisible wall. Being the smart, and resourceful girl she is Clara manages to break the wall, and free them. We then head into the climax of the movie where the Mouse King, and the Nutcracker go into battle with each other. The Nutcracker is beaten though, and Clara attempts to save him which causes the Mouse King to charge up a spell that would shrink her even smaller. The Nutcracker however is able to use the reflection in his sword to bounce the spell back at the Mouse King, causing him to shrink down to the size of an actual mouse. He runs away, but the Nutcracker is still weak, and still believing that he is nothing more then wood. Clara tells him he isn't like that at all, then kisses him. Her kiss causes Eric to finally return to his original human form. In surprise he realizes that the Sugarplum Princess had always been with them, it was Clara all along. Clara doubts it, but the audience can easily figure out why, after all, she was kind, smart, and brave; the qualities of the Sugarplum Princess. Clara then transforms into a gorgeous outfit, fit for a princess, as everything returns to their original form. 

In celebration, the children, Captain Candy, and Major Mint do a fun little dance. After that Clara, and Eric then dance, which has to be one of my other most favorite part in the film. The animation is surprisingly good, music paired with the choreography as usual are stunning to watch. However as they finish their dance, Eric asks if she would want to stay understanding if she would instead want to go home. Clara of course says yes, as here she has adventures, freedom, and a cute prince. The fun is spoiled however as the Mouse King returns flying atop of Pimm, and grabs Clara's locket, opening it up which forces her to return home. As she disappears Eric tells her that he loves her. Clara wakes back up on her couch to find that it is now Christmas morning. She tries to explain to her grandfather of what happened, but he simply sees it as a active imagination. Clara's aunt then returns, but with a special surprise. It is Eric as a full sized human! Clara is overly happy, and the two dance as the story concludes. What I really want to know though was that, was Clara's aunt in on the whole thing? Like was she aware of Parthenia, and Eric's curse, and knew only Clara could lift it? I don't know seems awfully suspicious that she knew who Eric was. Nevertheless the story ends, and we return to Barbie, and Kelly... oh yeah, they were in this movie. Kelly decides to be like Clara, and not give up, and within a minute she perfects the entire routine. Then the movie actually ends. You could literally remove the Barbie, and Kelly segments, and the movie would be the exact same, except maybe a bit better?

I went into this movie expecting it to not be as good as I remember, and I was surprisingly wrong. Sure the animation is quite rough, but hey it was the early 2000s, and they didn't have as much of a large budget like other nice CGI films at the time. Despite the flawed animation, the movie holds up quite well. Though I could see that maybe a younger child of this generation may find it a bit boring as it is somewhat slow. I don't care who the target demographic is, if you're craving some holiday nostalgia, and are in the mood for something a bit girly, then this would be a good one to watch. This nut gets a 4 out of 5 paws up.