Sonic The Hedgehog - Cute, occasionally funny, and a little hyper

The best way I can describe my feelings about the Sonic The Hedgehog movie is this: I can't say that it's okay, but I also can't say that I didn't like it. While I have plenty of issues with the movie as a whole, there is just enough charm and texture to keep me from declaring it a total trainwreck. It's relatively decent as a video game adaptation and serviceable as family entertainment. Still, it has just as many shortcomings and flaws that keep it from being as fully realized as it wants to be. While I am glad I saw this movie, I am in no hurry to see it again, nor recommend it to anyone other than long time fans of the character. This movie is an experience that is best done only once for curiosity's sake. 

Based on the main character from the video game of the same title, the story follows Sonic The Hedgehog (Ben Schwartz), an alien from another Planet who has been hiding out on Earth for the past ten years. He possesses tremendous power granting him incredible speed and end energy, which he tries to keep hidden from those who would take it from him for evil purposes. This situation puts Sonic into an upsetting position as he longs to make friends. After an accidental outburst placing the local town into a blackout, the military sends in their top investigator of the unusual phenomenon named Dr. Robotnic (Jim Carry). Usually, Sonic would use his Magical Teleportation Rings to escape to another world. Still, by pure accident, he is found by the local Sherrif Tom (James Marsden), who inadvertently causes Sonic to lose his bag of rings through an open portal and fall on top of a skyscraper in San Francisco. Desperate to retrieve his means of transport, Sonic pleads with Tom to take him to the city and help him recover his rings. After coming to terms with the strange circumstances of the situation and feeling a perpetual need to help others, Tom agrees, and the two of them hit the road for San Francisco. All the while struggling to survive Dr. Robotnic's relentless attacks and forming a genuine friendship together. 

Now, it is impossible to review this movie without discussing the Elephant in the room. In case you haven't been following the story, Paramount Pictures had initially scheduled this film a November release of last year. However, when the first trailer was released early that Summer, it caused a massive uproar among Sonic fans and general audiences alike. This outrage was prompted by Sonic's original character design for the film. You see, Sonic, as depicted in the video games, looks like this: 

However, for some reason, the people in charge of the movie designed Sonic to look like this:

This design for the film's main character was atrocious! Not only was it nothing like Sonic's iconic look, but it was also just not pleasing to see! Every human being who saw this design, both fans and casual movie audiences alike, collectively said in one voice, "I don't want to give this my money!" and rightfully so! 

Shortly after this debacle, Paramount announced they would postpone the release of the film so they can change the design. Now, Sonic in the movie proper looks like this: 

So much better than what came before. 

Now, this has also spawned a series of arguments regarding fan input, changing artistic visions, and caving into rabid fanboy outcry. Personally speaking, as a casual fan of the Sonic character, I am glad that they changed the design, purely because of how much more aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing the new model is. I didn't care that he looked more like the original character; I didn't want to see any more nightmare fuel when watching the film. Also, I have to give a ton of praise to the team of animators who worked tirelessly to fix the design, and I hope that they get a big chunk of the profits of the movie. I'm not sure if that will happen, but they deserve it nonetheless! 

Anyway, now that we've gotten that out of the way let's talk about the movie proper. 

The most unfortunate thing about this movie is that they spent so much time fixing the awful initial character design; they didn't also think to polish the script. The writing is probably some of the most frustrating I have ever seen, not necessarily because it was terrible, but because it needed to go through at least one or two more drafts before it was production-worthy. Structurally, the script has all the beats that it needs to hit, it has all the necessary elements for a compelling and sympathetic narrative, and it does have some genuinely great moments of wit. Unfortunately, for every moment of good writing, there is an equal moment of lousy writing. With expositional dialogue that feels forced and unnatural, character beats that happen with no satisfactory build-up or pay off, and an inability to build upon the desired theme of home and real values. The script knows where it wants to go, but it doesn't seem to understand how actually to get there. 

Visually, the film is pretty damn awesome! The special effects, especially where Sonic and his powers are concerned, are genuinely cool and fun to watch. The action scenes succeed in striking that balance between game loyalty and cinematic presentation. The creative use of the teleportation rings for the climactic battle is especially incredible. Even some of the scenes that feel like retreads of ones we've seen in other movies (the scene where the super-fast guy moves around a fight while everything around him is moving incredibly slowly, ala X-Men: Days of Future Past), it still feels fun because of their little spin on it. That's what saves this movie being total garbage, it may not be entirely competent, but it is still pretty fun. 

And, of course, Jim Carry is still one of the funniest people in movies today. Carry is arguably the best he has been ever since Ace Venture: Pet Detective (the first one, not the second). He doesn't steal the show, but he makes his presence welcome and much appreciated. 

I should also mention that I saw this movie in D-Box, which is a recently developed theater gimmick. The idea is that the seat will move along with the action on screen as if you were there yourself, similar to motion-simulating roller coasters. Honestly, while it's undoubtedly a better gimmick than 3-D, I don't think I'll become a big fan of it anytime soon. Yes, you can change the intensity or even turn it off if you choose, so it gets more points for being optional, but you still have to pay extra. Ultimately, I think it is only worth it for the right movie. As for seeing Sonic The Hedgehog in D-Box, I would not recommend it. 

Sonic The Hedgehog may not be the most polished film I've seen in 2020 so far, but if you've got kids, you will likely be seeing this in theaters anyway, so take comfort that it is not a total waste of time. There is just enough charm and entertainment value, mostly from Sonic himself, to provide a decent amount of fun. Otherwise, I only encourage you to check it out purely to support the exhausted animators who fixed what hey could. 

Is this movie worth seeing? 

Maybe. 

Is it worth seeing in theaters? 

Maybe. 

Why? 

It's not well structured, but it is fast-paced, which happens to be just enough in this particular case. Otherwise, just go see Birds of Prey again. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading. 

The Mandalorian - This is the way...to be amazing!

In my original video review for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, I stated that I was eager to see Star Wars content with its own identity. That is to say, a Star Wars story that retained the established universe and lore but was presented in a different genre and tone. Furthermore, this new content needed to be unrelated to any of the traditional characters, storylines, and events. In short, I wanted to see something like a crime drama or even a comedy but set within the world of Star Wars and had no direct connection to any of the previous movies. Now, four years later, I think we finally got our first take on this very concept with The Mandalorian, which is best described as a classical Western interpretation of Lone Wolf & Cub but set within the world of Star Wars. Proving not only that many different and quality stories can be told in this fashion, but also that Star Wars has become a genre in its own right, demanding to be removed from the shackles of nostalgia before it blasts its way out.

Taking place sometime after the events of Return of the Jedi, the story follows a mysterious bounty hunter known as The Mandalorian, who is, well, a Mandalorian, which is basically the Star Wars equivalent of a Ronin warrior, a masterless Samurai. Anyway, Mando (as he is nicknamed) is one of the best bounty hunters in the Galaxy with a promising reputation and steady workflow. That is until he takes on a job to retrieve a mysterious asset by former Imperials who pay handsomely for discretion and efficiency. It seems harmless enough until Mando discovers what the asset is. A child, more specifically, a baby of unknown species who bears an uncanny resemblance to a legendary Jedi. Upon this discovery, Mando cannot in good conscience leave the child in the hands of his client, so he takes it upon himself to rescue the child and take him to safety. This brings about the wrath of his former clients who promptly send every other bounty hunter in the galaxy on his tail. Now, Mondo must keep moving and keep fighting until he can find a solution that will ensure both of their safety.

What makes this series so incredible is its commitment to providing compelling characters and narrative. Unlike the last film, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the series doesn't spend its entire runtime weaponizing nostalgia, letting rabid fanboys dictate the scripts, or spitting in the face of narrative cohesion. The Mandalorian takes hold of its own identity while embracing the fantastical aspect of its setting. It generates a genuine emotional connection with the characters and the story as it should by what Star Wars has always been synonymous with. It is more Star Wars than anything else I have seen in recent years.

Jon Favreau, the series creator/prime writer, showcases not only his deep appreciation for Star Wars but also his passion as a storyteller. The story he has created delves deep into aspects of Star Wars lore not often explored. At least not in the visual medium that I can recall. His characters feel three dimensional, sympathetic, intelligent, and worthy of my time and emotional investment. Every single episode feels necessary with very little in the way of filler. I suspect George Lucas is very proud of what Jon has done with his creation.

The cast from top to bottom is absolutely stellar, especially the lead character The Mandalorian himself (Pedro Pascal). Despite spending the vast majority of his screentime with his face covered, Pedro Pascal successfully portrays the character through thoughtful body language and vocal inflections. He never feels one note or dull. His performance is uniquely enhanced by his chemistry with the rest of the supporting cast, all of whom are equally fascinating to watch. Although the best and most notable is, arguably, his relationship with The Child. Who is so adorable and so captivating that it becomes easy to forget it's just a puppet. Not unlike a certain legendary Jedi.

The Mandalorian is precisely the kind of Star Wars content I have been waiting for. It sets the best example for future content while providing a narrative on par with the likes of A New Hope. Star Wars fans will rejoice, and casual viewers will be entertained by the show's own merits. Admittedly, it is a bit annoying that this beautiful show is, at the time of this writing, only available on Disney+ (Disney's new streaming service),  but that should not deter you nor anyone else from watching it. Sign up for the free one week trial or borrow your friend's password. Maybe afterward, you will find something else there that sparks your interest. I already have. However you chose to watch this series, I assure you, it is well worth it.

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.

This is the way.

Birds of Prey - Deadpool has some serious competition

Birds of Prey: and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn is a movie that definitely proves two things: First, that DC and Warner Brothers are making progress in making better movies with their superhero comic book properties, and second, that despite what Hollywood would prefer to believe, it is completely possible to make a successful and entertaining blockbuster with an all-women cast. This movie is the result of learning from the mistakes made in the past and building up to become something better. Even better, it does so in a way that still retains its own personal identity. Despite what some have feared, DC is not just trying to completely emulate Marvel Studios formula, although there is no denying that they are taking some notes here and there. Rather, DC is maintaining its own tone and presentation but embracing the inherent goofiness of its source material and having fun with it all. Which, in my opinion, is what they should have been doing all along. 

Long story short, when Marvel Studios began the superhero movie craze, the folks over at Warner Brothers and DC Comics tried to catch up. They did so under the assumption that by being dark, gritty, grim, and disturbing, they would stand out more and be taken more seriously and would have just as much if not more success. Needless to say, this plan of attack backfired on them and hard. After just a few movies (most notably Suicide Squad from which Harley Quinn spawned in the movies) no one had any faith in Warner Brothers or DC Comics' ability to make good quality films with their comic book properties. It has only been in recent years that they finally started to wake up and get a better idea of what makes these movies so enjoyable. Adding the Cherry on top is that this new film takes one of the two only good aspects of Suicide Squad (the second good part being Will Smith) and reshapes it into a loveable bad-ass protagonist leading the way into a better future for Warner Brothers and DC.

Taking place sometime after the events of Suicide Squad (click here if you need a refresher) the story follows Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), the former puppet of the notorious criminal mastermind known as The Joker. Harley has had enough of Mr. J's abuse and decides to break off their "relationship". Unfortunately, their break up has now put Harley Quinn in the crosshairs of damn near every other crime boss in all of Gotham, especially one Roman Sionis a.k.a. Black Mask (Ewan McGregor), who decides to strike a deal with Harley. If she can recover a special Diamond that he happens to be after, he will use his influence to protect Harley and get everyone off her back. Now, Harley Quinn must fight for her freedom, make some new friends, and determine just what kind of woman she is going to be from here on out.

For those of you who have followed this beloved character in the comics, I can assure you that Margot Robbie, in addition to being just a great actor, completely nails the character in every possible way. Also, the script succeeds in fleshing out every detail doing Harley Quinn justice. Her character is about overcoming trauma, abusive relationships, and embracing a healthy level of insanity. She is one of the few fictional characters who can get away with being bad because she's so good.

Setting aside comic book accuracies, the movie as a whole is just delightfully crazy. Much like the movies Deadpool and Hobbs & Shaw, there is a great deal of silliness to the whole proceedings that is completely and unquestionably embraced by everyone involved. Instead of falling into the overdone aggressively dark and gritty take on these characters, the movie just plays through the story like it's on a sugar high. Sure, it still plays with some of the darker aspects of the story and characters, some of which I personally could have done without, but it just shows enough of it to better compliment the rest of the film's lovely insanity.

The action scenes are some of the best I have ever seen in a DC comic book movie. Choreographed by the guys who did the John Wick films, every action scene is wonderfully crafted, comprehensive, and adds a level of amazement that must be seen to be believed. There is one action scene in particular which, without spoiling too much, involves Harley Quinn making her way through a Police Station using a non-lethal modified Grenade Launcher. To say any more would diminish the scenes awesomeness, but I assure you, it is one of the best parts of the whole film, and instantly became my favorite scene in the entire movie.

The cast is tremendous from top to bottom. Margot Robbie, needless to say, carries the whole film on her shoulders with conviction and enthusiasm. Ewan McGregor is effectively terrifying as the sadistic crime boss and everyone else in the entire cast to a memorable job with their roles. My one nitpick is that one of my favorite actors who is in this film, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, has an awesome role, but does not have a great deal of screentime. Fortunately, the characters that we do spend the most time with are still incredibly entertaining.

Birds of Prey: and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn is an absolute blast. While the tone and some of the violence might turn some viewers away for understandable reasons, the movie does have the good sense to relegate the more disturbing parts to bite-sized sections of the story in order to spend more time on the really fun stuff. It is the equivalent of a triple-decker Chocolate Cake with Rainbow sprinkles and tri-colored frosting: it may not be healthy for you, but it's so god damn delicious that you can't help but savor every ounce of sinful deliciousness. If you're looking for a crazy distraction from the present dreary world, this is the movie for you. If you're a big fan of DC comics, especially Harley Quinn, then you owe it to yourself to see this movie, because I can assure you, there is nothing else like it.

Is this movie worth seeing?
Yes.

Is it worth seeing in Theaters?
Yes.

Why?
It's the cinematic equivalent of a Unicorn made of Cotton Candy: Rare, unbelievable, and sweet all the way through. Though it may not be for everyone, if you're in the right mood, it will make you feel fantabulous.

Ladies & Gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.