Editorial: The Perfect Audience

    What makes someone a compelling author?  Why do we feel like certain writers speak directly to us?  These are fascinating questions I ask myself every time I write something, rather it be a review or a humor piece.  Do I have an audience who enjoys my writing, my style?  The truth is that it doesn’t really matter.  The more I write, the more I realize that the important thing about writing is that I am doing it for myself.  I am writing to make myself happy and that’s where my voice has come from.

    Writing is like any art, you can’t write to please others so you might as well write to please yourself and hope your work speaks and connects to others.  This is an important lesson I learned from my mom.  My mother found her voice in writing from the perspective of our dogs of all things.  Her writing was funny and even inspirational and brought great joy to others but she always wrote based on what she enjoyed reading.

    I learned a lot from both my parents but my mother taught me to never give up on my dreams, no matter your age or interest.  Others who share your passion will follow in time and if they don’t, at least you created a piece of work you are proud of.  Your words and voice can never be replaced.

“Togo” Movie Review

    Sled dogs have a very special place in my heart and always will.  This year, I unfortunately lost both of my Siberian Huskies within months of each other.  Though they were both older and I knew their time was near, the pain from losing two of my best friends was devastating.  While I was very much looking forward to this film, I knew that it would be an emotional experience regardless of how the film turned out.  That being said, I also felt like my dogs would have wanted me to watch this film in their honor.

    The film tells the story Leonhard Seppala and his team of sled dogs led by Togo as they brave death to deliver antitoxin to Nome, Alaska during the diphtheria epidemic of 1925.  During their run, the film uses flashbacks to depict the relationship between Leonhard and his lead dog Togo.  During these flashbacks, we learn a great deal about the complicated relationship between Leonhard and Togo.

    I thought this movie was extremely well done and I am a little surprised this was released on Disney+ instead of given a theatrical release.  I feel like this movie would have been profitable enough given Disney’s past success with dog centric films.  I also honestly feel like “Togo” would have been more likely to be an awards contender if it was released in the multiplex (I still think there is a chance it could garner some awards if it is given enough of a push).

    While most people associate the serum run of 1925 with Balto due to the children’s animated movies made featuring him (and the statue of Balto in New York), many mushers and dogs were responsible for saving countless lives during the epidemic.  Leonhard and Togo were responsible for covering far more miles than any other musher on the relay however.  The film does a terrific job showing the possible cost of life the epidemic might have cost without the sacrifices Leonhard and Togo risked to save the town of Nome.

    Perhaps what the movie showcases best is the character development Leonhard goes through in the film.  Leonhard starts the film as a harsh and even sometimes cruel musher due to the unforgiving nature of Alaska.  Leonhard doesn’t like Togo at first, seeing him as an unhealthy runt not fit to survive and then a trouble making Hell hound as he grows older.  After unsuccessfully trying to give Togo away, Leonhard begins to realize Togo has the heart of a survivor and is lead dog material.  As time passes and Togo gives more and more of himself to Leonhard and to the serum run, Leonhard begins to regret how he had treated Togo and grows as a person to be more loving and less harsh.

    The film has a lot going for it aside from a great story.  The music is haunting and the cinematography is marvelous.  The only complaint I would have is that the computer animation is less than stellar and the film relies on the subpar computer animation a bit too often in key scenes.

    The cast is led by Willem Dafoe as Leonhard Seppala and he does a magnificent job.  Dafoe has a way of conveying normal dialogue in an almost Shakespearean manner that shouldn’t work but Dafoe somehow pulls it off.  Julianne Nicholson also delivers a strong performance as Leonhard’s wife.

    Disney has a streaming hit on their hands with “Togo” in my opinion and I am glad I got to see it.  If “Togo” is any indication of the quality Disney+ movies are going to have, perhaps Netflix should be very worried.

Grade: B+

“Lady and the Tramp” (2019) Movie Review

    With “The Mandalorian” seemingly taking the world by storm, it is easy to forget that the streaming service Disney+ also launched with two original movies, a live action remake of the Disney classic “Lady and the Tramp” and the Christmas themed “Noelle”.  Being a huge dog person, I had to check out “Lady and the Tramp” for myself.

    The film opens with a dog named Lady as she quickly warms her way into her owner’s hearts (and bed).  Lady is part of the family and enjoys being an indoor dog with all the comforts that come with it.  By contrast, we are introduced to a canine simply known as the Tramp who seemingly enjoys the freedom he has being a street dog.  Lady and the Tramp soon cross paths when Lady helps the Tramp escape a dog catcher who has it out for him.  Soon after their encounter together, Lady finds her place in the home threatened when a new baby is born and takes all of her owner’s attention.  When Lady ends up getting loose one day, the Tramp ends up helping her find her way back home as she worries if she even has a home to return to.

    The film is more or less a more politically correct live action update of the classic cartoon.  The new film removes the controversial ‘Siamese Cat’ song with an updated new song.  While I certainly understand and even support some of the changes in the film, it still leaves the film feeling as if they played everything a little too safe.  I am not saying Disney films need or should be edgy, but a little cultural subtext like Disney cartoons used to have wouldn’t be the worst thing either.  Maybe that is just the cynical adult of me talking though.

    The dog actors used in the film did an incredible job (with some help from the cgi department).  I loved the fact that Disney actually used real life shelter dogs for this film and the studio was smart enough to spin that into headlines.  Good publicity can go a long way.

    The remake has currently been hit with mixed reviews stating it lacked the heart of the original cartoon classic, much like the criticism of the latest “The Lion King” remake had.  While I fully admit that I think the cartoon is overall superior to this live action remake, I still found this film to be quite entertaining and I think it had the same amount of “heart” as the original did.

    This remake was enjoyable overall and a fine attention to Disney+.  While I do wish the new streaming service had more original content out of the gate, I do prefer quality to quantity.  “Lady and the Tramp” won’t change your life or make you think but it will provide you (and especially your young ones if you have them) a cute movie to enjoy for a few hours.

Grade: B-

”The Art of Racing in the Rain” Movie Review

    It probably isn’t much of a shock to learn I went to see “The Art of Racing in the Rain” last week since it’s a movie featuring a dog.  I mean, of course I would go see this because it’s a dog movie.  That being said, I also knew I was probably in for an emotional rollercoaster and that I might end up crying like a baby by the end of the movie.  Regardless of how many tears I might shed, I decided to go see the movie anyway.

    The film tells the story of professional racer Denny as he adopts a dog he names Enzo.  Denny and Enzo share a bond and friendship as Denny tries to make his way through the ranks of professional racing.  Racing, and to an extent Enzo, take a back seat a bit when Denny meets Eve.  Denny and Eve end up marring and while Enzo doesn’t like having to share Denny’s attention at first, Enzo begins to warm up to her when she becomes pregnant, even hoping their baby looks like him.  What happens next would spoil too much of the movie so I will just say things get very sad and it would be hard not to cry by the end of the movie.

    The film, based on a novel written by Garth Stein, was received with mixed reviews but that couldn’t keep me from a good dog movie.  I really enjoyed the film but the film was a real tearjerker for dog lovers.  The film succeeds largely due to the performance of the dog who plays Enzo.  The human actors, primarily Milo Ventimiglia and Amanda Seyfried, do a decent job but Enzo without a doubt steals the show.  Kevin Costner provides the perfect voice actor for the mature Enzo in the film.

    The film does have it’s flaws despite my enjoyment of the film.  The film is fairly predictable throughout most of it’s runtime and while the movie still remains enjoyable, it undercuts some of the drama slightly.  I also thought some of the moments of levity were out of place, like the moments with the stuffed zebra.  The zebra hallucination was cute but took me out of the movie.

    “The Art of Racing in the Rain” isn’t for everyone but maybe it should be.  The film can be sappy and emotional but sometimes that is just what an audience needs.

Grade: B+

RIP Demon Flash Bandit

    It seems like not that long ago, I was saddened to bring you news of my sweet dog Angel Zoom Smokey’s passing.  I am saddened to say that Demon Flash Bandit has passed away yesterday.  Demon Flash Bandit was more than just a dog to us, he was a brother and an important and beloved member of the online community throughout various websites such as Dogster (when it was a community friendly website) and his blog, Adventures of a Lead Dog which was written by my mother (but was ‘dictated’ to her by Demon).  His blog continued until her passing a few years back.

    Demon Flash Bandit was loved by many and will always be remembered fondly.  Both Demon and Angel were both huge inspirations on my blog work and impacted my taste in movies greatly.  I will greatly miss my four legged best friend.  Demon passed away in his sleep peacefully and he is now with his many friends and family across the rainbow bridge.  If you have a dog, make sure to give them a hug today.  Thank you for being there all these years for your family.  You were the best boy a person could have ever met.  Until we meet again, I miss you dearly Demon.
    Demon Flash Bandit will continue to have an impact on this blog and my life (and many other people’s lives as well).  Losing Demon was hard because he was like a brother to me, but I am glad he is free.

RIP Demon Flash Bandit

“The Secret Life of Pets 2” Movie Review

    The secret is out and now we can all share a second secret among us.  That’s right, “The Secret Life of Pets 2” is out and features all your favorite characters from the first film as well as some new adorable additions to the lineup as well.  I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed the first movie so really wanted to check out the sequel when I got a chance.  Well, I finally found time to see it and I can finally share my thoughts now!

    The sequel focuses on Max and Duke as their owner Katie marries and has a child named Liam.  Max isn’t a big fan of kids but he grows to love the kid especially since Liam loves Max and Duke so much that he even acts like a dog.  As Liam gets older and the thought of Liam going into the world without Max by his side approaches, Max starts to stress and gets a great deal of anxiety.  Katie takes Max to the vet to help him and he is forced to wear a cone to prevent him from stress itching.  Soon after, Max and the rest of the family go on a trip to a farm just as the action heats up back in the apartment complex when Snowball the bunny is recruited to help save a tiger from a cruel circus owner.

    So, let me just start by saying that I liked the movie and thought it was really cute.  It was a fun movie for kids that adults could enjoy as well.  That being said, I wish the storyline was a little more cohesive.  I don’t think splitting the characters up and doing A and B storylines is a good idea in a movie meant for children.  It was just too busy at times and needed more focus or connecting tissues.  I also think the movie lost some of it’s steam during the farm scenes.

    The film does more than make up for it’s slight messiness with how cute the characters and humor is.  For the most part, it is a movie you just feel good while watching it.  I also loved the addition of the adorable yet unintentionally destructive tiger.

    The voice cast was all very good with most of the talent from the first movie returning.  The only notable substitution was that of Patton Oswalt for original Max voice actor Louis C.K.  Louis C.K. was of course replaced due to his actions with women in the past that he admitted to.  Regardless if you can forgive him or not, it was probably best for the studio to replace the comedian for this family friendly film.  The more you can avoid controversy, the better.

    “The Secret Life of Pets 2” is a harmless and safe family film that won’t leave a lasting impression but will still entertain you regardless.  It’s fun for the whole family!

Grade: B

RIP Angel Zoom Smokey

    I had every intention of posting a new movie review tonight.  I had even started a few and were just waiting to put the finishing touches on them before I posted them.  I try my best to make the best reviews possible after all.  Things took an unfortunate turn this morning however when my brother called me this morning to tell me our dog Angel Zoom Smokey was sick.  Before I could even get home, she passed away.

    I am not going to lie when I say I was sobbing over the tragic news.  Angel Zoom Smokey was around twelve years old but up until today was in good health and active.  There is so much about her I am going to miss.  She was a fur ball of energy and it is still hard to process what happened.  All I know is that my heart hurts and I will never forget her.

    I wrote a post on Facebook and I wrote that I hope she finds happiness over the rainbow bridge and that I hope she is there to greet me when I pass away.  I know I would meet her with tears of joy instead of my tears of pain and loss.  Dogs are truly man’s best friend.  Angel and my other dog Demon both helped me so much when I was dealing with the grief of losing my mother that I will forever be grateful to them.  Angel was the best emotional support dog you could ask for.  Whenever I cried those nights, she would be there to kiss my face and I couldn’t help but smile.

    So why am I writing about Angel’s passing today?  Much of my content has (and still will remain) revolved around dog centric movies and tv shows.  The reason I enjoy dog movies and shows so much is because of Demon Flash Bandit and Angel Zoom Smokey.  Those two dogs have always been sort of a figurehead for me.  Years ago when Dogster was a website, I wrote for Angel Zoom Smokey quite a lot.  My dogs helped expose me to a social media presence and blogging.  They have and will remain mascots here at Next Level Blockbuster.

    While words can not express the importance Angel had in my life and my artistic endeavors, I will try my best to do so regardless in this blog.  Also, while the subject is sad and it will bring tears to my eyes for some time, I can’t help but remember that if she was here right now, the last thing she would want is for me to be sad.  So, out of respect for my little fur baby Angel, I will remember the good times we had together.  I will remember the movies we watched together in my room.  I will remember how I was your thunder buddy.  I will remember the times you barked at me in your sassiest way to let me know you disagreed.  I will miss you, simple as that.

    May you find peace my Angel and best friend.  Safe travels over that rainbow bridge.

RIP Angel Zoom Smokey