Update Blog - 12/9/23 (Patreon)

As the month started, I decided to do some change of plans in terms of what needs to be done first. Last week, I was getting ahead of Animation Lookback: The Muppets Part 8, but considering the amount of reviews that need to be done for this month, there's no way I'll have that ready by the end of the year. So, along with uploading some new videos and getting straight into the next review, I started another highly anticipated video to make sure that can be prepared for when it's time to release that big send off of this year.  So, here's how my week has been.

- Released my review of Ratchet & Clank (2002 Game): It's been almost 8 years since I saw that movie and how it gave me a bad example of what Ratchet & Clank is. However, it was time to change that when I was asked on Patreon to do my first review of a video game in quite a while. Now that I've gotten the true experience of Ratchet & Clank with the original video game, I understand why it's so popular. It's a really fun game that mixes platforming with strategy beat-em-up with all the weapons and gadgets you can collect along your journey. Plus it has that extra charm with a narrative that adds a bit of humor throughout. I'll admit that I didn't enjoy everything from the game. Ratchet himself is a bit of a jerk and the game mechanic can be highly unfair under certain circumstances (I unfortunately encountered that at the final boss). I wouldn't say that this is my favorite of the PlayStation games, but I did have an enjoyable time with it. It's a fun game and I think it's worthy to be called a PS2 staple to any collection.

- Released my review of Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light: This was my personal blast from the past. Yes, I do acknowledge that this movie isn't great. In fact, this is more or less like one long episode of the original series. However, as someone who grew up on Yu-Gi-Oh!, this is one where I always find myself having fun with the cheesy acting, the wacky lore, and of course, the duels themselves presenting a wide variety of unique monsters. I know this won't be something that everyone will agree with me on, especially when Rotten Tomatoes gave it a score so bad that it makes Wish look like the movie of the year, but this was more to embrace a part of my past and to have a moment to immerse myself in a simpler time than it is a typical review. It's a dumb movie, but it's my dumb movie. However, the next review will be a very interesting one to look into, as I'll be checking out Saludos Amigos. I'm more familiar with The Three Caballeros, but I think this will be one review where I'll have be to be a historian as much as a critic to talk about this picture.

- Writing the Top 5 Best & Worst Animated Films of 2023: This is the change of plans I was talking about. I've done some decent progress on AL: The Muppets Part 8 with some recordings complete, but with the limited time I have, continuing this would have me bite off more than I could chew. That's why I set it aside and will have that scheduled for next month so that I could return to it with no worry about deadlines or anything. Instead, the time has come that I officially get started on the Top 5 Best & Worst Animated Films of 2023. Of course, not everything is set in stone, as there are several more animated features that have to be released throughout the month. However, I was able to do the most I can and so far finished the writing with those that I've placed on their respective list (or at least temporarily). As the new films will be coming out and working on those reviews, I'll be simultaneously placing them in their respective spot on the list and then continue the production from there. It had to be done eventually, which is why I'm setting up for the last thing I'll need to do with my videos for 2023.

- Currently working on my review of The Boy & The Heron: This is probably my last most anticipated film of this year. The fact alone that Hayao Miyazaki is coming back with a new movie after the false alarm of his retirement (which I know he's done several times before), is enough of a reason to get excited for this, but on top of that, I've already been hearing amazing things about this picture and that it's easily among the best animated movies of 2023 (I don't know if that's spoilers for my list, but that is what I'm hoping). Well, that'll be all the more reason for me to see what this is all about. Also, it's worth noting that I went to watch the English dub so that I could also talk about the all-star cast, especially Robert Pattinson, who I hear gave the most surprising performance. I'll have this review prepared by next week as well as finding its place on the Top 5 to see if it is worth to be on the Best list.

- REMINDER FOR PATRONS $50+/MONTH: This month's Discord Chat will be happening on Tuesday the 12th at 8pm EST. Let me know if you're not available for either so I'll organize a quick chat at a different time.

So that's been my week of changing plans to something that's more manageable and to be more prepared for what's to come. I know there's still a good amount of reviews ahead of me that I'll have to work on, but as long as I go one at a time (and not burn myself out again), I'll be able to reach that light at the end of the tunnel with no trouble. So, until next time...

See ya later, dudes!