"Pitch Black" Review (Spoilers)
Also reviews for the special Muppets Haunted Mansion, the rest of the first season of Batman: The Audio Adventures, and the latest issues of Batman: The Adventures Continue, and Justice League Infinity.
Just so you know, the Muppets Haunted Mansion review is pretty good by my standards. I'm proud of it.
Pitch Black
I'll tell you what I liked about this. Outside of the ambiguous Riddick narration at the outset (which could mean anything), everything that is happening onscreen at the beginning of the movie is unexplained. Some backstory on the characters is eventually filled in via dialogue, but the producers simply throw the viewer into the thick of things without explaining themselves, and expect the viewer to put in the work to understand what they are seeing. I LIKE movies and TV shows that do that. I respond well to them. I like whenever a writer or director simply gets right down to the business of telling their story, and has enough trust in me that I will be able to keep up. I feel like I'm being treated like an adult whenever that happens. It actually doesn't happen a ton.
I think Riddick himself is kind of a bastard to be honest, and it's hard to believe an entire franchise was built around him. But we'll see what happens next. I liked the movie. Riddick himself? Not so much.
Unexpectedly cool: The black guy survives! Even cooler: He's Keith David! I can see why people responded to this movie.
There's Farscape's Claudia Black! And there she went! Aww!
I don't need to spend pages telling you this was a movie I liked. I simply did. ****.
Muppets Haunted Mansion
The best thing about this project is the fact that it exists. I'm not crazy about it myself, but Muppet material needs to be regular, and frankly unending. Whether I like the project or not, proper versions of these characters need to constantly be in the spotlight. Disney is mishandling the property otherwise.
And frankly, this wouldn't just be good for Disney. It would be good for the Henson Company. Henson has made some truly questionable choices in the past decade (I refuse to see The Happytime Murders on general principle) and as far as new material goes, it tends to be of two kinds (The Dark Crystal prequel being a joyous exception): Sesame Street and preschool garbage miles worse than Sesame Street. I'm not saying The Henson Company didn't make crap when Henson was alive. It did. But even its worst stuff back then like Muppet Babies was challenging the medium. The current non-Sesame-preschool stuff is SO bad (particularly the Muppet Babies reboot) that I'm just glad to see these characters back in a normal project.
And I'll tell you what was refreshing about the normalcy. This isn't an adaptation of something else with the Muppets playing famous fictional characters, or a mockumentary, or a reality show. It has a refreshing lack of a gimmick. And we need more traditional Muppet stuff in that vein.
The best thing is that this specific project gave us Muppets from every era. Bean and Clifford, the most recognizable creations from The Jim Henson Hour era are absent, but everyone else got a cameo. From The Muppet Show, to Muppets Tonight, the Jason Segel Muppet Movie, to the Muppets Mockumentary, to Muppets Now. A very familiar rat labeled "Ballroom Rat" in the credits got special notice from me. I think that was actually Rizzo and the producers testing the water for a new voice for him in the future. But as far as Deep Muppet Cuts go, we got Walter, and Bobo, and Uncle Deadly, who have been old standbys in the recent stuff. But we also saw Johnny Fiama and Sal, Andy and Randy Pig, Dr. Phil Van Neuter, Wayne and Wanda, Marvin Suggs, Carl, Chip the IT Guy, Yolanda, and others I probably missed. Brian Henson even came out of witness protection to do Sal so I'm glad everybody had a turn.
As far as the human casting goes, I wonder if this is the first time John Stamos has actually worked with the Muppets. If it is, it shouldn't have been. Also like the special being dedicated to Ed Asner. I actually missed his cameo because I didn't recognize him under the ghost make-up. And finally, I love whenever Danny Trejo works with the Muppets, because I always invariably check out his IMDB page soon-after, and the guy has a more interesting and eclectic career than any other actor living or dead.
Gonzo's old puppet was suitably freaky. That nose will give me nightmares. It looks like the end of radish.
These are all the good things I can say about the special. Now it's sadly time to talk about what didn't work.
Just so you know how I felt about the quality, I always felt the ballroom sketches were the absolute worst, more embarrassing part of The Muppet Show (which is saying something). Them being able to bring it back here with zero change to the formula is not a compliment to this special's quality.
Muppetphiles have patiently pointed out again and again that Gonzo is sadly not a Muppet that can carry his own project. It didn't work in Muppets In Space. You can argue it did in The Muppet Christmas Carol, and I'd argue back that Michael Caine did the heavy lifting there. And the problem is, at least in the near future, Gonzo SHOULD probably have a huge role in every project, and making him the lead WILL be tempting. Because Dave Goelz is the last of the old guard still performing, and not retired, dead, or fired. As such, Henson Co. is gonna want to put him front and center. So I'll tolerate it for that reason. But I don't exactly like it.
The second problem is that they shouldn't have paired him up with Pepe. Rizzo makes a perfectly fine sidekick, because outside of The Muppets Take Manhattan, Rizzo is a cipher, and works entirely as a second fiddle in every single Muppet project, usually to Gonzo. With Steve Whitmire (justifiably) fired, Rizzo has to be set aside for now (at least until the Ballroom Rat's reception is gauged). But Pepe is a poor replacement as second fiddle to Gonzo. Because Pepe overshadows him. He's funnier and more flamboyant than Gonzo, which makes him the worst straight man ever. I think on some level the special knew this, and separated them for a large part of it for that reason, but it's a flawed idea from the ground up. You want to put Gonzo in the spotlight, don't put Pepe there beside him. Pepe will outshine him.
So, I was not bowled over, but I don't need to be every time. There needs to be a LOT more Muppet stuff than there currently is, coming out far more frequently than it does. I want more specials like this. We'll worry more about quality once the Muppets are back in the cultural zeitgeist where they belong. ***.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 3"
It's amazing how well-written this is.
The stuff with the Penguin, the scared underling and the fake myna bird was riveting. Seriously unhinged stuff. This is some of the best Batman storytelling I have ever read, seen, or heard, and it's done dirt cheap. It's amazing DC can't come up with a great Batman movie so long as the audio folks can think up this.
Batman's stuff with Major Hill was great too. The voice performances of both Jeffrey Wright and Jason Sudeikis were as good as any live-action performance I've seen, and MUCH better than most animated ones. Truly talented cast.
The Riddler stuff at the end was great, but it sort of dated the radio plays in the present with the talk of WiFi. Everything else about the previous episodes suggested they took place during the 1940's. Still, hearing Dr. Arkham berate that fired doctor was SO great because of the stupid mistakes he made including not realizing the Riddler's last riddle before escaping was addressing him until after the fact. The idea that the guy left ANY sort of computer around Edward Nygma WHILE his password was "password" is someone firing is too good for. You ask me he deserves the chair for the crime of deadly stupidity. It was fun hearing him brow-beaten.
I love that the Batcomputer doesn't like Alfred. I kind of don't blame it. This Alfred is kind of a turd.
Not much call for tourism in Gotham I see. That radio brochure is pretty much the best they can promise outsiders. Also, go to Metropolis instead.
This project is knocking my socks off. *****.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 4"
Confirmed: As far as Young Justice's Joker being awful and one of the worst animated versions of the character goes? Brent Spiner was NOT the problem. At ALL. He's amazing here. It was down to crappy writing and a terrible design. It steams me that Spiner took the bulk of the blame there when it was entirely on Greg Weisman and Brandon Vietti. I'm glad he got another shot here because he's probably the second best voice for the Joker after Mark Hamill. And I say that after only hearing him twice. He's that good.
I like the idea that Batman sort of didn't push his luck with the fake penny. It's interesting that he had to psychologically navigate what Two-Face would accept with what Harvey would believe. Very smart and subtle writing there.
I like that the Riddler won. I especially like Batman saying that the Riddler may be smarter than him on his best day, but he's more violent than him on his worst day. That's an amazing concept that strikes me as something that should be true of ALL Batman / Riddler dynamics, but usually isn't.
Spiner was robbed. He's actually an amazing Joker. ****1/2.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 5"
That was pretty good. I liked the stuff with Batman and Catwoman and the Mayor's answering machine was pretty hilarious. I also thought Riddler owning Penguin was funny and Tuesday made me laugh too.
Solid outing. ****.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 6"
That also worked. The stuff with Joker killing that actor on the radio broadcast was pretty great (and also weirdly funny). I also dug the stuff with Batman and Two-Face.
For the record, the Penguin totally sucks. What a jerk.
I love these radio plays. ****.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 7"
Whoa! Riddler breached the Bat-Computer! Yikes!
I liked him making fun of the name. It IS kinda dumb.
Catwoman messing with Two-Face was pretty great. Her and Vicki Vale are interesting too.
The story of the bomb squad and Joker was actually horrifying.
Good episode. ****.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 8"
Joker's thing with the cartoon tuna and the guy on the phone kind of unnerved me because he's right. Charlie the Tuna should NOT be happy, and maybe he's a secret deviant.
We'll see where Penguin teaming up with Two-Face goes.
Batman owning Riddler at the beginning was the best part of the episode. I enjoyed every inch of that. I didn't actually SEE Eddie squirm. But I pictured it perfectly. Him being mad at the file being thin was perfectly in character. So of course Batman had really swapped it out with Killer Moth.
Tuesday remains awesome. She's probably the most emotional healthy relationship Nygma has ever had. Is it weird I'm starting to ship them?
Blabbo's career downfall is getting outright painful to listen to. I'd almost feel sorry for him but I get the sneaking suspicion he's a loathsome person.
That was pretty awesome. ****1/2.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 9"
The thing with Joker and the stuttering kid was chilling. It also raises the question of whether or not the Joker is Blabbo or merely impersonating him here.
I am with Alfred in being annoyed that Bruce gives himself nightmares. I actually find that a bit obnoxious.
Did not expect King Scimitar to get such a crucial role at this stage of the game. I had thought he was a one-and-done joke character.
Excellent. ****1/2.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 10"
Amazing. The stuff with Batman and Joker at the end was golden. I like the idea that Batman soaked himself in the Ace chemicals to see what would happen, but I don't think it effected him because he was already crazy. You'd have to be to do that.
Harley Quinn coming in season two? Neat!
What was up with the Twin Peaks Dwarf backwards-talking at the end? I couldn't decipher it.
Spectacular finale. Why can't DC give us a movie with writing this good? *****.
Batman: The Adventures Continue 4 "The Muscle"
Wait, since when does Montoya hate Batman? That's new and we aren't given any context for it.
I'm not liking this. **1/2.
Batman: The Adventures Continue 5 "Mayor Mayhem, Part One"
Again, too much swearing.
First mention of Carmine Falcone. Suggests his exploits were past-tense in the DCAU.
I think they are trying to do a Trump parallel with Mayfield which just sucks. Trump makes real life suck so much that he can't help making fictional allegories about him suck too. Not looking forward to this.
Better than the last issue, but not great. ***.
Justice League Infinity 3 "The Mirror Crack'd, Part Three"
That Darkseid ending was just great. I love this series so far. It's everything Batman: The Adventures Continue was supposed to be but isn't. It's awesome. ****.
Justice League Infinity 4 "The Mirror Crack'd, Part Four"
It's interesting, Diana and Darkseid didn't have much to do with each other on either of the DC Animated Universe Justice League series. But Darkseid being romantically obsessed with her was a major component of a later season of Superfriends. It's an interesting idea for a DCAU-related project to sort of explore it a little.
I like this issue because it suggests that under the right circumstances, even somebody like Darkseid can be redeemed. Maybe not through his actions. But through his regrets and pain. And I found sympathy for the character for the first time. Better yet, I understood why he did the crazy seeming things he did better, which is great characterization.
I don't exactly think this comic book is as great as Justice League or Justice League Unlimited. But I feel like it is in the spirit of them, and would not object to an animated adaptation. It's doing far more right by Justice League Unlimited than Batman: The Adventures Continue is doing by Batman: The Animated Series. I am very impressed. *****.
Just so you know, the Muppets Haunted Mansion review is pretty good by my standards. I'm proud of it.
Pitch Black
I'll tell you what I liked about this. Outside of the ambiguous Riddick narration at the outset (which could mean anything), everything that is happening onscreen at the beginning of the movie is unexplained. Some backstory on the characters is eventually filled in via dialogue, but the producers simply throw the viewer into the thick of things without explaining themselves, and expect the viewer to put in the work to understand what they are seeing. I LIKE movies and TV shows that do that. I respond well to them. I like whenever a writer or director simply gets right down to the business of telling their story, and has enough trust in me that I will be able to keep up. I feel like I'm being treated like an adult whenever that happens. It actually doesn't happen a ton.
I think Riddick himself is kind of a bastard to be honest, and it's hard to believe an entire franchise was built around him. But we'll see what happens next. I liked the movie. Riddick himself? Not so much.
Unexpectedly cool: The black guy survives! Even cooler: He's Keith David! I can see why people responded to this movie.
There's Farscape's Claudia Black! And there she went! Aww!
I don't need to spend pages telling you this was a movie I liked. I simply did. ****.
Muppets Haunted Mansion
The best thing about this project is the fact that it exists. I'm not crazy about it myself, but Muppet material needs to be regular, and frankly unending. Whether I like the project or not, proper versions of these characters need to constantly be in the spotlight. Disney is mishandling the property otherwise.
And frankly, this wouldn't just be good for Disney. It would be good for the Henson Company. Henson has made some truly questionable choices in the past decade (I refuse to see The Happytime Murders on general principle) and as far as new material goes, it tends to be of two kinds (The Dark Crystal prequel being a joyous exception): Sesame Street and preschool garbage miles worse than Sesame Street. I'm not saying The Henson Company didn't make crap when Henson was alive. It did. But even its worst stuff back then like Muppet Babies was challenging the medium. The current non-Sesame-preschool stuff is SO bad (particularly the Muppet Babies reboot) that I'm just glad to see these characters back in a normal project.
And I'll tell you what was refreshing about the normalcy. This isn't an adaptation of something else with the Muppets playing famous fictional characters, or a mockumentary, or a reality show. It has a refreshing lack of a gimmick. And we need more traditional Muppet stuff in that vein.
The best thing is that this specific project gave us Muppets from every era. Bean and Clifford, the most recognizable creations from The Jim Henson Hour era are absent, but everyone else got a cameo. From The Muppet Show, to Muppets Tonight, the Jason Segel Muppet Movie, to the Muppets Mockumentary, to Muppets Now. A very familiar rat labeled "Ballroom Rat" in the credits got special notice from me. I think that was actually Rizzo and the producers testing the water for a new voice for him in the future. But as far as Deep Muppet Cuts go, we got Walter, and Bobo, and Uncle Deadly, who have been old standbys in the recent stuff. But we also saw Johnny Fiama and Sal, Andy and Randy Pig, Dr. Phil Van Neuter, Wayne and Wanda, Marvin Suggs, Carl, Chip the IT Guy, Yolanda, and others I probably missed. Brian Henson even came out of witness protection to do Sal so I'm glad everybody had a turn.
As far as the human casting goes, I wonder if this is the first time John Stamos has actually worked with the Muppets. If it is, it shouldn't have been. Also like the special being dedicated to Ed Asner. I actually missed his cameo because I didn't recognize him under the ghost make-up. And finally, I love whenever Danny Trejo works with the Muppets, because I always invariably check out his IMDB page soon-after, and the guy has a more interesting and eclectic career than any other actor living or dead.
Gonzo's old puppet was suitably freaky. That nose will give me nightmares. It looks like the end of radish.
These are all the good things I can say about the special. Now it's sadly time to talk about what didn't work.
Just so you know how I felt about the quality, I always felt the ballroom sketches were the absolute worst, more embarrassing part of The Muppet Show (which is saying something). Them being able to bring it back here with zero change to the formula is not a compliment to this special's quality.
Muppetphiles have patiently pointed out again and again that Gonzo is sadly not a Muppet that can carry his own project. It didn't work in Muppets In Space. You can argue it did in The Muppet Christmas Carol, and I'd argue back that Michael Caine did the heavy lifting there. And the problem is, at least in the near future, Gonzo SHOULD probably have a huge role in every project, and making him the lead WILL be tempting. Because Dave Goelz is the last of the old guard still performing, and not retired, dead, or fired. As such, Henson Co. is gonna want to put him front and center. So I'll tolerate it for that reason. But I don't exactly like it.
The second problem is that they shouldn't have paired him up with Pepe. Rizzo makes a perfectly fine sidekick, because outside of The Muppets Take Manhattan, Rizzo is a cipher, and works entirely as a second fiddle in every single Muppet project, usually to Gonzo. With Steve Whitmire (justifiably) fired, Rizzo has to be set aside for now (at least until the Ballroom Rat's reception is gauged). But Pepe is a poor replacement as second fiddle to Gonzo. Because Pepe overshadows him. He's funnier and more flamboyant than Gonzo, which makes him the worst straight man ever. I think on some level the special knew this, and separated them for a large part of it for that reason, but it's a flawed idea from the ground up. You want to put Gonzo in the spotlight, don't put Pepe there beside him. Pepe will outshine him.
So, I was not bowled over, but I don't need to be every time. There needs to be a LOT more Muppet stuff than there currently is, coming out far more frequently than it does. I want more specials like this. We'll worry more about quality once the Muppets are back in the cultural zeitgeist where they belong. ***.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 3"
It's amazing how well-written this is.
The stuff with the Penguin, the scared underling and the fake myna bird was riveting. Seriously unhinged stuff. This is some of the best Batman storytelling I have ever read, seen, or heard, and it's done dirt cheap. It's amazing DC can't come up with a great Batman movie so long as the audio folks can think up this.
Batman's stuff with Major Hill was great too. The voice performances of both Jeffrey Wright and Jason Sudeikis were as good as any live-action performance I've seen, and MUCH better than most animated ones. Truly talented cast.
The Riddler stuff at the end was great, but it sort of dated the radio plays in the present with the talk of WiFi. Everything else about the previous episodes suggested they took place during the 1940's. Still, hearing Dr. Arkham berate that fired doctor was SO great because of the stupid mistakes he made including not realizing the Riddler's last riddle before escaping was addressing him until after the fact. The idea that the guy left ANY sort of computer around Edward Nygma WHILE his password was "password" is someone firing is too good for. You ask me he deserves the chair for the crime of deadly stupidity. It was fun hearing him brow-beaten.
I love that the Batcomputer doesn't like Alfred. I kind of don't blame it. This Alfred is kind of a turd.
Not much call for tourism in Gotham I see. That radio brochure is pretty much the best they can promise outsiders. Also, go to Metropolis instead.
This project is knocking my socks off. *****.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 4"
Confirmed: As far as Young Justice's Joker being awful and one of the worst animated versions of the character goes? Brent Spiner was NOT the problem. At ALL. He's amazing here. It was down to crappy writing and a terrible design. It steams me that Spiner took the bulk of the blame there when it was entirely on Greg Weisman and Brandon Vietti. I'm glad he got another shot here because he's probably the second best voice for the Joker after Mark Hamill. And I say that after only hearing him twice. He's that good.
I like the idea that Batman sort of didn't push his luck with the fake penny. It's interesting that he had to psychologically navigate what Two-Face would accept with what Harvey would believe. Very smart and subtle writing there.
I like that the Riddler won. I especially like Batman saying that the Riddler may be smarter than him on his best day, but he's more violent than him on his worst day. That's an amazing concept that strikes me as something that should be true of ALL Batman / Riddler dynamics, but usually isn't.
Spiner was robbed. He's actually an amazing Joker. ****1/2.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 5"
That was pretty good. I liked the stuff with Batman and Catwoman and the Mayor's answering machine was pretty hilarious. I also thought Riddler owning Penguin was funny and Tuesday made me laugh too.
Solid outing. ****.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 6"
That also worked. The stuff with Joker killing that actor on the radio broadcast was pretty great (and also weirdly funny). I also dug the stuff with Batman and Two-Face.
For the record, the Penguin totally sucks. What a jerk.
I love these radio plays. ****.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 7"
Whoa! Riddler breached the Bat-Computer! Yikes!
I liked him making fun of the name. It IS kinda dumb.
Catwoman messing with Two-Face was pretty great. Her and Vicki Vale are interesting too.
The story of the bomb squad and Joker was actually horrifying.
Good episode. ****.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 8"
Joker's thing with the cartoon tuna and the guy on the phone kind of unnerved me because he's right. Charlie the Tuna should NOT be happy, and maybe he's a secret deviant.
We'll see where Penguin teaming up with Two-Face goes.
Batman owning Riddler at the beginning was the best part of the episode. I enjoyed every inch of that. I didn't actually SEE Eddie squirm. But I pictured it perfectly. Him being mad at the file being thin was perfectly in character. So of course Batman had really swapped it out with Killer Moth.
Tuesday remains awesome. She's probably the most emotional healthy relationship Nygma has ever had. Is it weird I'm starting to ship them?
Blabbo's career downfall is getting outright painful to listen to. I'd almost feel sorry for him but I get the sneaking suspicion he's a loathsome person.
That was pretty awesome. ****1/2.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 9"
The thing with Joker and the stuttering kid was chilling. It also raises the question of whether or not the Joker is Blabbo or merely impersonating him here.
I am with Alfred in being annoyed that Bruce gives himself nightmares. I actually find that a bit obnoxious.
Did not expect King Scimitar to get such a crucial role at this stage of the game. I had thought he was a one-and-done joke character.
Excellent. ****1/2.
Batman: The Audio Adventures "Episode 10"
Amazing. The stuff with Batman and Joker at the end was golden. I like the idea that Batman soaked himself in the Ace chemicals to see what would happen, but I don't think it effected him because he was already crazy. You'd have to be to do that.
Harley Quinn coming in season two? Neat!
What was up with the Twin Peaks Dwarf backwards-talking at the end? I couldn't decipher it.
Spectacular finale. Why can't DC give us a movie with writing this good? *****.
Batman: The Adventures Continue 4 "The Muscle"
Wait, since when does Montoya hate Batman? That's new and we aren't given any context for it.
I'm not liking this. **1/2.
Batman: The Adventures Continue 5 "Mayor Mayhem, Part One"
Again, too much swearing.
First mention of Carmine Falcone. Suggests his exploits were past-tense in the DCAU.
I think they are trying to do a Trump parallel with Mayfield which just sucks. Trump makes real life suck so much that he can't help making fictional allegories about him suck too. Not looking forward to this.
Better than the last issue, but not great. ***.
Justice League Infinity 3 "The Mirror Crack'd, Part Three"
That Darkseid ending was just great. I love this series so far. It's everything Batman: The Adventures Continue was supposed to be but isn't. It's awesome. ****.
Justice League Infinity 4 "The Mirror Crack'd, Part Four"
It's interesting, Diana and Darkseid didn't have much to do with each other on either of the DC Animated Universe Justice League series. But Darkseid being romantically obsessed with her was a major component of a later season of Superfriends. It's an interesting idea for a DCAU-related project to sort of explore it a little.
I like this issue because it suggests that under the right circumstances, even somebody like Darkseid can be redeemed. Maybe not through his actions. But through his regrets and pain. And I found sympathy for the character for the first time. Better yet, I understood why he did the crazy seeming things he did better, which is great characterization.
I don't exactly think this comic book is as great as Justice League or Justice League Unlimited. But I feel like it is in the spirit of them, and would not object to an animated adaptation. It's doing far more right by Justice League Unlimited than Batman: The Adventures Continue is doing by Batman: The Animated Series. I am very impressed. *****.