Jerry Howell

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Planet Macintosh
36

The Librarians: 3x08 And the Eternal Question

I'm not a fan of vampires, so, the fact that this episode includes them is a strike against it for me.

Also, Cassandra's actions don't make sense; why didn't she just get the operation to start with instead of waiting until the end?

The worst part, though, was the last scene. I won't spoil it here; what I will say is that it smacks of shark jumping, and may be enough to make me give up on this series that I once adored.

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Teen Beach Movie

If you haven't noticed from my other reviews, I'm a longtime Disney Channel fan. I grew up watching the network in elementary school, especially when they used to show Growing Pains on there; later on, I was known for being a big fan of Lizzie McGuire and Raven throughout high school. So, you'd probably think I'd enjoy this...and, to a degree, I did.

I'm not a big fan of anything involving large bodies of water, so, anything with a word like "beach," "swim," or "pool" (unless it refers to billiards) in the title makes me hesitant to check it out. Still, I liked Ross Lynch in Austin & Ally, and Maia Mitchell seemed like an attractive and talented leading lady, so, I figured, why not? While it was mostly fun, especially the musical numbers, there was a bit too much exposed skin, which isn't what I'm used to from a DCOM, even one that takes place on a beach.

Will I check out the sequel? We'll see.

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Jumanji

I usually like family movies from the '90's; they're what I grew up on.

I grew up around Monopoly, Sorry!, Clue, etc.; so much so, my friends used to call me "the king of board games".

I'm a longtime fan of Robin Williams; I loved him in Flubber, and I've been a Mork & Mindy fan since my mom first showed it to me over two decades ago.

So, you'd probably think I liked this movie...but, I didn't.

Instead of being exciting and thrilling, it felt too much like a horror movie; the profanity and bullying didn't help matters.

If it hadn't been for Mr. Williams' death, would they have made a sequel? One wonders.

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Guardians of the Galaxy

Marvel's films can be really awesome...or not that great. This one had a fun story, engaging characters, and a wonderful throwback soundtrack. I was also pleasantly surprised that the profanity count was low for a "PG-13". It wasn't perfect, but it was still great fun.

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Good Witch: 4x08 All Dressed Up

Just when Cassie gives up on finding her wedding dress...there it is!

Seriously, I enjoyed this one.

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Star Trek: The Next Generation: 2x09 The Measure of a Man

Data looks human, but is actually a machine...or is he? The question of what makes someone human is put on trial in this emotionally charged--yet entertaining--episode.

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Same Kind of Different as Me

I'm a fan of Christian entertainment, including cinema; I'd been meaning to see this for a while, especially since it had former Disney Channel star Olivia Holt (Kickin' It, I Didn't Do It) as one of its stars. Ms. Holt didn't get all that much screen time, but, at the end of the movie, I didn't care; this story is way more important than who starred in it. A superbly inspirational account of overcoming race and income barriers, as well as an Apostle-Paul-style tale of reformation, all the more amazing because it's true. Unless you've read the book and know the story already--or even if it's been a while since you have--prepare to be inspired.

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Star Wars: The Clone Wars: 4x11 Kidnapped

It's interesting to see Ahsoka's people; I had always wondered about her origins. Also, seeing Obi-Wan get into a battle that doesn't involve lightsabers or blasters is a bit different for this franchise. I'm curious to see where the story goes from here.

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The Empire Strikes Back

With the addition of more characters, such as the now-iconic Yoda, better acting, and some surprising twists--especially the now-infamous declaration by Darth Vader during his lightsaber duel with Luke--this is classic Star Wars at its best.

However, some new viewers may be disturbed to discover that the flick has no end; you have to watch Return of the Jedi to see how things get resolved.

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Star Wars

Easily one of the most influential pieces of entertainment ever created, this first Star Wars flick still stands the test of time. Not only did it change the face of cinema forever, but the franchise had a personal impact on me as well. If only the recent "sequels" measured up to this film's legacy...

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Justice League

I don't have time to do my usual in depth review, so, I'll just be brief: While Gal Gadot shines as Wonder Woman, the rest of the film falls a bit flat. Too much building up for what proves to be a rather anticlimactic battle. Ever since I was introduced to superhero cartoons back in 2011, I've always preferred them to the "blockbuster" films, and flicks like this are why. I'll take the Cartoon Network Justice League over this mess any day.

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A Christmas Star

It's great to see a Yuletide film that showcases the true meaning of Christmas; not just love, kindness, and family, but the birth of the Savior of the world. I've seen far too many "holiday" movies that are all about Santa Claus and gift giving, which leads many people--especially children--to be misled about the actual meaning of December 25. The story was touching, and Noelle was a likable protagonist. I have to give the makers kudos for including a handicapped kid as her best friend. Along with the British charm and lack of profanity, sexual content, drug use, etc., this was a winner. The only downsides were Maria's immodest wardrobe and an appearance by sultry singer Kylie Minogue.

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Home Beyond the Sun

This movie brings to light the struggle that those who profess Christ in China face every day. It makes you thankful for a country like America, where our Constitution grants us freedom of religion. Some scenes were hard to watch, especially when that mean lady tried to hold poor Chu Lee captive. Unfortunately, the film's production values are seriously low budget, which may turn some viewers off, and the whole approach to the subject could have been done better. Hopefully, a better funded film will help American Christians everywhere really see what their Chinese brothers and sisters experience on a daily basis.

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Totally Spies!: 1x05 Child's Play

This was a good episode...except for one thing: Mandy. Her voice was a horrible assault on my ears. Other than that, I enjoyed it.

(The content concerns are largely the same as usual--girls in immodest outfits, action violence throughout, crushing and flirting, etc.--with one exception: some rather creepy blob creatures.)

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Power Rangers: 17x01 The Road to Corinth

Synopsis: Some years into the future, the evil Venjix has overtaken all of the world's computer networks. The only safe place is the domed city of Corinth. One day, a mysterious young man is trying to find the safe city, only to run into one of Corinth's denizens, another young man named Ziggy. When Ziggy leads the other young man to Corinth, Venjix soon targets him, but the Rangers come to his aid. Who could the young man be?

The Good: I rarely give out perfect ratings on here, but this episode felt more like a theatrically released blockbuster than a TV show; it kept me glued to the screen and moved at a breakneck pace! All of the seasons of Power Rangers I've seen have been at least somewhat good--Turbo is the worst, but it's at least decent--but, this is the BEST start I've ever seen!

The Bad: Not one thing!

Content Concerns:
Sex: None.
Nudity: None.
Language: Name-calling, at worst.
Violence: Fantasy action violence throughout.
Drugs: None.
Frightening/Intense Scenes: Scenes of peril; scary monsters and villain; emotional intensity.
Other: Spit is used as a weapon of sorts.

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Liv and Maddie: 1x21 Space-Werewolf-A-Rooney

Synopsis: Liv is ready to film Space Werewolves! There's only one problem: During an on-set interview, she blurts out that she can do all her own stunts! Will she be able to stay true to her word? Also, Maddie is down in the dumps after getting injured during a championship basketball game.

The Good: Cute, funny, likable...what's not to love about this show? An appearance by the now-late Garry Marshall (Mork & Mindy, The Princess Diaries) made this even better.

The Bad: Nothing, really.

Content Concerns:
Sex: Crushing and flirting.
Nudity: A girl in a short skirt.
Language: None.
Violence: Mild action on the movie set.
Drugs: None.
Frightening/Intense Scenes: Scenes of peril and emotional intensity.

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Power Rangers: 7x07 Double Duty

While Kendrix has always been my favorite character on this incarnation of Power Rangers, the main storyline here--her filling in for a Hollywood actress--doesn't feel like a superhero show. Still, it was fun for what it was, and the action did eventually heat up.

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Star Wars Rebels: 2x01 The Lost Commanders

What a blast! Can't wait for the next episode!

(The content concerns are just what you'd expect: action violence throughout, emotional intensity, a scary monster, etc.)

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Liv and Maddie: 1x20 Song-A-Rooney

Again, I'm short on time today, so, I'll be brief: This was a fun episode; I really enjoyed it, even the second time around.

(Along with the usual content concern--emotional intensity--the music video at the beginning features a scary monster.)

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Power Rangers: 21x20 Legendary Battle

Synopsis: Emperor Mavro has millions of spaceships at his disposal, and is ready to destroy the Earth. The Rangers seem outmatched...until the previous generations of those mighty morphin' heroes comes to their aid! Will that be enough?

The Good: Appropriately epic, this was a blast, and a fitting conclusion. It's great to see some of the old-school Rangers, especially Tommy, the original Green Ranger.

The Bad: I've been watching Megaforce/Super Megaforce off and on for a while, so, this was a bit bittersweet. I'm going to miss these Rangers.

Content Concerns:
Sex: One kiss.
Nudity: Girl in short shorts; brief cleavage.
Language: Name-calling, at worst.
Violence: Fantasy violence throughout; intense at times.
Drugs: None.
Frightening/Intense Scenes: Emotional intensity; scenes of peril; scary monsters.

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Jackie Chan Adventures: 1x04 Enter the Viper

Synopsis: While trying to obtain the Snake talisman, Jackie and Jade encounter the Viper, a female cat burglar! When Jackie is wrongly accused of stealing a rare diamond, and is jailed as a result, he'll have to rely on the Viper to rescue the talisman from the clutches of the Dark Hand!

The Good: Action-packed, fun, entertaining; what's not to like?

The Bad: Nothing, really.

Content Concerns:
Sex: None.
Nudity: None.
Language: Name-calling, at worst.
Violence: Action violence throughout; no blood or gore.
Drugs: None.
Frightening/Intense Scenes: Scary villains; emotional intensity.
Other: Use of magic.

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Austin & Ally: 2x01 Costumes & Courage

Synopsis: Austin, Ally, Dez, and Trish are invited to Jimmy Starr's big Halloween party! Austin and Ally write a song that Austin is supposed to perform with Taylor Swift...only for Taylor to get injured in a ghost-hunting mishap! Who will perform Austin's new song?

The Good: Halloween episodes aren't usually my thing, but this was fun and entertaining; I hadn't watched this show in a while, and had kind of missed it.

The Bad: Nothing, really.

Content Concerns:
Sex: Crushing.
Nudity: Ally wears a slightly short skirt.
Language: Name-calling, at worst.
Violence: Comedic pratfalls and slapstick.
Drugs: None.
Frightening/Intense Scenes: A scene with a ghost that turns out to be a gag; emotional intensity.

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Totally Spies!: 1x02 The New Jerry

Synopsis: The girls travel to a remote African country to investigate a bizarre kidnapping attempt; the queen of the country was nearly captured by an anti-gravity ray! When the girls arrive, one of them--posing as the queen--gets captured! Will the three teenage spies be able to save the queen and escape unscathed? Also, Clover has her sights set on winning the title of Homecoming Queen, and enlists help from geeky Arnold...which comes at a price.

The Good: Just like before, this was good fun; plenty of action and humor.

The Bad: Nothing, really.

Content Concerns:
Sex: Flirting and such.
Nudity: The three spies and other female characters wear midriff-baring outfits at times.
Language: Nothing worse than "sucks" and "fool".
Violence: Action violence throughout; nobody dies, and there's no blood or gore.
Drugs: None.
Frightening/Intense Scenes: Scenes of peril and emotional intensity.

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Garfield & Friends: 3x18 Flat Tired

Synopsis: When Garfield is too tired to do the cartoon, Odie becomes the star...only for the hapless pup to end up in big trouble! Will he safely escape?

The Good: As usual, this was cute and funny.

The Bad: Nothing, really.

Content Concerns:
Sex: None.
Nudity: None.
Language: None.
Violence: Cartoon slapstick.
Drugs: None.
Frightening/Intense Scenes: Scary witch; scenes of peril.
Other: Usage of magic.

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Garfield & Friends: 3x16 Binky Gets Cancelled...Again!

Synopsis: When people complain about Binky's show being non-educational, he is replaced by the Buddy Bears, and is left without a job. Will the loud-voiced clown be able to make it without his own television program?

The Good: Cute, funny; I've said it before, and I'll say it again.

The Bad: Nothing, really.

Content Concerns:
Sex: None.
Nudity: None.
Language: None.
Violence: Cartoon slapstick.
Drugs: None.
Frightening/Intense Scenes: Emotional intensity at times.

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Garfield & Friends: 3x14 Secrets of the Animated Cartoon

Synopsis: Orson explains how cartoons work, with examples of chase scenes, spit takes, and such.

The Good: Cute and funny, as usual.

The Bad: Nothing, really.

Content Concerns:
Sex: None.
Nudity: None.
Language: One use of "gee".
Violence: Cartoon slapstick.
Drugs: None.
Frightening/Intense Scenes: One brief scene with a scary monster.
Other: Spit takes.

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Garfield & Friends: 3x08 Barn of Fear II

Again, I'm short on time, so, I'll be brief: This was cute and funny, as usual.

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H2O: Just Add Water: 3x26 Graduation

A fantastic ending! Can't believe I've finished the show!

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Garfield & Friends: 2x48 It Must Be True!

With all of the misinformation out there, this is timelier than ever.

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Star Wars: The Clone Wars: 3x22 Wookiee Hunt

Epic and action-packed! Glad to see Chewbacca make an appearance!

(With this, the third season, and my monthly goal, is COMPLETE!)

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