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Post by Trey_Vore on Mar 31, 2006 15:40:31 GMT -5
All right, for anyone curious, I had a birthday within the week and I thought I should write a review for one of the Series' Best, "You Say it's Your Birthday".
Episode review: You Say it's Your Birthday
Classification: Fine example
Summary: A must-see episode.
Score: 9.8 (Superb, from 0 to 10)
Coming off a birthday buzz, I thought it would be a good time to review this episode. If I was to start a Top 10 episodes list of 101 Dalmatians: the Series, "You Say it's Your Birthday" would be a strong contender for a position in said Top 10.
"You Say it's Your Birthday"--The Main Pups think they on the verge of being given away while Cruella thinks Anita is moonlighting for her competitor.
While I like the 11-minute long episodes and they undeniably have their charms, I will say right now that I am a fan of the half-hour long episodes; they are have longer runtime and that can be used to their advantage. As long as it's done properly, it is a joy to watch, if not...well, you understand.
One of the best parts of this episode was the multiple viewpoints it allowed us to see. The Main Pups thinking their pets will be giving them all away and wanting nothing to do with it, Roger and Anita getting ready for the surprise party, Pongo and Perdita trying to help while leaving the Main Pups guessing, Cruella thinking Anita is moonlighting for a competitor, even Jasper and Horace get a say in the proceedings. All these viewpoints did come together and it enrichened this overall strong episode.
There was some great writing, I enjoyed the throwback to the movie ("They're giving us to Cruella?!"). It had many memorable lines of dialogue and at times the atmosphere was a bit suspenseful; I was left guessing as to wheter the Main Pups would leave without getting to the surprise party. It is a fine example of the show's constantly clever writing.
The 'visual' jokes were funny as well; Cruella trying to spy on Anita while she talked to Roger on the phone was a funny scene (she is trapped under her desk in the process), as was the shot of Horace's camera facing up after he hit a phone pole.
If there was anything that I think would have been improved, it might have been that not all viewpoints are carried out until the end; Horace and Jasper are just 'there' until they are no longer needed. Afterwards, it's all Cruella on the villains' side. In addition, one can see the multiple viewpoints as distracting; but I understand that it was the point of the episode that multiple views were necessary and they helped make "You Say it's Your Birthday" one of the best episodes in the series.
In addition, I loved the pups' new garbs; Lucky in a Scotsman cap and sash, Rolly in a jacket and cap, Cadpig in a 'country gal' outfit and Spot getting a pink vest.
When all is said and done, "You Say it's Your Birthday" is a terrific episode that I would highly reccommend as it is a nicely done piece of work. It's a brilliant episode.
'Lucky, I'm conflicted. I can't tell if I'm suffering from abandonment issues or seperation anxiety. (stomach growls)...or gas.' --Gas has many uses, but there are some places it should not be, "You Say it's Your Birthday"
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Post by huntsman on Mar 31, 2006 16:54:29 GMT -5
It's been quite some time since I've seen that episode; I believe I watched and reviewed the episode back in August, though I haven't watched it again since. Regardless, you've once again proven that you're better at expressing your opinions, as your reviews tend to have a heart and soul while my reviews seem to be nothing more than an essay. Regardless, keep up the excellent work; I hope you'll write plenty more reviews in the future.
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Post by Belchic on Apr 1, 2006 1:51:08 GMT -5
You've got quite a way of writing reviews. I also like the way you end them with your favorite quote from the episode and give a closing thought that relates to it in some ways.
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Post by Belchic on Apr 1, 2006 1:56:50 GMT -5
Just as a suggestion, Trey_Vore, why don't you make this one topic be the place for all your reviews. That's what I'm doing with mine.
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Post by Two-Tone on Apr 1, 2006 16:08:30 GMT -5
Trey, what about my outfit? the tiara was perfect for me
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Post by Trey_Vore on Apr 4, 2006 21:26:24 GMT -5
Okay, Two-Tone. Hold on.
"I liked Two-Tone's little tiara that she was wearing."
Attach it to the part about the pups' outfits.
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Post by Two-Tone on Apr 5, 2006 12:36:14 GMT -5
thanks
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Post by Trey_Vore on Apr 7, 2006 14:44:18 GMT -5
You know, guys, don't be afraid. You can make your own reviews, I don't think I got this part of the site started for myself, Huntsman and Belchic only.
Contribute any type of 101 Dalmatians review you wish.
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Post by Belchic on Apr 7, 2006 15:32:57 GMT -5
Give them some time, Trey. I'm sure some of these guys would love to write reviews as well. Keep up the good work, Trey.
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Post by Trey_Vore on Apr 10, 2006 9:47:58 GMT -5
Here's a new current review that I wrote:
Episode review: Shrewzle Watch/The Life You Save
Classification: Not my favorite storyline
Summary: Neither episode lives up to the series' real potential.
Score: 4.8 (poor, from 0 to 10)
I must say, I was more than just a little disappointed with both these episodes. Neither 'Shrewzle Watch' nor 'The Life You Save' is very good in particular and I just did not enjoy my experience much with either episode.
'Shrewzle Watch'--After a rare tree Shrewzle is found on Dearly property, the Main Pups must expose Cruella's sanctuary scam to save the farm.
It's not a particularly deep episode; it doesn't truly add much to the characters and the plot is ultimately more than a little predictable. Scorch suddenly being the shrewzle in disguise was predictable but enjoyable; it's always fun to see Scorch agonizing the pups.
Well, it does add something: Rolly reveals that his sense of smell is very keen, to make up for his poor hearing.
Some sloppy animation moments occur, such as Roger pulling a toaster out of mid-air (I know it's a cartoon, so it's feasible, but wierd) and Lucky chuckling before saying 'Gotcha!' when his mouth doesn't move. It's possible to say 'gotcha' without moving lips, but no true explanation is provided.
It's not without its charm; Spot's enticing chicken dance is funny and we see Patch again (yes, that IS Patch, his depiction in this show is based on his description in the book). Patch, I believe has potential, he just needs a chance in the spotlight. These are the ultimate highlights in the episode.
It's not a bad episode just not very good...
'The Life You Save'--Much to Lucky's chagrin, Dumpling starts serving him left and right after he unintenionally saves her from injury.
This episode is pretty flawed; Dumpling has no true reason to see Lucky as a hero prior to the incident and it makes her seem like an inconsistent character. Lucky I don't think would turn down a chance to be a hero. It's his dream. Rolly would modestly decline, not Lucky. After all, Dumpling had reason to care about Rolly at the end of 'Swine Song'. Shouldn't this episode be about Rolly? I don't hate Dumpling, but she would need some stronger roles (such as in the aforementioned 'Swine Song' and also 'The Maltese Chicken') before they consider her becoming a secondary character.
There are pacing problems on top of Lucky's schemes to make Dumpling leave him alone just being uncreative. Lucky is much more clever than this and it's a poor vehicle for his character. If this was a half-hour episode it might be serviceable, but it just seemed rushed and poorly done.
Dumpling finally saving Lucky was dumb luck, much like he saved her earlier. The ending also could have been better; it ends with Rolly flicking a spider off her butt and Dumpling now thinks she's indebted to him. This makes Dumpling, as I said before, seem like she's supposed to be a weak-minded character who can't think for herself.
Cadpig and Spot might as well have not been there.
I honestly don't think I would recommend either 'Shrewzle Watch' or 'The Life You Save' as 'must-see' episodes; they are poor episodes in the series and I would not initate someone into the '101 Dalmatians: the Series' with them. They both rank as some of my personal 'Tier 4's. While 'Shrewzle Watch' was somewhat better than 'The Life You Save', there is much more could have been done with both of them.
'I should've let the wagon hit me.' --Lucky agonizes over... 'The Life You Save'
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Post by Belchic on Apr 10, 2006 21:28:02 GMT -5
It's totally true, Trey! It is possible to say "Gotcha" without moving your mouth! I've done it myself!
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Post by Trey_Vore on Apr 22, 2006 18:23:27 GMT -5
Episode review: He Followed He Home/Love 'Em and Flea 'Em
Classification: Fine example
Summary: Go Two-Tone!
Score: 9.5 (Superb, from 0 to 10)
'He Followed Me Home' is just okay, but the 9.5 score I give is mainly due to the wonderful 'Love 'Em and Flea 'Em' episode; it is a personal favorite episode in my opinion and highly entertaining. I tend to love episodes that are funny and dramatic at the same time; it does much more for me than a straight silly episode or one that is too serious. Disney would need to look back at movies like Aladdin and The Lion King (and of course, 101 Dalmatians) to get the idea. In addition, it is the episode where Two-Tone gets a major role and I believe that she has a lot of potential as a character. 'Love 'Em and Flea 'Em' is what I consider to be the main part of these two episodes and seriously worth watching.
'He Followed Me Home'--A baby elephant gets lost on his way to the circus and is taken in by the Main Pups (following Rolly and his bag of peanuts), but must hide him when Cruella tells Roger, on the arrival of his Aquarium Pets, that a 102nd pet violates his deed contract.
I liked this episode, but it wasn't especially deep. The elephant had some good moments and didn't seem excessive. Some funny parts appear, namely when the elephant proved to be an even bigger glutton than Rolly. It sucked up huge bales of hay and even Rolly's life-saving food stash (leaving poor Rolly feeling bitter). Cruella had some good parts too, I got a good laugh out of seeing her try to find the elephant and find Roger in the shower (it was nothing suggestive).
However, there just didn't appear to be anything special about this episode; it was funny and cute, but it didn't appear to add anything to the characters. Lots of other kids' animated programs have an episode with a similar story, so it seemed a little ordinary. The plot to this episode could have been questioned; do only the Dalmatians count, and the farm animals don't? I know they wouldn't consider farm animals as 'pets', but was worth mentioning.
The background music also felt inappropriate at times, I had no idea why they chose to play an instrumental 'Rock-A-Bye Baby' when Spot was talking about disguising the elephant as a refridgerator.
Overall, I would say 'He Followed Me Home' is at worst, mediocre, but at best, good. I think of it as a 'filler' episode, one to leave you with low expectations...until, that is, when you see the next upcoming episode.
'Love 'Em and Flea 'Em'--With the 'Four Legged Fall Ball' approaching, Two-Tone considers leaving Mooch in favor of Lucky after he tells her off.
While it aired fairly early, I like to think this episode is supposed to be later due to the fact Two-Tone leaves Mooch's gang after this episode.
This is a particularly memorable episode due to the fact it is an episode about Two-Tone. She's a terrific character, with an evident personality and I like her color set-up: white on one end, black on the other (an odd colored pup, much like Beethoven's puppy Tchaikovsky on Beethoven's 2nd). If Disney chose to pick this show up again, I wouldn't mind seeing more of her.
We also got to see more of Mooch, Wizzer and Dipstick; while I am a little indifferent to the latter two (until they are brought into the spotlight for further analysis), something about Mooch I like. Maybe it's Danny Cooksey, his voice actor. He reminds me somewhat of Tiny Toon Adventures' Montana Max.
The message of this episode was 'Like someone for themselves, not their looks', which I am happy to say, wasn't hammered into my head. Then again, Mooch isn't the most charming (or good-looking for that matter, though it's established that Two-Tone was consistantly Mooch's partner for dances and the like) of pups; Two-Tone left him for Lucky, despite the fact Mooch purposely dyed him pink (pink food coloring in a flea bath, no thanks to him); this means while she seems to be cast as a 'boy crazy' type of gal, Two-Tone is a deep character.
While I think that it would have been nice if Rolly, Cadpig and Spot had larger roles in this ep (I don't mind Lucky/Cadpig), maybe establish who they would be dancing with (we can guess they would have gone too), I guess this episode is meant for Two-Tone and it's a nice one, regardless. Two-Tone got a great opening sequence with Cadpig, especially the different 'outfits' Two-Tone was getting into. I'll say right now: I adored seeing Cadpig wearing the Gidget 'cat-eye' glasses (it's adorable!)
And yes, I would highly recommend these episodes. 'He Followed Me Home' is love it or leave it, but 'Love 'Em and Flea 'Em' is a must-see. No question; it is the stronger episode. If you watch it after 'The Making Of...' it is a nothing less than brilliant. 'Love 'Em and Flea 'Em' is definitely in my top favorites.
"I came here to say to you that I have nothing to say to you. If I did have something to say to you, I'd say it to Lucky. My date for the dance." --I like you girl. You got moxie, 'Love 'Em and Flea 'Em'
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Post by Two-Tone on Apr 22, 2006 20:54:54 GMT -5
and the ep shows why I fell for Lucky and vice versa
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Post by Trey_Vore on May 4, 2006 3:19:47 GMT -5
I know that I am about to break protocol, but I will take some time right now to review a fanfiction that I just read.
Fanfic review: Pup and Down
Classification: Well-written
Summary: For my first fanfic review, here's Pup and Down...
Score: 8.9 (great, from 0 to 10)
Normally, I don't read any real fanfiction. Much like the guys at Disney don't (for copyright purposes). I just choose to care about the 'official canon'. But, per request, I will review 'Pup and Down' as written by Belchic.
'Pup and Down'--Lucky, Cadpig, Rolly, Spot, Belchic and Noggin must defeat a group of natives from kidnapping the Dearly pups.
I will start by saying this fanfiction captured a lot of essence of the official universe; I thought I was reading a script for an unaired episode. The characters were depicted perfectly, and they are as close as I would expect them to be shown (Lucky wanting to impress Two-Tone, Cadpig being supportive, Rolly feeling insecure and hungry). I enjoyed the references to 'Beauty and the Beast' ("Yeah! Don't talk about her boyfriend that way!"), 'Family Guy' (the 'prelude' to a flashback that doesn't occur), 'Ed, Edd n Eddy' (Belchic's lines remind me of the episode 'Over your Ed'), and 'Pokemon' (the 'Team Dearly' line).
This fanfiction was my first official introduction to Belchic and Noggin, and they are a lot of fun to have around. Their names are appropriate (Belchic is 'chic' and Noggin is intelligent). They have potential to be regular characters. Belchic gets a lot of memorable lines, but I would think that this is meant as a vehicle for Noggin, as his 'Human Tongue' formula is used as a part to defeat the natives (I'd want to get that formula, then I could understand my dog!).
The only problem that I had was the natives' motivations were not very clear. Are they working for Cruella, or are they working for another outside force? They are mentioned as seen near Villa DeVil. Some clarification would be nice.
Overall, a strong fanfiction. I would reccommend it as fanfic reading, it is fun to see what might be an episode of the show. 'Pup and Down' has earned a reccommendation from me.
'Well, I tell ya...you all did a great job...Team Dearly!' --Blast off at the speed of light, surrender now or prepare to fight, 'Pup and Down'
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Post by Belchic on May 5, 2006 1:04:48 GMT -5
^Very well said there, Trey. It's nice to know someone who appreciates my work.
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