matthewgreen4988

Honestly, this is a generous 5 from me and only because RHCP is my favourite band. It is very deserving of the 1s because honestly, why is this an episode of Love, Death and Robots? This is a Can't Stop music video and nothing more. There is no reason I can see for this to be a part of the season. If this was released on YouTube I'd be all over it, but everyone is very warrented in thinking why is this here. The tech is impressive but I also question the artistic direction of putting their current appearances over what is a representation of their famous Slane Castle performance from 2003. Pretty sure there was no lightning bolt stage there either.

Wish straddles the line between adequate and forgettable. The animation is competent, presenting a polished visual experience that unfortunately falls flat in terms of character and depth. It lacks the charm and warmth of traditional 2D animation and fails to capture the immersive quality of superior 3D animation.

The story itself is pedestrian, with a plot that meanders without ever truly engaging the viewer. If I had to guess, someone at Disney looked at the logo of the stars flying over the castle and said "make this into a movie." The characters are one-dimensional, offering little to no growth or memorable moments. The dialogue is equally uninspired, with clichéd lines that do little to elevate the narrative. References to past better Disney movies better than this one can't save it through nostalgia alone.

One of the film's significant flaws is the main villain, who seems to be evil for no discernible reason other than "hot older white guy = bad." This lack of motivation and depth makes the antagonist feel like "villainous" is his only character trait, detracting from the overall story and leaving the audience with a sense of frustration.

While the animation quality is decent, it feels soulless, missing the unique artistic touches that could have made it stand out. The environments are well-rendered but ultimately lack the vibrancy and life that make animated worlds feel real and captivating.

On a positive note, my two-year-old seemed to enjoy the star character, which admittedly has a certain cuteness appeal.

"Wish" is an aggressively mediocre film that fails to leave a lasting impression. It's watchable but ultimately forgettable.

"The People's Joker," at a glance, might seem like just another entry into the already crowded realm of superhero cinema. Yet, it stands out as a bold, campy, and unapologetically queer narrative that not only pokes fun at but also pays homage to the rich tapestry of Batman lore. Directed, cut, and performed by Vera Drew, who brings her personal trans experience to the forefront, the film is a multifaceted parody that dares to reimagine the Joker's origin story through a trans lens, earning it a solid 7/10 stars from me.

This film takes a deep dive into Batman and DC references, cleverly intertwining them with a coming-of-age and coming-out story that resonates deeply with its audience. Its humor is sharp, sometimes verging on controversial, yet it never loses sight of its heart-the struggle and empowerment of embracing one's true identity against societal norms. With a mix of media, including animation and green-screen effects, "The People's Joker" has a unique visual style that complements its audacious narrative. It's a testament to Drew's vision, creating a world that's both familiar to fans of the Batman universe and refreshingly new, especially for those yearning for representation beyond the heteronormative superhero narrative.

While it might not cater to all, especially those wedded to a more traditional portrayal of superhero tales, the film shines as a beacon for those who find solace in its queer empowerment theme. From the DIY aesthetic to the parade of parody songs that accompany the journey, "The People's Joker" invites its audience to look beyond the cape and into the heart of its protagonist, making it an important addition to the superhero genre. Despite some critics arguing it tries to tackle too much at once, its ambition is commendable, offering a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Whether you're a fan of the genre or not, "The People's Joker" deserves a watch for its creative courage and its message of self-acceptance and empowerment, capturing the essence of what it means to step out of the shadows and into the light of one's own truth.