Maroon Mondays Extra: Raven's Home First Reactions

I review Raven's Home. Take a look...


All-in-all, I like this series a lot.
Please excuse the messy creation; this was my first recorded video, and it wasn't quite perfect or good. Hope you guys enjoy. Please like, leave a comment, and subscribe if you want to see more recorded videos on the YouTube channel.

Maroon Mondays Extra: Major June 2017 Awards Show Reviews

Throughout June 2017, I watched, enjoyed and had my thoughts about three major televised music-based awards show franchises. And after they ended I reviewed them for my Maroon Mondays Live Extra series.
And here they are, in this particular order:

The country-based CMT Music Awards,


The multi-genre (and Canada based) iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards,


and the (mostly) R&B and Hip-Hop based BET Awards.


These were pretty popular videos on the YouTube channel, and for that I thank you all for it.
Hope you guys will enjoy more when this year of awards shows reaches the climax.

I'll be back on August 27 for my discussion of
the 34th annual MTV Video Music Awards.

Maroon Mondays Live: "The Peed Peeper and the Cult of Statutory" and "The Juice is Luice" -- (Episode 11 / July 23 & 24)

Welcome to Maroon Mondays Live, everyone.

For Episode 11 (and the stories I did) I split the episode into two parts.
Here is Part 1, where I discuss the BuzzFeed article revealing R. Kelly could have a sexual cult with barely legal young women (yes, I did mention at one point that they were minors; felt like it to me), the incident surrounding the murder of Australian yoga instructor Justine Diamond (and why I care that no matter what the race, no cop should murder someone for no good reason), and John McCain's diagnosis of brain cancer.


For Part 2, I discuss OJ Simpson getting parole, Ann Coulter being a bitch about having her seat changed on a Delta Airlines flight, Madonna calling Whitney Houston and Sharon Stone mediocre in a decades old letter, and immortalizing Linkin Park front-man Chester Bennington after his shocking suicide.


Hope you enjoy them. I'll be back next week. Please like and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Thank you.

Star vs. The Forces of Evil Review 2: Episode 15 -- "Raid the Cave / Trickstar"

Wow. As if "Bon Bon the Birthday Clown" has the big bombshell(s) of the season (at least until the last few episodes, of course), then comes this episode bringing another:
 Star almost getting Glossaryck. And Glossy refusing.



In this episode, Star begins her search to find Ludo and get Glossaryck back in the fold. This halfer has a touch of more drama (and some nice comedy) after the last one.

She looks ready to fight, and wasn't going to back down. Too bad when she gets there, Ludo and his army bolted for different passures.

It seems like he doesn't want to go with Star... Maybe because he's with Ludo now...or maybe to let her hone her magical craft on her own. Remember that speech Glossy gave in "Page Turner" about how his methods are different with each protege and wants to teach them in his own way? Well, it seems to be working so far. And I'd love to believe that. Glossy has shown he truly cares about Star, and Star about him, so his idea not only makes sense, but also carries some weight here. It was really sad, and almost made me cry. But it was also an awesome showing of growth for Star, as she shows major care for her book-wielding mentor, and her magic skills were sooo up to code. She has really gone through Heck to get where she is up to this point, and I commend her for it.

Random Thoughts:
--STAR COULD'VE TAKEN THE BOOK.
I know she loves and cares for Glossaryck, but it would've made it easier on both of them (and all of us) is she had taken it. She had great enough reach, and won't worry about Ludo having it anymore. She looked like she was carried away by grabbing Glossy, but still...
--Star using her spying spell from "Bon Bon..." got weird when she was spied on Marco, spying on Star...spying on Marco. #MINDSCREW. Since he saw this, one could wonder if he could put two and two together. That would've been a better plot twist.
--Those hipsters seem cool. I'd like to hang out with
--Glossaryck was eating pudding. Now I'm hungry.
--That scene where Star says "I don't have time to breathe" is similar to a scene from Aliens. And the scene where Starco ride their horse and scream toward the minions of Ludo's former lair definitely references Monty Python's The Holy Grail. I would've known, but if I said I never seen the movie, I might as well have my human card revoked.

Fave Moments:
--Star Packing Heavy (her bag...although her wand )
--The Horse Run
--Star trying to grab Glossy

--

And now after all that ugly crying, time for a breather.

Aww, man! More ugly crying.

In this episode, Marco's karate Dojo Sensei is having a birthday party, and everybody's there (even the ones not talking anymore. And for entertainment, his mom hired Preston Change-O--one of the most beloved and in-demand entertainers in the magic industry. And I didn't love it.

It wasn't too plot heavy, but was interesting. I would bet it was a workable idea on paper, and would've worked in places. But this isn't a favorite.

When Star saw Preston sucking joy from party-goers, she immediately goes after him. This was really nice, because she cared about everyone and wanted to protect them. Her heart was certainly in the right place (no, not her cheeks) at the time, even if everyone else didn't think so. And it was odd at first to see that; their disappointment in her doing what was a favor for them didn't sit well with me at first. I understand their side, and I understood hers. I just left with a weird taste in my mouth, more or less like those joy orbs in Preston's body.

At first, I thought Mr. Change-O was something of a villain from Mewni; his little plan to suck the happiness from party-goers did look like one a villain would conjure up. But as it goes on, it was revealed (or implied; I'm not 100 sure) that he wasn't. Just an entertainer. I wasn't too sad at them because I don't know who to be sad for more.

This episode made me think.
Not fan ship think, but Jeopardy! think.
When Preston Change-O does his tricks, it really seems like he's doing what every magician does--entertain and bewilder. But when he suck out those globs of light, it looks like he's doing something evil of literally taking the joy out of everyone. And this episode really made him out to be the bad guy and us side with Star. Then when Marco made that speech, I really had to stop and think about it. It seems like despite that "sucking joy" thing, he really was just doing his job--entertaining and bewildering people. And that "love is like magic, people like to pretend it's real" line, it aggravated me. Love is real and all around, and it feels like magic, but without it, we'd be in a world of chaos, destruction and ruin (sadly today, we still are). So this episode made me think more than I wanted to; and that's sad, because it really wasn't great. IF not for guest star (and the king of parody music) "Weird Al" Yankovic, this halfer would've been as big a bust as Preston's top hat.

I can see why these two episodes were spread apart. "Raid the Cave" was an important one was it was the aftermath of "Bon Bon". "Trickstar" was just a weird halfer that shouldn't have been paired in the first place. Either that or the latter was paired with another episode. I don't know, I don't care. And that is why I'm going production order for the rest of the season; because of the odd mix-ups that been happening during the airing order. So I'm here to fix that.

Thanks for checking in, guys. I'll be back tomorrow for my thoughts on Episode 16...

Hope you'll join me. I'm Andrew, saying
"Reach for the Star...and Keep Looking Up! ...at your [DVR] screen."
"and if you ever see a magician like Preston Change-O, look down, close your mouth and run away."

Maroon Mondays Live!: First Three Episodes

Hey, folks.
I've been trying over the past few months to m something new to try to expand the Maroon Mondays brand to a YouTube channel with a weekly news-and-opinion-based live series based on this blog and the segments it features.

These episodes are admittedly messy, loose and super time-consuming, with me presenting and discussing news topics in an off-the-cuff, on-the-fly, improvisational style (which in hindsight isn't very good to hear, unless I read an article. And because of that, I've taken a more scripted approach from the next episodes onward. And even then, it isn't too easy. Although it's up to your opinion if these were good too).
And so, I present to you, in a very elongated fashion, the first three episodes of  Maroon Mondays Live!.

Episode 1: Duck, Trump, Screw!
(topics: Invader Zim revival TV movie, DuckTales reboot, Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie, my disdain for Trump (...aka Orange) and other Nick and Disney XD news [Billy Dilley and Rocket & Groot].)


Episode 2: Popcorn & Showers! Hot and Golden!
(topics: The first-ever MTV Movie & TV Awards, Stephen Colbert's "homophobic" Orange joke controversy, Ellen DeGeneres' coming out's 20th anniversary--and why she bans Orange from her talk show, and SNL 42 episode 19 [Chris Pine].)

and...
Episode 3: Talkin' Jack & Raven's Back (Digging for Gold)
(topics: my thoughts on: Raven's Home, SNL 42 episode 20 [Melissa McCarthy/Haim], the Baywatch movie (it was an advance screening), an article on how picking your nose and eating the gold is good for you (no, seriously) and the fifth and final season of Samurai Jack.

(and for those asking, yes, those names were not as easy to pick up on or create for these episodes. Especially at the last minute.)
I hope you enjoyed...at least, a taste of what you saw here. And I hope you enjoy what's coming up in possibly the long run. Maroon Mondays Live! on my YouTube channel (under my name) and will be archived soon after (and posted here every Monday evening)

This is something I'd like to do for at least a while, until I begin a taped series sometime later.

More episodes are coming, and I'll post future episodes here too, depending on whether or not this post gets any traction.

See you soon.

Star vs. The Forces of Evil Review 2: Episode 14 -- "Hungry Larry / Spider with a Top Hat"

Hallo. I mean, Hello. Ween.

Welcome back to Star vs. The Forces of Evil Review...2.

Are you ready for a scaaaare?
Are you ready for a shock?
Are ready for something that will scar you for a very undetermined amount of time rendering you unable to do certain things that somehow remind you of said thing to a certain extant, crippling a part of your life for a veeery long time??

...Weeell, this is the wrong place.
But this episode does come close to all that. To a lesser extent.

This fourteenth episode of Season 2 was the very first Halloween episode.
Or supposedly, one Halloween episode airing in early October tied with an episode about a seemingly-long-forgotten weapon from the annals of Star's wand. And it was more than okay.

Let's start with the better of the two.



So, every Halloween, Marco's dad Rafael holds a scary haunted house routine at the Diaz Family Home. And every Halloween, it's a bust because it's not scary enough. Plus, every Halloween, Marc pays kids to go to this excuse of a haunted house to help Mr. Diaz keep it together.

So Star and Janna decide to help out (after ignoring Marco's warning order at first) by summoning a small, skinny ghost by the name of Hungry Larry. Larry's appearance would later be a crux for what happens next. Star & Janna, later Marco & his mom Angie, and then many neighborhood kids disappear, leaving Rafael alone to find them all. Larry becomes much more...fuller, revealing he ate everyone.

This episode starts off okay. The plot is well-structured and chugs along well. The jokes were definitely light, but the scares were pretty good. I would definitely call this a slightly lighter version of "Summerween" from Gravity Falls. The Summerween Trickster is replaced as the one-shot scared-witless Halloween-based character by Hungry Larry, and the character suddenly disillusioned about the holiday goes from Dipper Pines to Rafael Diaz (except Rafael is genuinely sad his corny haunted house isn't scary, not because he wants to blow off traditions with his twin sister to go to a party his pointless crush is going to).

I kinda did expect all to happen from the word "go" (well, not literally). But it all was executed really well. I looved this episode. One of the best Halloween episodes of the 2010s so far.

Random Thoughts:

--Everyone in this episode wore an adorable, yet badass costume:
-Star dressed as Ludo (although I don't know what the tail is for, since he--a bird--never had one [maybe it's a mix of him and Toffee]).
-Marc as a karate-animal something-or-other (??).
-Rafael as a pumpkin
-Janna as a dead man in a suit (maybe a zombie)
-Some of the kids' costumes too
--Don't let the cute little white sheet fool you; Hungry Larry may be the most scariest white non-human (possibly) talking spirited presence since the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.
--When Star touches the liquid and licks it, she deduces it was saliva. Uhh...how does she know this?? For all we know, it could be blood, or tears, or...fecal matter. (Maybe...)
--If an evil force compliments me on how pretty my wife is...I'd also thank him. Then I'd kick his ass.
--I haven't seen a group of sophisticated animated kids acting dull about not being scared in a while. They probably watch Black Mirror more than Goosebumps.

Fave Moments:
--Rafael trying to make a scary haunted house.
--Star doing her best to help him out (even if it lead to their downfall)
--Everything with Hungry Larry (and not just because he's voiced by VA legend Billy West)
--Rafael saving the day (or rather, night) and defeating Hungry Larry.
--The kids enjoying the scary event, thinking it was all staged (little did they know...)

--

If you've always wondered what the inside of Star's magic wand looks like, and if the animals featured in it are just spirits manifested into strong beings featured in her attacks live in it? Then  have we got an episode for you!

So, Spider with a Top Hat is a member of Star's arsenal of adorable yet badass animals; ready, willing and able to strike at will at any minute's notice. While he's waiting for his calling, T.H. hypes up everyone to get their game face on and their knockouts heavy. But he himself waits for the day to be summoned and so he pumps up for that day. And when that day come...great googly moogly.

And so, another day, another fight, another win, another day to reminisce, sulk and await another day for another exhibition.

The titular character himself is really lovable. He's kind, humble, energetic and entertaining. At first, I was pretty bored with what was going on, that I didn't notice how entertaining he was. And when I put my focus on him, it was kinda worth it. His pep talks to everyone else are super sweet, his excitement and endurance to be a wand weapon is infectious, and his disappointment from feeling low can make one (ie: me) really sad. And when he finally gets called to help Star fight a random villain with a machine gun-based power, the wait and build-up (yes, there was some)--while feeling like a cop-out at first, turned to be worth it in the end. Sure, Starco (and us the viewers) are weary and questionable at first, but are stunned and impressed.

If not for TH Spider, the writing or the performance of his VA Steve Little, I would've been ready to dismiss it another filler episode like I almost did "Page Turner". But it turned out to be a bit more entertaining than I thought.

This was a fun episode. I should watch it again every Halloween (well, "Hungry Larry" ON the holiday, and "Spider..." the day either before or after).

Thanks, everyone, for coming out. Much appreciated.
Join me tomorrow for Episode #15...
"Raid the Cave / Trickstar".

Hope to see you then.

For now, I have been Andrew, saying
"Reach for the Star, and Kep Looking Up! ...at your [tablet] screen."

Toony Tuesday: Hotel Transylvania: The Series

When things go bump in the night…

When your house is filled with fright...

When the days won't save the greater good...

When the terror comes to y'alls neighborhood…

Come stay at Hotel Transylvania!!

We have all of the amenities to suit your ghostly comfort.

Squeaky front doors, drippy water faucets, rickety beds with fuzzy antiquated comforters (we call them UNcomforters), cleanly bathrooms with less than cleanly sundries and messy desks with shorting lights--all to make you feel right at home.

Our services are right for you--bat bellboys, sluggish concierge and the best (and scariest) workers gunning for your best hotellish experience.

So call now and join us for a ghoul time.

Just not every week cause it's not really worth a frequent visit.

This American-Canadian series has some similarities to the last series I reviewed to be produced in both countries--although mostly in Canada,

the TV adaptation of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

-Characters are younger,

-The voices are different--thanks to dime-a-dozen VAs

-The animation is Flash-driven,

-The writing is less creative, and

-It’s following  a revived trend of TV shows made after their movies.

But here’s where the similarities between them end:
THIS SHOW IS MUCH BETTER.

While the movies are okay films with great animation and alright characters (which may or may not stand because of my long-standing irritation of Adam Sandler), this series is all on the same page: middle of the road. The characters are pretty likable, the stories are really nice, the characterization is real good, and the animation is amazing. It mixes dark colors and light fantastically, with the designs of the characters looking perfectly macabre.

Dracula--one of the major characters in the films--is not a main character in this series, making his daughter Mavis the main focus. As a more or less recurring character, Drac largely left the hotel to focus on his vampire businesses; so he leaves the vacation spot to his older (and more authoritarian [or should I say Draconian, heh?] older sister (and Mavis’ aunt) Lydia. Also new to the franchise by way of the series is Hank N Stein (son of--that’s right, Frankenstein), . All of them are alright additions, but half of them are ones I probably won’t remember them as much as Mavis.

At first, I thought Drac wouldn’t be here mostly because the producers couldn’t find a VA to sound similar to Sandler and his annoying infliction of his dopey-ass trying-too-hard voice into his Dracula “impression”.

I would believe that, but I’d hope they one they hired won’t be; just do the best impression you can make just half as close as Sandler, and I’ll love your work even more.

Also, the originals are here too, but--for this show--are on a recurring basis. Honestly, since these guys were voiced by Sandler’s motley crew in the films (and yeah, they’re voiced by different people here), I won’t miss them being a major a lot here.

With these changes, it’s alright to me. Doesn’t make me angry, but doesn’t make me excited either.

This series is the second animated series to air on Disney Channel after another animated TV adaptation, Tangled: The Series (although that one, like its movie, is made by Disney). If this becomes a success like Tangled is, we could see animated series on DC again. Sure, Disney XD is still the official network for Disney cartoons, but I don’t this progress at all (Especially if/when classic Disney shows begin airing on what used to be Toon Disney again--that’s my dreeeeaaaaam). 

Well, that’s my thoughts here. It’s a pretty good series; nothing special; it’s good fun.

Nice characters, even nicer animation, and is worth watching if worth your time.

What did you think of this series?

Did you like it? Is the animation up to snuff?

What characters are your favorites?

Will this be in your must-watch list?

Lemme know in the comments section below.

This has been my review of Hotel Transylvania: The Series.

This has been Toony Tuesday. Thank you for checking in.

I’ll be back soon with reviews of Chuck’s Choice

(another Canadian series that is mixed) and

Welcome to the Wayne (a web miniseries now on TV

Don’t forget to like on Facebook and follow and Twitter.

I'm Andrew...and may the good toons be yours!

Star vs. The Forces of Evil Review 2: Episode 2 -- "Mr. Candle Cares / Red Belt"

Hola, amigos!
Welcome back to Star vs. The Forces of Evil Review 2!
We're like The Krusty Krab 2, but we don't exist for just one movie. Just one...much-longer, much-bigger...and possibly almost-as-funny...season.

Okay...

So, pop in this cassette tape and let's begin with side A.


Well, welcome back, Tom!
It's been a while since we last saw you trapped in a block of ice back in "Blood Moon Ball". A very...embarr--I'm sorry, I'll stop. I don’t want to be trapped in a blaze of fire.
But seriously, he wants to break up our favorite ship of Starco...and...I'm conflicted. You remember last season when I said I hated ships and that I don't want Star and Marc to be in one because I like their dynamic as friends? You don't? Well (at one point)...I don't want Star and Marc to be in one because I like their dynamic as friends. And now...I do. And I hate it! ...but I want it so baaaaaaad.

And with that in mind, let's talk about...uhhh, a guidance counselor showing our favorite shipmates what their futures could be like...miles and dimensions apart.

Mr. Candle is the new guidance counselor at Echo Creek Academy, and his job—to help students reach their fullest potential with a place somewhere in the world of occupation—extends to Starco. His advice to Marco is to become a . While his for Star? BECOME QUEEN. While Marc later became pretty happy at his perspective link, Star becomes depressed at her link of become ruler of Mewni, something she's never wanted.
It was later revealed that Mr. Candle's plan for the ECA's students' future was a ruse by our favorite jealous (yet somehow handsome) demon Tom. He wants Starco to separate forever so he can have Star for himself (or so he still thinks). Marco did the smart idea of exposing Tom thanks to the latter's legendary fiery temper, even though the former ended up in his lair later on. Fortunately, he did have the compassion to convince him that Star will never get with him, and that letting her do what she wants for her sake would be a better option. And thank goodness he changed his mind, because it shows he really does care about Star enough to let her be happy (And that's super sweet). Also because this show wouldn't be the same without our dear old pal.
Star doesn't want to be queen. She wants to be her own thing, and that's great. Fortunately, Marco and Tom snap her out of it. Marc revealing that being queen can also a great thing, as Star can make, change or break the rules, and rule her own kingdom with an iron first. ...or with kitty gloves, a cloud purse and a spiked choker. Either way, Star would make a great queen and make Mewni much more progressive.

This was a real nice episode. Seeing Tom again was exciting (even though his plan wasn't so exciting), and his fight against Marc was simply hilarious (yeah, yeah, he was cheating; but still). And seeing Star so sad made me sad...but her change of rebellion look looked kickass. (I honestly also thought Star would know that being queen could make your own rules for your kingdom.

If only...

--

And now...flip over for side B.



So...Marco's having dreams of what to do for his future. He wants to meet up with friends, date Jackie Lynn, and of course—upgrade from the green belt. I think we can relate to that. Not the green belt thing, cause damn. We all have dreams and aspirations in our young lives to be who we dream to be. So it's great to see this aspect of teenage life in this episode. For him to have the confidence and go get his red belt had me delighted, even if Sensei – had him do his chores at first.

And at first, I thought these scenes were of a Karate Kid, "Wax On, Wax Off", Use-the-chopsticks-to-catch-a-fly, Mr. Myagi-type thing. But then I thought "Maybe, they're not doing it so Marco will get his red belt. Maybe they're just doing it to mess with him, and he won't get it." Boy, was I happy to be wrong.
Then it's revealed that Sensei wouldn't give Marc his upgrade because...he never got his red belt either. And he still lives with his parents. And his bedroom is creepily similar to Marco's. After laughing and feeling creeped out a bit, I realize that even as an adult it can be very hard to choose what you want to do, and I felt really sad for him (well...after feeling sad at him).
This half was all over the place.
I felt:
-Happy for Marc getting his red belt,
-Sad for him getting brushed off at first,
-Amused at the "Clip On, Clip Off" practice
-Disgusted by the "Clip On, Clip Off" practice
Meanwhile,
-Sad for Sensei also not getting a red belt (at first)
-Amused at glimpse of his life; his 38-year-old ass looking more childish than 14-year-old Marco
-Disappointed in him for using a video tape
-Happy he got HIS red belt.
This half-episode gave Sensei some development as more than a smart, resourceful, well-taught karate instructor. He can also be pretty much Marco as an adult, but much more childish and dorky. And as weird as it is, it's really nice he got more dimension to his character.

Now that he finally has his red belt, I really didn't think the writers or producers would hold that character trait for very long. Then again, I forgot about the karate belt trait, since lots of other things have been on mind since the last time in Season 1 Marc wore his karate uniform. But this is a great progression of his character; as he is now at the top and kick ass even harder, better faster, stronger.
(Yep, from a great rap song.)

Random Thoughts:
--Seeing him take toenails, toilet water and flies to the eyes was disgusting as it was (a little) funny. But for a red belt, I guess it was definitely worth it.
--Huh. The fat guy is actually impossibly fit...and tall. That came out of left field. And for a guy like him, his karate skills are on point. I guess he watched that red belt tape. That would explain so much.
--When first watching this halfer, I didn’t care much for Star's sub-plot. I later realized halfway through while admiring Marc's subplot, that was that this was the point. Boy, am I a dick.
--While I'm not as good at karate, I still wish I could pop a wheelie like Sensei did.

Fave Moments:
--Marc's nightmare
--When both Marco and Sensei receive their red belts
--Their fight against the oddly physique-d but amazingly-fit video store proprietor.
--Sensei's popping wheelies.
--Sensei's Mom (she's so sweet)

Well, that's it for edition #2.
Tune in tomorrow for Episode 3--oh wait. I've already did that. In fact, this episode was glossed over for the following episodes because I missed the deadline and post date to post the next ones on the dates corresponding to their numbers. Sorry for that. Hope this will tide over any questions about it.

Also from now on--because episodes were originally aired out of order or one half a day, I'll air them as I usually do--two per review, according to production order. That's in case you're wondering why I'm reviewing them differently. ...or if you care.

See you tomorrow for my review of Episode 14...

See you then.

For now, I'm Andrew, saying
"Reach for the Star, and Keep Looking Up! ...at your [PC] screen"

Star vs. The Forces of Evil Review 2: Episode 13 -- "Bon Bon the Birthday Clown"

HOLY. MOTHER. OF. CHRIST.



I had no idea what to expect in this episode, and now I have some many more questions waiting to be answered.

But first, let's talk a bit about Bon-Bon himself.
He's such an adorable, lovable, happy-go-lucky clown. Too bad his luck ran out with some trick candles. Before he passed on, he promised he'll be back in 100 years.
Too bad he got the short end as the episode continued.

Star and Janna want to go to a seance to see Bon-Bon rise for the dead, while Marco wants to go to the school dance with Jackie Lynn. Things get hazy from there.

During the scene when Jackie and Marc met in their fanciest duds, my heart melted and teared up a bit. But (as my Jarco/Marckie side) as happy as I was to see them together for the dance (and later date, as Jackie wanted to blow the dance), I (as my Starco side) felt super sad for Star. And this happiness and sadness continued later on during (respectively) Jarco's date and Star and Janna's Bon-Bon seance.
Seeing Star use her powers to sneak a peek, and then make Jarco trip made my jaw drop. And when they kissed, my happy/sad emotions intensified (to the point I nearly had both a moment of ecstasy and an ulcer). And ain't no telling what Star would've felt had she watched a bit longer. I really felt heartbroken for our heart-cheeked heroine. She had just had feelings for our cool-as-a-cucumber co-hero, and now they're towards. Now I wonder what her feelings for Oskar Greason will be like going forward (what will be his reaction). Also, the Blood Moon shone for the first time since "Blood Moon Ball"; when I saw it, my eyes widened. Remember when the moonlight shined on Starco, it was like it was meant to be. And now, it seems like they may be the Official Couple. (I'm very happy; but I wouldn't hold out my breath if it doesn't last.)

When the seance seems to have worked...in comes Ludo. (may I curse here, please? Thank you.) Holy Shit. (I know when I saw his rat army, it had to be him, but still...) His surprise return to Earth was really that, and the ensuing fight with Star has to their best yet. It was heavy, it was intense, it was eye-opening; and--thanks to peeking at Jarco's night out, it was emotional.
Then when Star was close to ending up in the void, I was clenching my teeth to point of almost breaking them. When Marco, Jackie and Janna saved her, he picked her up, asked if she was okay...and then quickly moves over to Jackie Lynn.
That face she made will make almost anyone vulnerable. Half as vulnerable as she was.

I never realized I had so many feel from a show of any kind in a long time, and this episode unleashed them for me. And I say this considering the fact that we were supposed to be looking forward to the rising return of Bon-Bon the Birthday Clown. I mean his name was the title of the episode, and he was supposed to be the first thing to look out for. But because of the forming love triangle, the resulting feels, Glossaryck's shade-y mouth, Janna's craftiness and the return of Ludo, all of that pushed Bon-Bon to the end of the list, just like the fight pushed him to the void. Damn. I feel so guilty.

Random Thoughts:
--Principal Skeeves and Miss Skulltroll--uhh, Skullnick return briefly during the dance scene. Nice to see them again. Oh and, don't dance close, cause Miss Skull won't have it.
--Recognize that piece of music playing while Marc is sulking with tortilla chips in "Blood Moon Ball"? It's played here as well during his grooming session, and someone else is sulking. (By the way, I need to try out that deodorant phrase he said).
--Since Janna is featured more, I can't wait for more stalking and breaking into people'
s things. seems perfect as the group's safe cracking member.
--There are comments in the fan page saying that Marco was more positive to Star's outfit for a dance than he was for Jackie's. Really throws me for a loop.
--This episode was a real ship-fest. But I feel this was a troll's work by the writer's staff to screw over both ship-bases to focus on the story. If so, then...well done, writers. You sure schemed a good twist of the knife. Now please, on behalf of us all...stop.

Fave Moments:
Hard to say which ones over others, so the whole episode

Oh yeah, and because Ludo now has Star's spell book (to her painful sadness) and him in his possession, Glossaryck has now gone to the dark side. HOLY. FUCK.

This episode left me so emotional and conflicted, that I'm gonna stop the review-a-day stunt for now. I know, I wanted to review Star. vs. Season 2 every day during the month of July, but getting these reviews done and posted at the very end of the day took some strength out of me. It's the hardest working I've been in a long while, and I've been wasting the time barely getting them done and posting them. And since this episode was the winter finale, it seems like the right time. So starting next week or so, I'll review the last nine episodes in sequence, just like I've been posting them across this month (and just so you know, episodes 1 (already posted) & 2 (not posted yet) will be in the list as well. Thank ypu for your understanding.

And to end it here, thank you all for joining me here. Special shout-out to the SvtFoE Wikia page for everything here. Much appreciated.

I hope you guys join next week for the next nine Reviews of the last nine (or ten) episodes of Star vs. The Forces of Evil Season Two. Hopefully, those reviews aren't as mind-numbing messes.

For now, This is Andrew, saying
"Reach for the Star, and Keep Looking Up! ...at your [whatever is your] screen."

Star vs. The Forces of Evil Review 2: Episode 12 -- "Page Turner / Naysaya"

Hello, friends. Star vs. Review time!

Let's kick it off with an episode with our favorite 500+-year-old magic-spell-book genie with no shortage of shade and smarmy and a shortage of robe covering too little, Glossaryck. It's

Episode 12a - "Page Turner"
Our good pal Glossy's going to a major appointment.
I was ready to dismiss it as filler with a character either not a lot of people like or lots of people like in small doses. (I'm in the latter camp.)
But then, it surprised me in being really good towards the end. Glossy gave some important info,  he gave a big speech in which he'll do his job his way (he sure did by breaking the), we got a nice fight scene with kicking major butt against one of the members of the HMC, and a big glimpse of: Toffee, some corn (definitely involving Ludo), Queen Moon showed up and showed worry in her daughter,,

Glossaryck has shown to be a more better character than ever before, and it's given him much more respect from me.

Star's subplot was fine. Aside from her doing what Glossaryck told her not to do, she learned a major spell by having Marc do it for her. And seeing Marco perform the spell was...well, you know. (ba-dum-TISS)

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a lot to look out for later on. And it's thanks to this really good episode based around a character we're mixed about.


Random Thoughts:
--That Sean character definitely looks like he should be on Happy Tree Friends. He was pretty charming though; must be the voice.
--Marco has his first chest hair. Whoo-hoo
--

--

Fave Moments:
--Glossy's Ascent into the Top Floor
--Glossy's Fight Against Lekmet (and handing him his ass0
--Glossy's "I Do Things My Way" Speech
--Marco's Learning a Spell Successfully

--

And now from one surprisingly good episode to another.

Episode 12b - "Naysaya"

Marco wants to ask out Jackie Lynn, but a magical vestigial twin called Naysaya has been ruining his plan by openly blurting out his most embarrassing personal secrets and tics. Thanks to a dick move by Tom after "Blood Moon Ball" (and before they got on equal footing), Marc now has to get used to (for now) .

Now, we all have some tics and secrets we find embarrassing. I have several believe it or not. And in any sense, we keep them secret at all costs. And there's always that one time it's spilled by someone we know. So I guess this is relate-able in that sense. Especially when there's a girl or guy you like that you want to take out; those can be very hard.

Naysaya  is very campy, very funny character--even though his purpose was to slip out Marc's insecurities. His demeanor is akin to a mean high school girl, and his delivery akin to Stewie Griffin circa after he became gay (yes, the one-year-old). But it was still entertaining to watch. Even when he ate cereal for the first time, gross as it was, it was still funny.

Seeing Marco fight Naysaya's urges to reach Jackie Lynn by revealing his embarrassing secrets was sweet and humbling. He really likes Jackie and really wants to take her out, so his determination was top-notch (and seeing Star [whom may still have that crush on him] and Janna [whom may still be stalking him] cheering him.

And so, Marco finally gets a date with Jackie and we go

This was a real good episode. I enjoyed a lot more than "Page Turner" (in the fact that I didn't hate it at first, THEN love it). It was much funnier to me, and had a plot I could relate to (in that we all have insecurities and secrets we need to be gone, not that most of us have a magical vestigial twin that reveals such insecurities and secrets like a more female Wendy Williams), and also has a satisfying ending (for both casual fans and especially Jarco/Mackie shippers--me included...at the moment).

This was a fine episode overall. Very entertaining throughout, some good character development here and there, and some more exciting plot build-up more of this season.

Thanks again for popping in.
I'll be back tomorrow with my thoughts on Episode 13, and the first half-hour episode of Season 2:
"Bon-Bon the Birthday Clown".

See you then!

I'm Andrew, saying
"Reach for the Star, and {like Glossy reaching the top of the Bureaucracy} Keep Looking Up! ...at your [tablet] screen."

TT is for Toony Tuesday Twenty17: F is for Family -- S2 is for Season Two

WARNING: This review contains major spoilers. Please do not read if you haven’t watched even half of this season yet. If you do and you complain to me, I will find you, grab you and put you through that f*ckin’ wall! (okay, not really. ...maybe.)



When I began watching this series, I was irritated...and then surprised. I actually enjoyed this show. At times very raunchy and really funny, at times very moving and VERY heartbreaking.
Since watching Season One in January 2016, I’ve become a fan. And even though I can breeze through the whole thing a lot, the fact that I had to wait about a full 18 months for the next season annoyed me so much, I wanted to put myself through a f*ckin’ wall.

And now, finally, it’s back for another season. And I’m pleased.
What it turned out to be is another story.

It’s F is for Family - Season Two.

There were a few storylines in this season that interested me the most:
--After losing his job on Christmas Eve night, our foul-mouthed, short-fused, but loving and caring(ish?) protagonist Frank is down and out -- depressed, hurt beyond all belief and pretty much close to an invalid, especially after seeing a commercial for his former employer Mohican Airways. But after being replaced in his former position by Roger Dunbarton’s mentally insane nephew Scoop, his ex co-workers want him back, even Bob Pogo--whom I thought his super-fat ass would freeze to death at the end of last season. Well, after losing weight from his camel hump full of leftovers. Oh well. Fortunately, Frank gets his buds to talk to him again.
--Sue is now a high-seller at Plast-a-ware. But because she packs products to herself and sends them to crazy hostile annoying people...and she hates it. Then she creates a new device to dry wet salad, like the salad spinner. (In fact, it's literally the salad spinner.) And her friend Vivian gives her what could be something to change her and family's lives forever: a meeting with the company's founder. And it all goes bad from here.
This storyline highlights the real-life problem of sexual harassment in the workplace. It was at times funny, and at times heart-wrenching to see our favorite housewife turned courageous businesswoman break down from the shitstorms of her chauvinistic male co-workers. Then there's a hope spot for her but I'll get to that later on.
--Bill is just a shy, timid little boy, thrust into the world only to be beaten, embarrassed, humiliated, heartbroken and traumatized by it with things he really didn't need to see. He tries his best to grow a spine, but it never works for him. And in this season, it gets worse. He's still a laughingstock and a magnet for bullying and getting hurt. He's still Jimmy Fitzsimmons’ main target and is mocked by other characters. Nothing goes his way.
--Vic has a new girlfriend named Cutie Pie. At first all is great, until it’s revealed she’s sleeping around with everyone behind Vic’s back. And it gets worse from there.

There are also some story-lines I didn't care as much for.
--Kevin is still dumb smartass. After having enough of trying in school, sharing a room with Bill and putting up with Frank (despite him trying to help), he moves into the basement to start a music career. While funny at times, he can be a dick to people who really don't deserve it, especially Bill. (I honestly couldn't stand this one the most)
--Then there's Ginny, an annoying cunt of a woman who whines her tits off about why her life/marriage is crap or why people won’t be around her. then, her story gets more interesting when we meet her husband Greg, who is gay. Ginny won't accept this, and wants him to stay with her...by (unintentionally) emotionally abusing him. This was a harsh (but entertaining) take on homosexuality in the 20th century. I really couldn't care for this bitch from the moment we first met her (and since she was supposed to be disliked, that's quite an achievement). But since this story-line ended, I couldn't stand this cunt even more, and I felt super sorry for Greg. I wish they’d divorce so Greg can finally be free, and we’d never see Ginny’s irritating flat ass anymore.

There are a few pieces of foreshadowing early on this season that I picked up on right away.
-Frank and Sue are conflicted. Frank wants to have sex, and Sue doesn't. Because of their newfound poverty and risk of raising their family on one income (Sue’s), they can't risk boning. I guessed they were gonna have another child. I was proven right (seemingly) halfway through, and when Frank grabs some condoms that turned out to be the same ones his new boss Smokey pops randomly for shits and giggles (1, 2, 3, BABY!).
-When I first saw Bill almost about to get hit by a car, I knew someone was gonna get hit. I didn't expect it to be Bill’s bully Jimmy Fitzsimmons though. Since I don't like or care for him, I smiled my ass off. Also, him going off to military school made me smile my ass off. Too bad it didn't last, because we--Bill can't have nice things. (Although, I do feel sad for him now; he didn't steal the hockey puck and didn't deserve to go to military school either).

Also, these characters go through major changes and consequences this season:
-Bill becomes more aggressive and harsh as a result of everyone everyone treating him horribly...and (of course) it blows up in his face when he loses his only friend Phillip for a while, gets in more trouble and ends up having his bully run over. He does gain Jimmy’s respect and the affection of his sister at the end, so all may be pretty well for the character based on the creator.
-Kevin has sex with Vic’s girlfriend Cutie Pie, causing him to suffer psychological issues that come from this. While a male teenager may think it’s seemingly cool for him to sleep with a hot older woman, at most times it's statutory rape--which cause problems for both parties involved. And no telling when the significant other finds out. Oh wait…
-Vic is a very nice neighbor and cool, laid-back dude who'll go out of his way to help you out. Unfortunately, he's also into the grass and blow, which leads him to losing his job his former format-changing local radio station. And if that wasn't enough, after he learns that Kevin had sex with his girl (from an extremely guilty Kevin himself via a 30-minute-long admission song), he snaps and shoots up his own house (fortunately no one was hurt). Fortunately, things seemingly cool down (in Vic’s case, literally, as he freezes later on).

When this season ended, it felt like things wrapped up, but not all the way.
-Frank and Sue are about to safe bang, but we’re gonna get another little Murphy out of it (...probably). Bill has his friend Phillip back, and some newfound respect with Jimmy Fitzsimmons (plus he [and we] get some deserved payback at Maureen), but nothing still goes good for him. At least he gets a girl’s likeness out of it. Kevin and Vic may be on good terms, but we don’t know what’s next.
It is obvious that some new storylines are coming out of this, and when I left the finale, I wasn’t all the way enjoying it like I did the first season. That season closed with open intent, and I'm left wondering what our favorite far-out family will forgo in season three. It's not gonna get better that's for sure, and if anything I might actually cry from a few moments of the next group of episodes. But I know something: A lot of swearing, some shockingly random and crude moments to fry your brain, and some heavy hitting moments to make your heart hurt and warm (some simultaneously).

I love this show, and I can't wait for what Bill Burr and the rest of the staff have for us in Season 3 next year.


Fave Characters:
Frank - his depressed state after losing his job was a powerful thing to see; so much so that getting a new job--and then a plan to get his old job back--really makes you excited for him.
Sue - her determination to get a job succeeded last time. But her determination to keep the job while dealing with sexist assholes for co-workers and her old-fashioned husband was the real challenge. To see her break down from the pressure and climb up to create the Salad Spinner (although later losing the credit) felt cathartic and redeeming (if only for a while).
-Vic - Still one of my favorite characters, I expected to end up off the deep end for taking his love of coke to the extreme. I just didn't see him getting fired from his job coming.
-Bill - He’s still getting screwed over and being called a pussy. But you can't help but root for him for trying grow a spine.
-Rosie - Still another of my favorite characters, he gets his likeness by becoming friends with Frank again and helping him out in the job department by referring him to his friend Smokey, who gives Frank a job with his delivery service. And then for the plan to explode.



Random Thoughts:
-Cutie Pie should count her blessings she wasn’t shot. If I found my woman cheating on me...well, I still wouldn’t shoot her. But I’d look like I did to scare her. Then I’d kick her out.
-Dunbarton (or should I write, Dumbarton) got what he deserve when he died via a sharp tray to his neck, thanks to dumb borderline invalid Scoop stepping on a bomb and getting blown to bits (well, halfway).
-I would feel sorry for Kevin for sleeping with Vic’s girl (in Vic’s house)... not really.
-I wouldn’t be surprised if Sue (with Vivian) and Henrietta von (Not-a-Mister-Rogers-character) Home come to blows if the lawsuit goes nowhere.
-Whatever crap I got as a kid, I should count my blessings. I'm ever so lucky I'm not like Bill.

Since season 1 was six episodes, it was obvious not a lot of character development and wiggle room to expand was to be found. Since this season nearly doubles the episode count, we get that expansion and some damn good development.

-Frank is less loud at times, and shows more of his love for his kids. He gets a new job with Rosie's friend Smokey, and takes
-Sue moves on up in her employment, and is ruined by sexual. She then creates the idea for a kitchen appliance like the Salad Spinner.
-Kevin goes through some traumatic moments this season. He fell into a frozen river (based on an incident in which he almost drowned in a motel swimming when he was a child),
-Bill is much more aggressive and jerky, to the point where he;s more of a bully to his friend Phillip. This change would later lose his friend (fortunately, he gets Phillip back and gains cool points with his bully Jimmy and cute points with Jimmy's sister.)
-Maureen shows more interest in decidedly less girly activities than last season, showing herself as more of a tomboy. If she wasn't wearing a skirt all the time, I'd see it more and more.
-Vic is still one cool dude and a very nice neighbor and friend, but after his radio station changes formats--and his girlfriend Cutie Pie changes lovers, he gets the short end (and no, not his dick) and finally shows negative emotion and snaps. Fortunately, it doesn't last long.
-Vivian isn't as plastic and vapid as she was in S1, and does show care and compassion for Sue when she jumps up to corporate. And she's a great friend when Sue's Salad Spinner is stolen by the founder Henrietta von (not Pussycat) Horne.


This was a super groovy season. The strengths were picked up, the weaknesses were mostly removed, and some great development. Like Season One, I highly recommend it. It's funny, sad and humbling. Another must watch for Netflix.

Star vs. The Forces of Evil Review 2: Episode 11 -- "Into the Wand / Pizza Thing"

Hello. Welcome back.

Wow, this episode sent me both chills...and pissed-ivity.

Let’s start this Review with the one that gave me so many chills and more questions than answers…

Episode 11a - "Into the Wand"
This episode starts off with Star’s wand suffering from a power drainage; her Narwhal Blasts are weak with disgusting narwhals. Glossaryck reveals that Star’s wand is an extension of her memory, and the plan to fix the wand is to go inside it and remove what doesn’t belong. This kicks off a very tense, drama-filled and awesome plot.

We sat and watched our heroine travel into her wand--and memory-- to find item that doesn’t belong. After many clues tied to Marco and her parents--the King and Queen, Star finds the item in the “Grandma room”, which also revealed some information about Star’s
The plot also gets complex as past versions of Star appear with the reveal that her stay in the wand would overwrite her memories and existence.

The dark animation and haunting music made things perfectly tense and made the build up to the big moment was organic and well-done. The reveal itself almost took my breath away. To see the rest of Toffee (his finger) along with a quilted animation of him in a tapestry left me shook. I knew I’d see him again (to my constant excitement), but they way they brought him back still stunned me.

This half-episode left me with so many questions and feels.
One of them: Since Ludo has half of Star’s wand’s power (and his wand [aka Skelbowtor {to me}] is based from Toffee’s arm...and talks to him, could Toffee be corrupting both wands and influencing both characters in different ways? Probably.

It was also revealed that one of Star’s grandmothers had a romantic relationship with a monster. This proves that her family lineage from her mom (name revealed to be Moon) is part monster. Wow. And since Toffee seems to be involved, this gets even more shocking.
I’m both excited AND afraid to see where it all goes from here.

Fave Moments:
--Star going on the journey.
--When Star learns that the thing that doesn’t belong...is Toffee’s severed finger (her and the later versions of her’s reactions too)
--Star Narwhal Blast-ing Marco (only because her wand works again).
--Glossaryck revealing a tapestry in the making for Star. (Yep, Star will be joining her mom and grandmas in the Grandma Room with her own tapestry.
--When Star throws Toffee's finger in her closet. (I don't know yet what will happen from there, but I have a feeling that either Toffee will return with a vengeance with the finger coming to him, or the finger will be the place to start a new Toffee. Either way, I'm teething.

I love this episode, and definitely one of my favorites this season.


This last half-episode on the other hand kinda pissed me off.

Marco and Pony Head were supposed to go to Emilio's Pizza to pick up a pie so they--and Star--can watch a telenovela. But the easy task gets sidelined for other stuff.

Where do I begin??
This plot served to explore the vitiolic relationship of of Marco and Pony Head. The problem is they weren’t like this before. Marco was way too harsh and Pony Head just takes it. They argue--well Marco yells while Pony Head responds;
they end up wearing skinny jeans--actually one of them had a pair tied to her neck;
they had a $650 ride from a ;
they watch a car get compacted (well, it does go back to its fat owner later, so not all a loss).
All of this was just pointless.
And when they finally reached Emilio’s Pizza, I was about close to breaking stuff. They had their pizza, but Marco’s perfectionist nature ruined it by (somehow) counting 99 mushrooms, instead of the 100 he wanted. Because of this, Emilio himself lost all confidence in making pizza and quits the business. (Why did you speak up??)
It took for a little boy to tell them how pizza brings people together (one of the few favorite moments of the halfer) for them to make their own people (which if he didn’t pay already, they just stole) and this one ended with a bad taste in my mouth like the bad taste of the pizza in Star’s.

There are some ways to explore Marco and Pony Head’s relationship and get them to be friends, but this shouldn’t be one of them.

The first time they met made more sense, because Pony Head was jealous of Starco’s new friendship, and wanted to stop it. It made sense because they just met then.

Random Thoughts:
--Wait, $650 sounds like the same amount Marco blew on merchandise at Goblin Dogs, and didn’t want it back on principle. Idiot. There’s no way he’d spend it on a ride in a dump--

Idiot.
--If you can’t make your own pizza, just TAKE THE OLD ONE OUT THE TRASH AND PUT IN ONE MORE MUSHROOM!!! (Yes, gross, and Marco is something of a clean freak; but what would you have done??)
--After that pizza speech, I think that little boy could make a great motivational speaker.
--I’m starting to miss Star being a focus in these episodes. Here I am thinking the less Star the better.But that’s so unfair, as she has gotten some better plots and has improved as a character. So I think I’ll cut off on being annoyed at her (sure, you don’t notice it, but it's there).

--This is how I act when I'm out of cereal.

Fave Moments:
When the little boy gave his speech about pizza.

This halfer was all over the place, but it did get Marco and Pony Head on a better understanding. Eeuch.
"Into the Wand" was much better than "Pizza Thing", and that's where I'm ending it.

That's it foe--for this edition of Star vs. The Forces of Evil Review.

I'll be back tomorrow to review Episode 12,
"Page Turner" and "Naysaya".

I'm Andrew...and thank God you're not.
"Reach for the Star, and Keep Looking Up! ...at your [TV] screen."

Star vs. The Forces of Evil Review 2: Episode 10 -- "Friendenemies / Is Mystery"

Willkommen, Stargazers!

Schön dich zu sehen
(Good to see you).



TOM IS BACK!!
And he wants to be friends...with MARCO??

Marc is understandably not delighted about it. But he does go when Tom snaps up tickets for a movie marathon starring Jackie Hand, an old, long-dead action star Marco adores. I was both suspicious and excited (you know, as you are). But with a episode between two people we love, a show is going to be done. And boy did we get a show.

This episode was awesome.
For a moment, we saw Marco and Tom actually having some things in common. And for that long moment, you never noticed Tom’s true intentions--that this was all a ruse to gain a badge from an anger management group to become a nicer, less angrier demon...person, and that for once he was that new person. (But you did still have those feelings throughout, right?) So, yeah, you had to feel sorry for Dear Marc after being so deceived. And who could blame you? You had the right not to trust Tom, thinking he'd (Tom) take him (Marco) to his (still Marco) doom. But it was nice to see ten sweet solid minutes of Tomco.

Also, Star wouldn't agree to this. Remember when she agreed to go with Tom to the Blood Moon Ball in "the eponymous episode"? She had her suspicions at first (and Marc definitely had his all the way), but she did go because she trusted him as a better guy. (Then again, he did tell him about his life coach Brian [who does also return here; and I'll gleefully get to him in a moment] to prove he's changed, so there's that.) She wouldn't accept this because he did blow up at Marco and almost killed him, so down go his "changed man" plan and her trust in him.

But then again, I supremely enjoyed what came out of this. The two unlikely friendenemies (title drop) did have fun, they enjoyed some boy band music, ate some good cereal, and rode a white tiger. I don't know about you, but that is a majestic way to have major fun. And I couldn't get enough of all of it.

Then came the moment when it all was a ruse. Tom wanted to be friends with him for the day just to get a badge celebrating a major milestone of being a good, calm person...demon. My heart broke for Marco, seeing as he's been deceived by someone whom deceived someone he liked (you know who). He really felt hurt, and you can hear it in his (actor's) voice. seriously, I almost cried from that. Heck, even for a moment, I wanted Tom to be a better person and achieve this milestone, because I actually like him! (Just 4 more minutes with him and it'll still be on time.) And because of that I actually had difficulty feeling the most sorry for one over the other; both had a reason to feel like crud for himself and at the other. But Marco had a more reasonable reason to be pissed at Tom.

Other than that, it's good to see, despite them still hating each other, that Marc and Tom have some middle ground between them.

Random Thoughts:
--Marco’s reaction to not getting “Mackie Hand” Festival tickets is me when I can’t get something I’d want online. Replace time too late with not enough money (...if at all). Hitting my head with the screen is less than optional.
--When Star said “hammer”, it reminded me of that time she needed a hammer. It was the same episode Marco and Tom played to-the-death Ping-Pong. (I don’t know why; I didn’t like that plot.)
--I actually tried cereal and soda once. It wasn’t bad. ...Unhealthy, but not bad.
--When the show releases a Love Sentence compilation set, I’mma cop that almost immediately.
--Star wasn’t the focus of the episode. ...Good. (I’m just kidding. Lol ...or am I?)

Fave Moments:
I’d say the whole episode, but would be cheating.
So here are several of them.
--When Tom appeared again
--When Tomco actually have fun together
--When Marco challenged the two Hall & Oates cosplayers to a race (and their smiling faces equivalent to flipping the bird when they get their wrists slapped).
--When Brian returned as Tom’s white tiger (you don’t know how much I love this guy)
--When Marc kicked down the bolted hearse door. (If that doesn’t show you how pissed he was and how awesome he is at karate, nothing would (...yet).
--When Marco and Tom sang together. Great googly-moogly, it was magic. I didn’t expect it, but it was glorious. When I tell you that when Marco himself Adam McArthur and Shawn freakin Hunter himself Rider Strong can sing, my goodness, they can siiiiiiing. I even sang along (even if I had literally no idea what the lyrics were in the first place. They were that good!
--When Tom brought Mackie Hand back from the dead.

I LOOOOOOOOVE this episode. And I’d replay it many times and I’d won’t get annoyed. Sooo many feels about it and I can't explain them all! You know what? I think I’m a Tomco fan now. Sounds about right.

--


Thanks for being here, Stargazers!

Sorry for one episode, I couldn't do both I was too busy today with other things. I'll finish with "Is Mystery" tomorrow.

Also,
I’ll be back tomorrow with Episode 11:
"Into the Wand" and "Future Thing"

Can’t wait to see what I’ll say about that.
Just as much as I’m sure you can wait.

Also, a reminder:
The 2-hour TV movie “The Battle for Mewni” airs this Saturday. Of course, I’ll be watching, and I’ll reviewing it. Not sure if I’ll be posting a review between this Season 2 marathon or at the end since this is between 2 and the upcoming Season 3. I’ll let you know.

Until then, And I’m Andrew, saying
“Reach for the Star, and ♪ And I knew right from the start ♪
♪ Nothing could tear us apart ♪
Keep Looking Up! ...at your [DVR].”

Star vs. The Forces of Evil Review 2: Episode 9 -- "Sleepover / Gift of the Card"

Hello, friends.

I am grateful for your continued presence on this segment. It means so much to see you spending time with--
STAR HAS A CRUSH ON MARCO!!!
I repeat…
sTaR hAs A cRuSh On MaRcO!!!

*hyperventilating*

I’m sorry, I gotta go through the half-episode first.
Let’s begin this review with...


At first, I was going to enjoy at best the titular sleepover storyline. Some nice little laughs (especially at StarFan13 shoving and chomping down the brownies) and some humbling moments. But the “Truth or Punishments” game took interesting, exciting and entertaining up a notch. Seeing all these truths revealed (the girls' dislike of Star's brownies, their true crushes--Marco's especially) rocked me a bit, but that ending was like WO.

Speaking of true crushes, I expected the most surprising to be Marco, but since his crush has always been Jackie Lynn (it was one of my possibilities tho), I did not expect the liar to be Star, since we knew at this point her crush was Oskar Greason. And her successful plan to destroy the ToP toy by flipping things around muddled things. So at this point, this was even more surprising. As much as I want Starco to from “Starco” to “STARCO” as the next guy, I want to see the two continue their crushes on Jackie Lynn and Oskar respectively before they realize their like for one another.

Another thing I did not expect was Janna’s favorite color being pink. That was the big shocker for a while.

I loved this one. This was a great way to watch Marco finally open up his crush of Jackie Lynn to Jackie Lynn and the rest of the girls. And seeing JL herself smile at that makes me happy, because the boy she knows and likes as a friend finds her more than that, and she definitely is a great character to watch (with and without Starco around).

I'm also excited to see the other girls again too:
Loud but opinionated Pony Head
Sweet but scary Janna, and
Bright and manic, but lovable StarFan13.
They certainly helped make this episode entertaining, and gave the ToP plot more weight and purpose.

This once was entertaining and memorable. Just like this next halfer.

--



For the first time this season since the two-part “St. Olga’s Reform School for Wayward Princesses”, Miss Heinous (the former headmistress of the titular reformatory) returns in a new setting with henchman Gemini. They are not moving on after Starco ruined her job after they (and Pony Head) stopped the process of turning free-flowing, creative (and rambunctious) princesses into dull, quiet, obedient future leaders of the throne.
Seeing her again made me smile (and cringe). Her actions back then (and now) are devious, but entertaining. I missed her and Gemini.

At first I thought Rasticore was Toffee reborn. But sadly, he isn’t. But he still was awesome. Like Toffee, he’s crafty and menacing. Unlike Toffee, he’s bloodthirsty Starco sees him towards the end of his debut episode. And he’s also hilarious. His tries to start his Interdimensional Scissors (which is a CHAINSAW, by the way. Truly b@dass--like, Bruce Campbell b@dass) and his grumbles while looking for Starco might make him look like a messy, uncoordinated villain minion (much like Ludo’s season one henchmen), but don’t let that fool you; he’s truly scary. I think he’s one of my favorite villains so far in this series; he’s up there with Season 2 Ludo, Ms. Heinous and (especially) Toffee.

And as for Miss Heinous, it seems she hasn’t got over Starco’s saving the other princesses from lives of monotony and order at St. O’s and wants revenge. Her first attempt has failed, but it did set into motion a bigger plan for the desolation of Starco. I cannot be any more excited of seeing that.

Random Thoughts:
--Janna somehow got into Marco’s wallet...and then broke into his new one. Is Janna is, like, stalking Marco?
--Hold on. Janna had Marco’s old wallet in her hand in one frame, and then Marc himself had it in his pocket in another. Talk about an error.
--Sucks that Rasticore didn’t last. But since he has his arm still...like Toffee, I have a feeling he’ll come back in one piece (after the time of many of them)...just like Toffee will.
--This episode reveals Star and Marco have been friends for six months. Felt more like two years.
--This episode was kinda like Supermarket Sweep but kinda like “by-the-death”.
==
Fave Moments:
--When Rasti appears
--When Rasti tries to start his IDS
--Janna breaking into Marco’s wallet...for no reason
--Gemini being his orderly yet dippy self
==
Fave Lines:
--”"Billie's Ballet Shoe Emporium. Our discounts are on pointe."” -Janna
--”Can't a guy get any privacy?” -Marco
“Noooope.” -Star
-(And this is why I don’t date a lot.
=
Marco [sighs] “Okay. Fine. Just, uh, nothing in this section.”
Chicken in a bottle “Good, 'cause I don't like you either.”
Marco “I see why you're on sale.”
-(the shade is strong in this one)
=
Star “See anything you like, Marco?”
Marco “No.”
Card “Nine minutes until expiration.”
Star “What about gourmet hair gel?”
Marco “No.”
Card “8.5 minutes until expiration.”
Marco “Who designed this card⁈”
=
--”This is all my fault. I should've let you know there was an expiration date. [sobs] And I wasn't being lazy when I bought that thing, I promise. I genuinely thought you would love to pick out what you wanted.” -Star (Aww. Finally. Star genuinely admitting what she did was wrong, and she wants to try to fix everything. Again. That’s great.)

This was a great episode overall.
I enjoyed everything about it. The funny moments, the moments of drama and tension, the moments I’ll remember more than tomorrow, the development that makes me smile and tear up and the characters I can’t wait to see again later on this season.
This episode is truly one of my favorites right now. I can’t make it any clearer from that.

Thank you joining me once again. Sorry for the late posting, I was so busy doing other things for this week. Namely more of the Star vs. 2 Reviews and what’s on Toony Tuesday.

See you tomorrow when I review episode 10. Hopefully, it’s much earlier.

I’m Andrew, and
STAR HAS A CRUSH ON MAAAAAARRRRCOOOOO!!!!

*ahem* sorry. ... and “Reach for the Star, and Keep Looking Up! ...at your [computer] screen”.

Star vs. The Forces of Evil Review 2: Episode 8 -- "Game of Flags / Girls Day Out"

Hi, Stargazers!

Another day, another episode, another review.

Let’s kick off with…
Episode 8a -- "Game of Flags"

This episode introduces us to the extension of the royal Butterfly family. The two sides of Star’s family tree have come together for a reunion.
The maternal Butterfly family are prim and proper, well-mannered and erudite.
The paternal Johansen are loud, obnoxious, sloppy and irritating.
Together, they’re celebrating their reunion by playing a game called Flags. It’s much like “King of the Hill” on Earth (and no, not the animated series; although it would be a fun game to mimic selling propane, ride lawnmowers, get used to an annoying self-absorbed wife and shout “HU-AHHH!” on occasion.)

The Flags game itself was very entertaining. Seeing the Butterfly’s and Johansens clash (especially after watching them in their natural habitats) was a must-see. Star taking part was also entertaining for two reasons:
1) She plays to win in her own way (even if she disobeyed her mom), and
2) she wanted everyone to win so they won’t continue fighting each other.
Seeing everyone go medieval on each other (oh duh.) Was both funny and painful. Painful cause it hurts to see everyone hurt each other for the winning bragging rights.
Funny cause their reactions.

Marco was also great here: He was surely quick on his feet (that’s the talent of a red belt karate master! “Chiii-op!”) and was kind to save the life of Star’s uncle Heartrude’s butler. Sure, the game of Flags is pretty much “all for one / go big or go home“ and people will suffer, but what he did was still nice.

When Queen Butterfly revealed her magic powers to save her daughter (most definitely thanks to Mewberty), it stopped me dead in my tracks. It was a beautiful sight, and made me happy to see her get rough for once. (I should also note, as someone said at the SvtFoE Wikia page said, since the King did take the Queen’s last name in their marriage, the is the more powerful of the two [as in wears the pants in the relationship]. Seeing how River acts the way he does in the past couple episodes, that makes so much sense now.)

Seeing her scold Star was also cathartic. I’m getting real tired of Star doing what she wants, and see her get taken down a peg to be more responsible (even if this time it was Marc who convinced her to be more compassionate) was refreshing.

Random Thoughts:
--Heartrude? Weird name. Well, he’s rice and prim, so that explains a lot.
--Manifred is one bad@ss announcer. His word usage, mannerisms and faces make him an entertaining and gansta narrator. I wish someone was like him to announce a sport in real life. I’d instantly watch.
--How Starco got a second pair of clothes for their corn dummies is beyond me. Toon logic at its best.
--There needs to be a limelight episode based on the Butterfly and Johansen families. (If there is one already made, lemme know. I’ll watch that immediately.)

Fave Lines:
Everything Manifred said (that ish gave me LIFE).
--

Fave Moments:
--The Corn Mashing
--The Corn Spitting
--The Flags Game
--Star's Performance
--Queen's Mewberty powers (Yass Queen)


Loved this one. Very entertaining throughout,
nice development toward conclusion
and really humbling in the end.

--

Now to an episode I didn’t care for as much…
Episode 8b -- "Girls Day Out"

I’m very happy Ms. Skullnick and Janna are back, and it’s great that they got some major screen-time here. Too bad it’s for a plot I wasn’t here for.

Star was still her reckless delinquent self, and that annoyed me. I get it--class is boring. Not good enough to help a well-aware hamster escape--wait what??

The other characters were really funny. Especially Ingrid--cute little highly morbid chick.

Marco’s subplot wasn’t memorable.

Oskar made a wave in this halfer, giving me a bit of joy to wade though.

Anyway, this was an okay episode. But not something I’d watch again.

This was an alright episode overall. Loved “Game of Flags” but didn’t love “Girls’ Day Out”. Hopefully the next episode will be better all the way. Here’s to hopin’. See you tomorrow (or the next day, depending on what I'm doing) when I review Episode 9...

Thanks for being here. I’m Andrew, and as always…
“Reach for the Star, and Keep Looking Up! ...at your [cell phone] screen”

Star vs. The Forces of Evil Review 2: Episode 7 -- "Goblin Dogs / By the Book"

¡Hola, astrónomos!

¿Como estas hoy?

Hope your day was good. Cause I'm here to help make it a little better (or less so, depending on how you like this review, or tolerate my opinion and jokes).

So let's empezar with...


Ehh...
I wasn’t here for this episode (at least at first. It did have some funny moments, but it was mostly boring. (And yes, it mostly took place at an unidentified place in a line. Get of my chiz.)

It was great to see Pony Head again (yeah, I actually missed her...and her irritating-at-times voice and obnoxiously distracting star-pupil eyes). But she’s changed. She’s more buddy-buddy with Marco, and they do share some lines that are absolutely the opposite of their dialogue in “Party with a Pony”. Also, Kelly is a lovely character (even if most of the time, she was quiet and under all that hair).

I honestly thought the Goblin Dog story would follow other sitcom/animated series in using the same trope where the item of food the main characters waited so long and fought so hard for doesn’t taste as great as they thought. (“Every Meat Burritos” from Regular Show definitely comes to mind.) Then it’s revealed that they had to fight the guy, have the guy admit to it being a secret rite of passage, and then give them the dogs they later (after a few seconds) like. I...uhh...well, I liked this switch-up (and I don’t). I’m happy we have something the characters love and finally have something that came up to the expectations. And I’m sad that I had to wait all that time to notice this.

Random Thoughts:
--The Koala character is something. She’s like Princess Azula meets Lola. Or...just Lola--depending on your view. The fact that she’s voiced by Grey DeLisle Griffin doesn’t hurt (or does it??)
--Roy is voiced by guest star Jerry Trainor (formerly of Nickelodeon’s iCarly and TUFF Puppy). I didn’t notice it was him at first because he wasn’t hammy as f**k like he was in that episode of Bunsen is a Beast. Then again, I didn’t notice it was him there either, despite the yelling. That’s because I haven’t heard that voice in years. A voice a mother could love.
--Apparently, the Goblin Dog is like a quick acid trip. No wonder people wait in lines for them.
--Oh Marco, kind, sweet soul. I’d rather take the money. $600 for hot dog merch?? And you WON”T take it back??? C’mon, bro.
--Since there was a guy on top of Kelly...I’m led to assume he’s just sitting on her for some weird (and wild) custom wherever they’re from.
--The microwave (and the ding) bring back so many memories at the local 7-Eleven. (Funnily enough, I was there yesterday, so that explains the vivid flashback.)

Fave Moments:
--The fight
--The rite of passage

Ehhh. It was alright. I enjoyed several parts of this half, but I don’t think I would remember it tomorrow. Especially against this next half.

--



So... Ludo has learned how to use Skelbowtor (my nickname for his new wand). But… he doesn’t know how to control it right. Interesting. And it also speaks to him telepathically. Even more interesting.

Meanwhile, Gloss, Dutch of of Terms isn’t being as interested in giving Star the help she needs as he was (last season). And since she needs to control use and conservation of her wand, it’s a problem. In my opinion, it was more Star than Glossy who was more detrimental to the problem. Instead of learning and practicing ng her spells like she’s supposed to, she instead gets bored and wants to goof off. It’s time she stops this (at least most of the time), and become more responsible. Sure, she can still have fun, but it’s time to be more aware of her surroundings and be more proactive about what’s to come should Ludo return with reinforcements and a new army. Fortunately, this all stopped now--as I’ll get to below.

I did not expect Ludo to return to Earth to fight Star this early. I honestly believed this would happen halfway through this season at the most. But now I realize, this teaser at this moment was a perfect taste of what’s to come later on. Their fight was a bit more tense and mind-numbing than pretty much all the fights in Season One (until Toffee came along of course). Sure, most of the time, there was a lot of misses between them both, but seeing things get destroyed, their shameful conjurings and the race to save Glossaryk from a tight trash-truck trap of terror was a nail-biting and painful (and entertaining) watch. Fortunately, he’s A-OK, all of his self-banishing to the donut box was all a brilliant act, and his instructions to Star to save the day was just awesome! Plus, Star’s applying the spell was also awesome (and another example of its influence by Sailor Moon)! Her apology was sweet, and her promise to take spell training much more seriously was great to hear. With this surprise bout, she needed to wake the heck up and up step her game against a more-reformed Ludo. Now that she can, it’s a big sigh of relief and a great

Now that Ludo is now aware that Star has a magic spells book, the stakes couldn't get even higher. I’m very curious (and excited) about what he’ll do to get that book. (I’m sure he knows where Star lives, and will try to sneak into her expansion pack bedroom [Gosh, I miss typing that] and get the book or at least read a few pages of it; but just when Star comes in, they fight again, this time for possession of the book) This oughta be awesome.

This one was another great one. I was at the edge of my seat (both kinds) the whole time. Seeing our main heroes and villains fight for the first time this season was bound to be amazing, and it didn’t disappoint. There’s more to come later this season, and I’m damn sure these next fights are going to blow the roof off (I’m sure both ways).


Random Thoughts:
--Maybe the telepathic speak of the wand was all in Ludo’s head because of his power trip and wanting more.
--If only Glossy wore a bigger robe. The joke of his poses in a small robe is wearing thinner than the size of the hemline.
--Aww, I want a tiny purple warnicorn as a pet. I don’t know what it eats or where it poops, but I want it!
--And Boom Nuggets. I don’t care if they’re little cookies under a bland brand name; I wish they were reeeeaaaal.

Fave Moments:
--Ludo’s too-strong wand practice
--Glossy’s retreat in the Donut Box
--Ludo’s return (and Starco’s same responses)
--Star vs. Ludo Round 1
--Marco’s Captain America-inspired trashcan dash

Fave Lines:
--“Girls, pack your things. It's time to catch a butterfly!” -Ludo
-(clever wordplay, Birdman.)
--”Oh, Star. Look. This one's got pictures. Can we do it?” -Glossaryk
-The shade is strong in this one.
--”And the squid lady dies in the end.” -Glossaryk
--His delivery during the fight.

I don’t know about you, but it’s amazing how I keep finding these favorite episodes from this season so early. I wouldn’t be surprised if the list changes as we go along.
Oh well.

Thank you fellow Stargazers for stopping by once again.
I’ll be back tomorrow (maybe Sunday) with my thoughts on Episode 8…

Hope you’ll back as well.
Enjoy your weekend and the week ahead.

This is Andrew, saying “Reach for the Star, and Keep Looking Up! ...at your [computer] screen.”

Star vs. The Forces of Evil Review 2: Episode 6 -- "Starsitting / On the Job"

What up, fellow Stargazers!

Today I am giddy to present to you another of my favorite episodes of Season 2 so far. In Review form.

Before I begin, I wanna mention that this episode features the Two Lines, No Waiting plot-line-- where two different stories take place at the same time, with the same characters.
Remember that show Chowder? They did this too with one of their best episodes.
And so did that classic episode of Community (and that did that to the MAX!).
And that slightly-reviled fourth season of Arrested Development too.
I definitely remember watching episodes like this when I was a kid, and I thought it was cool for this to happen. And I STILL think this as we get into today’s episode…

So, let’s begin with the first half of the story,


So, Buff Frog returns to our collective groans and squees after switching occupations from Ludo’s loyal (and fired) Number 2 to even-more loyal Number 1 to his cutie little babies as a stay-at-home single dad. Seeing him again alone made me squee, and seeing his little taddies at this early stage of their lives made me squee even more. But since this is about Starco watching his kids/product of a great idea for a Muppet Babies-inspired fanfic...just as much made me squee.

To see Star’s increasing delight of what to do as babysitter made me smile so wide. Pretty much her adoration at the babies is pretty much how I act around them...until they cry...and poop...and talk...and badmouth me. Basically it all stops when they turn 8 (sometimes lower.
Then again if she did what Buff Frog’s binder told her, we wouldn’t have an episode.
Meanwhile, seeing Marco being a responsible babysitter also makes me smile, as he does what he can to take care of the taddies and be a model big brother. We should know; his family was a foster family for pretty much his whole life. Plus him speaking like BF (fake Russian accent, of course) was hilarious.

The taddies later growing their legs surprised me. I didn’t expect this, so to see them grow and walk made my heart expand. Seeing them and Star climb up and slide down the banister was hilarious.

When BF returned to his little taddies, it made me tear up. (No seriously) Seeing father and daughters...and son...and conjoined offspring...reunite makes me more humbled inside that any “You Are the Father” story on Maury. And boy were there so many emotions! Happiness when family returned together, sadness when BF misses when the taddies grow their legs (literally) and their first steps, and delight when he sees late bloomer Katrina grow hers (I see future of her being Daddy’s favorite.


Random Thoughts:
-Next time I have kids over, I’ll just have cake. You know...for me celebrate when those little tykes leave. I mean, Star had that idea. The general cake idea...not feeding the taddies. That was horrible.
-Seeing Starco put the babies to sleep was one of the most sweet-dreams fuel things I've ever seen. Such beautiful Russian names too.
-I'm not gonna say anything about Star's reaction to how cute BF's taddies are without people looking at me like a creepo so moving on...
-If I ever have children (and I’m talkin’ toothpick slim a chance), I wish I could be as good a dad to my kids as BF is to his. (No joke.)
-No lie; throughout the episode, any other time BF (or Marc) speaks in the former’s accent, I say the same things the same way too. It's funny. Cause I’m weird like that.
-Gosh, I miss that sound when someone goes through an inter-dimensional portal. I hope there'll be more this season (oh wait, 22 episodes; of course they'll be more).

Favorite Lines:
-“Punch! Punch! Chiii-oop!” -Marco
--I don't know why I like that. Hopefully, not my Marco bias.
-"If the rules get in the way of the fun what's the point?" -Star
--Amen, sister. If only life was like that sometimes.
=
Marco "[whispers] You've never baby-sat before, have you?"
Star         "Noooo. But I was a baby once."

A real adorable baby.
=


Fave Moments:
--When BF brought the taddies.
--When Starco played the game
--When Starco laid the taddies to sleep
--When the taddies blasted Starco (especially Star) with her cake lunch
--Sliding down the banister
--BF's return
--(I guess all of this episode)

This episode was so goooood. BF was back, and he was much more likable than ever before. (Then again, who could hate this strong-willed, yet chubby-skinned number two of a bad baddie? Nobody, that's who.) Starco's adventure to take care of the tabbies was entertaining (although how they got there kinda annoyed me [but then again, what kind of episode would it be without it?]) And the taddies are soooooo cyuuuuuute! (Yes, they're tadpoles with eyes; still get off my жопа!)

--

And now to the other half of this successful at-the-same-time episode...


While the first half focused on Starco taking care of his babies, this last half takes a look at Buff Frog on a random day in his life after being a dad.

This halfer was very good.

Buff Frog loves his kids a lot, and will do so much as bend over backwards (or looking at him, attempt to) for them to prove it. But since their cupboards are bare, he does prove the back bend by getting them some quality food. Seeing BF being this proud of having kids, loving his kids and dealing with dickish co-workers to get corn (and later saving them with his kickass earthshaking jumps) made this episode.
Also, it’s clear his heart was on his sleeve throughout; he misses the taddies and wants to see them grow, but wants to work to keep them fed (that's definitely what being a real dad is all about).

 Also, his boss Boo Fly actually cares about his grind and did a great job lending him a hand in feeding the taddies with a job, and does defend him twice. And BF (...Buff Frog) really did try to commit the deed of swiping corn , and when he feels guilty not doing it because of his continued worry of his kids, you just can’t help but feel sorry for AND proud of him for growing to a(n almost) completely different person.

Those dickish co-workers were pretty funny and did have some moments I’ll remember well too.

Also, we see how all the corn was stolen and who's behind the evil plot...Ludo.
(I keep it as short as the scene, because that was brilliant and another development to continue his reforming to become a better adversary.)

Favorite Lines:
Dogbull "Buff Frog?"
Boo Fly "Buff Frog."
Dogbull "Buff Frog Buff Frog?"
Boo Fly "Buff Frog Buff Frog."
Dogbull "The Buff Frog?"
Buff Frog "[arriving] Actually, it's Yvgeny Bulgolyubov."
Dogbull    "What?"
=
Dogbull "He's just like me. Ah, whatever. Last time he got his hands dirty, he was changing diapers. Heh-heh."
Buff Frog "[grabs Dogbull] You want me to change your diaper?"
Dogbull [gasps, growls]
=
--"Thumpie-bumpies!" -BF & BF (uhhh, Buff Frog & Boo Fly [sorry])
=
-Everything Buff Frog said that reminded him of his kids
=
"Know what? I'm gonna call my dad." -Dogbull
=
"Corn, corn, corn. Ha ha! Corn! Corn! Corn! [hears something] Huh? [looks outside, sees monsters] My corn!" -King Butterfly

So...this episode was really good. Some more memorable moments and development from Buff Frog, another devious attrocity from his former boss, some new characters to love to root against, and another definite favorite episode of mine this season so far.

Well, that ends it for Episode 6.
Thank you all for your appearance.
I will return tomorrow for Episode 7...


I will see you in about 24 hours for that. NO EXCUSES! NO EXCEPTIONS!
This has been Andrew, saying "Reach for Star, and keep the look up!...at [personal electronic device].