Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3

Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3 (Jennifer Corbett and Dave Filoni, 2024)

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Science Fiction, Action, Adventure

Season 1 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

I really enjoyed the darker, tenser tone of Season 3. Omega grows so much and we really see the undying loyalty that is the very essence and soul of a clone. The relationships between the clones and each other is also strengthened with the return and redemption of Crosshair. And the terrible experiments/trials of the Empire become somehow even more disturbing. I think Doctor Hemlock might be my least favorite character in Star Wars-- a truly awful villain. We also get more answers to many questions that kept arising in the previous seasons. Nothing completely explained, but that would never happen ;)

I loved The Bad Batch --in concept, each character, individual episodes in all seasons-- what a great part of the Star Wars universe.

Click here to see how I rated Season 1. And Season 2.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

The Boy and the Heron

The Boy and the Heron (Hayao Miyazaki, 2023)

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Rating: Q=4, P=4 / Drooling

Scale O=4, Scale P=4, Scale Q=4, Scale R=4, Scale S=4

Animation, Coming of Age, Grief and Coping, Fantasy, Adventure

I had never managed to see a Miyazaki film in the theater when first released. And I never thought I would be able to until I heard that the master filmmaker's (likely) final film, The Boy and the Heron, was finally complete.

There is so much emotion in this film and I can feel the finality of this one--from the topic/storyline to the urgent pace, and the many meanings. Miyazaki is the sage imparting his final words of wisdom on us in each moment. This story is a swirling, twisting dream-like adventure that grapples with very real and difficult questions. How do you grieve and cope? Why is life full of pain? What is the purpose of living? And the broadest one, from the novel referenced in the story and the Japanese title, How do you live? This is not a light film. There are a few cheerful moments and some occasional light-hearted humor, but it is ultimately a serious story. I will need to watch this again and again to notice everything and to understand all that is going on. I don't think Miyazaki meant for this tale to be entirely comprehensible on the first or even second viewing. Like the philosophical questions the characters seek to answer, the film viewer (and the director, too) must search in lots of places and ways to find the answers. And that takes time. A whole lifetime, maybe.

A beautiful film that I will watch many times again, I'm sure.

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Animation by Don Bluth and Others

An American Tail (Don Bluth, 1986)

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Rating: AQ=6, AP=6 / Comfy Combo

Scale O=3, Scale P=3, Scale Q=2, Scale R=2, Scale S=2

Animation, Immigration, Coming of Age, Adventure

I had never actually seen this film until now, strangely. I enjoyed it--a lovely sketchy quality to the art. The storyline and the flow was a little too fast, but it was still charming.

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (Phil Nibbelink and Simon Wells, 1991)

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Rating: AQ=6, AP=6 / Comfy Combo

Scale O=3, Scale P=3, Scale Q=2, Scale R=2, Scale S=2

Animation, Immigration, Coming of Age, Adventure

A fun little escape. The art felt less whimsical than the original film, but the story was maybe more fun. 

The Land Before Time (Don Bluth, 1988)

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Rating: AQ=6, AP=8 / Comfy Combo

Scale O=3, Scale P=3, Scale Q=3, Scale R=3, Scale S=2

Animation, Coming of Age, Adventure

I love this film in so many ways--so nostalgic. The characters are endearing and the setting and artwork is lovely.

The Brave Little Toaster (Jerry Rees, 1987)

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Rating: AQ=8, AP=9 / Drooling

Scale O=4, Scale P=4, Scale Q=3, Scale R=3, Scale S=3

Animation, Adventure

Of all the non-Disney animated films during the 1980s, the Brave Little Toaster has by far the best artwork and the most dramatic and interesting story. It is no wonder that those who worked on this film later went on to found Pixar. I love this hand-drawn animation so much more.

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10 Years Ago: A Short List for Snow-bound Viewers

I started this blog in December 2011--now ten years ago! It's hard to believe. I thought that this year I'd do some revisiting to posts I made during that first year. Here's one that included tons of films that fit particular moods.

Originally posted on January 23, 2012:

Feel like watching something to fit a very specific mood? I've compiled a list of not-so-typical categories and matched each with a show or movie that you will hopefully enjoy. Pile the blankets on, brew another cup of tea, and wait for those snow and ice storms to pass!

Animated: Ponyo (Hayao Miyazaki, 2008)

British Comedy: Black Books, seasons 1-3 (Dylan Moran, 2000-2004)

from China: The King of Masks (Tian-Ming Wu, 1997)

with intense Dialogue: My Dinner with Andre (Louis Malle, 1981)

Epic: East of Eden (Elia Kazan, 1955)

Fantasy: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (Terry Gilliam, 2009)

with a Group of Guys: Diner (Barry Levinson, 1982)

Historical: The Way We Live Now, miniseries (David Yates, 2001)

Illuminating/Inspiring: Water (Deepa Mehta, 2005)

with a Journey: The Motorcycle Diaries (Walter Salles, 2004)

with a King: The Tudors, seasons 1-4 (Michael Hirst, 2007-2010)

with a Love Story: Lovers of the Arctic Circle (Julio Medem, 1998)

from Mexico: Like Water for Chocolate (Alfonso Arau, 1992)

about Nature: Life in the Undergrowth, miniseries (David Attenborough, 2005)

Outlandish: Monty Python's Life of Brian (Terry Jones, 1979)

Psychological Thriller: Gaslight (George Cukor, 1944)

Quiet: Babies (Thomas Balmes, 2010)

Rebellion: The Wild One (Laslo Benedek, 1953)

about a Sleuth: Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, seasons 1-4 (John Bowen & David Cook, 1996-1998)

Tear-jerker: Biutiful (Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, 2010)

Understated Classic: The Last Picture Show (Peter Bogdanovich, 1971)

Vivid Imagery: Raise the Red Lantern (Yimou Zhang, 1991)

Whimsical: Antonia's Line (Marlene Gorris, 1995)

eXhilarating: Man on Wire (James Marsh, 2008)

about Youth: My Life as a Dog (Lasse Hallstrom, 1985)

Zany: Micmacs (Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 2009)

If you ever want a specific recommendation or personal suggestion, send me a message. Eventually, I hope to create a little interactive quiz/questionnaire to do this- keep on the lookout!

Disenchantment Seasons 2 & 3

Disenchantment Seasons 2 & 3 (Matt Groening, 2018-)

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Animation, Comedy, Middle Ages, Fantasy, Coming of Age, Adventure

Check out how I rated Season 1 here.

Season 2 Rating: CSS=9, CSS=6 / The Giggles

Scale F=3, Scale G=3, Scale H=3, Scale I=3, Scale J=3

    Favorite from Season 2 = "Stairway to Hell"

While not quite as good as the first season, Disenchantment Season 2 has some comedy gem moments, especially an episode set in Heaven and Hell. It was also fun to venture into a steampunk land. Great and quirky writing. All the episodes connect together well and there are lots of bizarre twists and surprises to keep things interesting.

Season 3 Rating: CSS=7, CSS=5 / The Giggles

Scale F=3, Scale G=2, Scale H=2, Scale I=3, Scale J=2

    Favorite from Season 3 = "Steamland Confidential"

"What is going on?" became my catchphrase for the newest season of Disenchantment. Yes, it was still fun and quirky but oh my goodness did things get chaotic quickly. I found Season 3 had way too many loose ends and randomness to fit well within the full story of Tiabeanie and her friends. Over the top can sometimes be a good thing, but not in this case. I need to do a second viewing, for sure, but I'm hoping that a fourth season will answer all the questions and make meaning of everything that was thrown at us here.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Star Wars: Rebels Seasons 1-4

Star Wars: Rebels Seasons 1-4 (George Lucas, Dave Filoni, and others 2014-2018)

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Science Fiction, Action, Adventure

After watching all of Clone Wars in chronological order (which I recommend) my husband and I launched into more with Star Wars: Rebels. This show is phenomenal. I loved Clone Wars, but I really loved Rebels. The character development is wonderful. I cried more than once. I didn't want it to end. How can you not love each main character? Hera, for her bold leadership; Kanan, for his wisdom and persistence; Sabine, for her creativity and fire; Zeb, for his loyalty and strength; Chopper, for his sass and cunning; and Ezra, for his hope and charm. 

This show is the perfect combination of good characters and storytelling. It fits so well into the Star Wars universe and ties shows and films together in ways that make sense and isn't sloppy. Ah, it's soooo good.

Also, I am now officially a Star Wars nerd. I've seen all the canon movies and shows. ;)

Season 1 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=6 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Season 2 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=8 / Decadence

Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4

Season 3 Rating: DSQ=12, SP=8 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4

Season 4 Rating: DSQ=12, SP=8 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Star Wars: Clone Wars Seasons 1-7

Star Wars: Clone Wars (George Lucas, Dave Filoni, and others 2008-2020)

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Science Fiction, Action, Adventure

After watching The Mandalorian my husband and I launched ourselves into all things Star Wars. We revisited many of the films and then watched all of Clone Wars in chronological order (which I recommend). The first few episodes didn't impress me right away--season 1 has some cheesy and goofy moments--but not longer after that the show gets really good and pulls you in. There is character development that never happens in any of the films, there is emotion and actual relationship building, and there are lots of droids and cool spaceships...pew pew! Clone Wars answers many questions that the films don't and provides so much more context to the Star Wars universe.

Season 1 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=5 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=2, Scale E=3

Season 2 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Season 3 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Season 4 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=7 / Decadence

Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=4

Season 5 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=7 / Decadence

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=4

Season 6 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=8 / Decadence

Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4

*My favorite storyline is episodes 1-4

Season 7 Rating: DSQ=12, SP=7 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=3

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Wolf Children

Wolf Children (Mamoru Hosoda, 2012)

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Rating: AQ=7, AP=10 / Meant to Be

Scale O=4, Scale P=3, Scale Q=4, Scale R=3, Scale S=3

Animation, Japan, Fantasy, Coming of Age, Identity

What a beautiful story about motherhood, identity, and growing up. Every frame of animation is beautiful, especially the gorgeous scenes of rural, mountainous Japan. And the symbolism of wolf children who have two "sides" their their identity, two sides that only conflict because of society is brilliant to reflect on. Who am I? How must I adapt? Who can I confide in? The mother, Hana, is so loveable and tries so hard. I cried multiple times. Great film.

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The Pirates! Band of Misfits

The Pirates! Band of Misfits (Peter Lord, 2012)

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Rating: AQ=12, AP=6 / Meant to Be

Scale O=4, Scale P=4, Scale Q=4, Scale R=3, Scale S=3

Animated, Stop-Motion, Silly, Whimsical

I truly love watching Aardman animation because it is so mind-boggling detailed and complex. It's hard to believe how much time it took and all the painstaking movements involved to make something so beautiful become a reality. This story is hilarious and silly, the jokes are great. Hugh Grant voices a perfect Pirate Captain who's just a little peculiar. Best part: the dodo Polly. And it's also fun to watch Queen Victoria go insane.

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Early Man

Early Man (Nick Park, 2018)

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Rating: AQ=12, AP=5 / Meant to Be

Scale O=4, Scale P=4, Scale Q=4, Scale R=3, Scale S=2

Animated, Shorts, Stop-Motion, Silly, Whimsical

What a fantastic new(ish) film from Aardman Animations. I have always loved stop-motion animation and will be forever impressed at the amount of work and patience that goes into each second. This story is silly and very British and, therefore, I love it. The gags are great, the artistry is superb. A great family adventure story that plays with history.

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SPECIAL: Top 10 Studio Ghibli Animated Features

I had so much fun re-watching and rating my favorite Disney films, I decided to do the same for my favorite Studio Ghibli films. Like with the Disney films list, I started with only feature-length films. Here's the complete list in chronological order:

• Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
• Castle in the Sky (1986)
• Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
• My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
• Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
• Only Yesterday (1991)
• Porco Rosso (1992)
• Pom Poko (1994)
• Whisper of the Heart (1995)
• Princess Mononoke (1997)
• My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
• Spirited Away (2001)
• The Cat Returns (2002)
• Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
• Tales from Earthsea (2006)
• Ponyo (2008)
• Arrietty (2010)
• From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
• The Wind Rises (2013)
• The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
• When Marnie Was There (2014)

It was difficult, but after going through the rating scale for each film here are my results--Elizabeth's Top 10 Studio Ghibli films:

#10 Pom Poko (1994)

While the story might feel drawn out and slow at times, Pom Poko is magical and hilarious. The ghost-parade sequence has always been one of my favorite sequences in all of animation. I love the folklore. This film is also unique in that it's the only one that I can think of that uses three different animation styles to depict the main characters (the tanuki; raccoon-dogs). Sometimes they are realistic animals, sometimes anthropomorphic animals (often clothed), and sometimes cartoon-like/manga. It's intriguing and it lends itself well with the story.

#9 Ponyo (2008)

The first time I watched Ponyo, I liked it OK but it didn't grab me. On each subsequent viewing it gets better and better, though. Beautiful sequences and vibrant colors, adorable cuteness of the main characters, and so much fun. It always reminds me of a combination of The Little Mermaid and Pinocchio stories. So joyful.

#8 Castle in the Sky (1986)

For an English major that studied Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels, Castle in the Sky definitely has to make my top 10 list for referencing the floating island-world of Laputa. The adventure story that surrounds it is wonderful, too, with steampunk flying machines and pirates. This film also includes one of my favorite kind of film moments: a cleaning/tidying up sequence. Not sure why, but most Studio Ghibli films that I love include one.

#7 Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

As we all know, I love Coming of Age movies, and the rest of this list fits that category. But Kiki's Delivery Service is perhaps the most archetypal. It has the perfect story arc and there are so many little moments that make the film classic, for me (shopping to establish your first place, scenes of the city, another cleaning sequence!).

#6 Arrietty (2010)

The Secret World of Arrietty is another great Coming of Age movie, but I like this one slightly more than Kiki's Delivery Service because Arrietty is based on one of my favorite childhood stories: The Borrowers. I love everything about the idea that little people could be living in your house and collect little bits of your household items. Again, the scenes are magical--all the miniature things suddenly become large. Arrietty's first view of the human's kitchen is marvelous (especially the sound!). Also, the backgrounds...just amazing.

#5 Princess Mononoke (1997)

Like Ponyo, Princess Mononoke did not grab me the first few times I watched. I loved the artistry and the story intrigued me, but it didn't have that special pull. I think this is partly because there are multiple plot lines and it is not nostalgic, cutesy, or joyful. But there is also a different feel in this one compared to all other Miyazaki films--it feels more mature, historical, and even political. The main character is also an adult male, not a young female like many of his others. Of course, it continues to get better and better each time I watch. I ranked it high for all those reasons, and also because the environmental/ecological message is so powerful. This is a true drama.

#4 Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

I believe that Howl's Moving Castle is the most quintessential Studio Ghibli film out there. The story gets abstract and meanders somewhat, the back-and-forth between realms/worlds is confusing at times, but it is absolutely full of everything I love about Miyazaki's work. The artistry is striking, especially the scenes that juxtapose the dark warships/planes above the bright majestic mountains. The characters are all quirky, imperfect, lovable. How can you not like that hilarious dog Hin? And Calcifer? And so much magic--several cleaning scenes! It is a beautiful tale of love, loyalty, acceptance, and determination.

#3 Spirited Away (2001)

Folklore and Coming of Age? Yes please. Spirited Away was my first Miyazaki film and I remember that first viewing fondly. I was taken aback, astonished, mesmerized that there were artists out there making films this beautiful. I was thrilled that the story slowly revealed itself and the pacing wasn't frenetic (like so many Hollywood animated films). Each scene had so much detail and felt entirely new. And the color! This is a perfect film and story--full of conflict, challenges, memorable characters and details. It has frightening moments, too (some remind me of Alice in Wonderland). This is a gateway film and one I would make all children watch--everyone, really.

#2 My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Pure joy and happiness. My Neighbor Totoro is the film I watch when I feel to feel better, when I want to become absorbed in memories of childhood, when I need to remind myself that life is miraculous. That being said, I consider this one of my Top 10 favorite movies. This is a day-in-the-life story that some might not like (slow pace, no big crux/conflict) but I love it for that reason. The story reflects summertime and being young. It feels like my daydreaming/imaginative play days. It is so heartwarming, it hurts.

#1 Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

While it probably seems like My Neighbor Totoro should have been at the top of this list, I chose Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind because not only is the artistry gorgeous but the story/concept really is my favorite. Technically, the film isn't Studio Ghibli (there was no studio yet!) but arguably it was the first...and to many, the best. I love thinking about what the future may be like, and Nausicaa's world of giant insects, poisonous air, and humans going back to pre-industrial ways, feels plausible. The scenes of the fungal forest with dragonflies the size of airplanes is stunning. And Nausicaa is such an admirable character: she has a love of all living things, she is determined and brave to a fault, she takes every risk to save her people...a great heroine. All of Miyazaki's stories have an environmental focus and usually also anti-war themes but Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind focuses on those themes. Inspiring.

Flavors of Youth: International Version

Flavors of Youth: International Version (Haoling Li, Yoshitaka Takeuch, and Xiaoxing Yi, 2018)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Coming of Age, Reminiscence, Animation

A lovely collection of stories of youth. Beautiful art and dialogue, but the English voice-acting was sub-par, in my opinion. Each story had its moments: homesickness, self doubt, and lost love. Worth watching, for sure. I enjoyed how it made me think about my own adolescent years.

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My Life as a Zucchini

My Life as a Zucchini (Claude Barras, 2016)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Claymation, Coming of Age, Adoption, Complex Relationships

What a lovely story about coping, grief, friendship, and family. Love comes in many shapes and forms and we all encounter hardship at some point in our childhood. This is a refreshingly simple and honest film about the importance of sharing and finding comfort in relationships.

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The Boxtrolls

The Boxtrolls (Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi, 2014)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Animation, Comedy, Family, Adventure, Complex Relationships

With names like Archibald Snatcher, Mr. Pickles, Lord Portly-Rind, how could you not enjoy this family comedy? Cheese and silly retorts abound, fun animation sequences, and even disgusting moments of cheese-induced bodily reactions. This one is a fun escape, though it does also have some messages for children, told in not-at-all-preachy ways. Including: "Cheese, hats, boxes-they don't make you who you are. You make you."

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The Red Turtle

The Red Turtle (Michael Dudok de Wit, 2016)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Animation, Philosophical, Survival, Thought-provoking

The story of life and love with no words, just beautiful images and a thoughtful narrative. At different times of the story, I was on the edge of my seat, holding my head, laughing, and crying. Very moving.

The colors and simple drawings work incredibly well with the broad, timeless narrative. And the little hint of legend/magic was fun and spiritual.

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The Iron Giant

The Iron Giant (Brad Bird, 1999)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Animation, Science Fiction/Fantasy, 1950s, Complex Relationships

A fun film that definitely flew under the radar--at least, I don't remember hearing about it when it was released. Great animation, good story, funny in all the right ways. I am always a little annoyed at how contemporary animators draw their characters to look like the voice actors, though.

"You are who you choose to be," is a great message for both children and adults. And I found the friendly war machine who wants to be peaceful very charming, especially in an era with so much violence, hatred, fear, and war.

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Zootopia

Zootopia (Jared Bush, Bryon Howard, and Rich Moore, 2016)

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Rating: Q=7, P=5 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Animation, Prejudice, Social Justice, Complex Relationships, Mystery

How refreshing! Zootopia definitely exceeded my expectations. I was especially pleased that the film wasn't full of stupid jokes and irritating voices (like so many mainstream animated films, these days). Not only is the film lively, colorful, and entertaining but it is also incredibly thought-provoking and relevant to this scary time we are living in. I love how very heavy subjects like prejudice, xenophobia, bullying, and ignorance are all discussed in a way that is easy to understand and relate to. Children should see this film and talk about it. Wonderful story.

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Ocean Waves

Ocean Waves (Tomomi Mochizuki, 1993)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Animation, Coming of Age, Complex Relationships

I enjoyed this short animated story of coming of age, first loves, and high school. It's a perfectly packaged nostalgic film that reminded me of my teenage years and grappling with strong emotions. The characters are familiar--we all knew someone like Rikako. Ocean Waves is a drama, but it is lighthearted and ends optimistically. It's also fun to see the Studio Ghibli animation style in its earlier days, especially since this one is far more realistic than fantasy.

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Sahara

Sahara (Pierre Core, 2017)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Animation, Adventure, Coming of Age, Belonging

This is a cute animated story about following your dreams, exploring, and taking risks despite what your society tells you. I liked that the setting was the desert and oasis with green and dusky snakes. A great tale for youngsters to learn about determination, willpower, and belonging.

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Miss Hokusai

Miss Hokusai (Keiichi Hara, 2015)

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Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=4

Animation, Art, Japan, 1800s, Complex Relationships

A beautiful film about the great Hokusai and his equally talented daughter. The film shows Japan in the early 1800s: traditional clothing and hairstyles, bridges, merchants and peddlers, etc. There are fantastic sequences of how an artist's mind interprets situations, events, and observations. Japanese folktales are also woven into the story. This is a great little art history lesson as well as a fun escape back in time to a very different world.

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