Crossing The Streams: March 2011

Hello, Spongey here once again.

If you’re a big fan of That Guy With The Glasses, you might have seen Doug’s recent video, called “Top Films Doug likes, but others hate”. It’s exactly what it says on the tin.

At the end of the video, he says that lots of people like something others don’t, and that if possible, tell us what YOU like that most people hate.

So I’m going to do just that!

So today, I present, The Top 11 Shows, Movie, and one or two books, that I like, that others don’t. So let’s get started.

11. Captain Planet

Before you say anything let me say this: I like it in a So bad it’s good way. This show, from a critical point of it, is terrible. But, damn if it’s not extremely entraining. A lot of people seem to forget that it’s just a cartoon. While it is trying to teach us a moral, that’s still no reason to take it seriously.

Oh and by the way, Heart is an awesome power. After all, nothings better then the power of love.

Anyway, this show was enjoyably stupid, in every way. Every episode was a ton of fun to watch, and I love laughing at all the stupid that happens.

My favorite episode has to be “A Good Bomb is hard to find”. In this one, Blight, one of the shows villains, is visited by her future self. In the future, everything’s clean and pollution free , and a good bomb is hard to find (Hence the title). Naturally, she disapproves of this. So they go back time to they can give a nuclear bomb to Adolph Hitler.

No, I didn’t make that up. Captain Planet. Meets Hitler. And when they meet, Hitler is full of hate that he physically hurts captain planet.

Still not making this up.

Yet, it’s one of the most awesome things ever.

Bottom line: Stupid, but awesome at the same time.

10. Fred

Yes, I like Fred. Let’s just leave it at that.

9. Fanboy and Chum Chum

Oh, I’m gonna get lot of shit for this one.

In all 15 years of my life, I have never seen such a burning hatred for any show, animated or otherwise. I mean, wow..

I watched this show for the first time completely unaware of how much the Internet hates it, and after doing that, my only thoughts were "Holy shit, was that good CGI animation or am I dreaming?". I checked YouTube for some more episodes, and I was shocked to find out how much of a Scrappy this show is.

Of course the hate has gone down, thanks to the web's new punching bag, The Problem Solverz

Catching some more episodes on TV, it gradually grew on me. I found the character designs incredibly well-balanced and functional for a modern cartoon. The humor may not be everyone's thing for understandable reasons, but it makes me laugh quite often. I also enjoy the characters a lot - they're all genuinely likeable, if sometimes annoying.

I will admit though that the quality of the episodes is veeery varied, although the recent ones are relatively better than the early ones. Some can get really painful to watch ("Pick a Nose", "Freeze Tag"), others will be entertaining the tenth time around ("Refill Madness", "Digital Pet Cemetery").

Why do people hate it? Well, I may have an idea. They havesome really crappy eps, like the ones mentioned above, that feature disgusting toilet humor, and annoyingly bad jokes, and they just assume the whole show is like that, and miss out on some really good ones.

Now why is this so low on the list? Because, while I do like it, I don’t love it, I’m more fond of the other things on this list then I am of this, which makes their hatedoms bug me more.

So ya, good show, let’s move on

8. Goosebumps: The Streets of Panic Park

yep, it’s a book this time. Ok, this one doesn’t get much hate actually. In fact, I hear very little about it. But when I do hear about it, people bash it. Why? No idea.

Now, this is the conclusion to the first arc, of the Goosebumps Horrorland Series. For those unfamiliar with it here’s the plot;

Kids are being invited to Horrorland as very special guests all of who have dealt with supernatural villains, like puppets, aliens, and some other stuff. They soon start to get wrapped up in a mystery that makes them think Horrorland is no longer safe. Long story short, they escape and end up in another park, called Panic Park. And when they find out what’s going on, they have to get home alive.

Now, in order to explain why I like this book, I’m gonna have to spoil a lot of it, so you’ve been warned.

So it turns out, that along time ago, this guy, who later became known as “The Menace”, ran Panic Park. However, it was incredibly scary, and kids died there all the time. (Yes, death in a Goosebumps book). But he didn’t give a shit, like the complete monster he is. The park so scary, then it got sucked another dimension, which was trapped in time, the 50’s to be exact, forever. And Menace learned, that mirrors can bring from the real to his world, and vice versa. And he’s not happy that Horrorland was built in Panic Park’s place. So he had a Horrorland horror invite kids to Horrorland, so they can be brought to Panic Park, so he can scare the shit out of them so much ,that the park will be brought to the real world. Also of the kids is a spy, I won’t spoil THAT though.

Oh, and turns out he’s done this before, and he mentions that those other kids couldn’t handle the scares. Later on, our heroes stumble upon a church with pictures of kids who been brought the park…and died of freight That’s right; the villain in a Goosebumps book actual killed someone. That makes this the Goosebumps book with the highest body count.

If you want to know more, then just read it. I really liked this book, and I can’t quite see why someone would hate. It’s not perfect, but it’s one of the best GB books ever in my opinion, and it actually has balls for once. Also, the obligatory twist ending is only ok,.

In conclusion, good book. Moving on!

7. High School Musical

Oh now I’m in deep shit.

Everyone has their guilty pleasure. This is mine. Now, I like all of the HSM movies, and am even look forward to the 4th one. (Mainly cuz it gives spotlight to the only character played by someone with singing talent) . It’s not exactly that good, but I do enjoy it. It’s stupid, but it’s harmless. Although, it’s not quite the shitfest people make it out to be. Let’s go through all 3 movies, shall we?

The first one was enjoyably bad. The main characters were bland, but not “Twilight” bland. Just, regular bland . The “villain” was one of the better parts. Not great, but I got enjoyment out of her. (In more ways then one, Giggity!) The songs, are ok. Some are quite good, the catchiest was “Stick to the status qou.

And the best…I forgot the name, and I’m tool lazy to look up. The first one Sharpay sang, which got a reprise that sucked. That one. And I’m not the only one who thinks so , someone on Youtube reviewed it (He said it was bad, not as bad as everyone says it is) and said the same thing. He also refers to Sharpay as “Sexy Tisdale”. Take that of what you will.

HSM is not horrible, I liked it, but more in a guilty pleasure-y way. I don't get the hate though, it's just a freaking tv movie, calm down!

The 2nd one was alright, it didn’t have that fun factor the first one, but some parts were narm tastic. The songs were, eh ok. The catchiest is “Fabulous” (Villains do get the best songs, don’t they?). I can’t which one was best. “Bet on it” was hilarious, for all the wrong reasons. The “You got the music in me” respires was good, but the regular version was only ok. This one is So Okay It’s Average, but not quite as bad people say it is.

Now the 3rd, is not hated! Surprising I know. This one got a theatrical release, so as a result it has more effort, and better production values. This one was the best of the series, IMO. Some of the faults the series had were either fixed, or downplayed. The songs, while not that memorable, were….awesome at times. My favorite is “I want it all”. I also liked Sharpay’s Crowning moment of awesome near the end. Here’s hoping the 4th is at least decent.

Ok this went on WAY longer then it should of. So ya, ok movies. Let’s move on

6. Cars

Ok, this movie isn’t exactly hated, but it’s disliked way more then it should be.

I have some theories on why it’s disliked. The main one is: It following off the heels of The Incredible which was awesome,. And after such a dark movie like that one, seeing a movie like this, was quite different. Going from superheroes, to Cars was quite jarring. People expected their next movie to somehow exceed that movie, but it didn’t so they hated it.

And even if you hate it, you must admit one thing: It’s the only Larry the cable guy movie that is watchable.

I like to think of this movie as pixar’s “Breather Episode” . After making so many movies that were thought provoking, and sometimes even dark, they needed to have some fun, So they made this.

I really like this movie. As par the course for pixar, it's alot of fun. It's not as good some other pixar films, but I still love it. I won't say too much, but it is a good movie. I do sorta get why people hate it, but my god it's not that bad.

And don't even get me started on Cars 2. It looks great to me, and even better then the original. (My fave aspect is, that in most spy movies there's a cool car, here we have a spy movie ABOUT the cool car.). But the bitching is jus stupid. This is the first Pixar movie where people bash it before it comes out. Yes, some people were sceptical about Up and even Toy Story 3, but this is the first time almost everyone is hating on it. You can have your opinion, but don't bitch about something you have not seen, even if you don't like the concept or any bits of it you've actually seen.

To sum it up, great movie

5. Disney Channel Sitcoms

Everyone has their guilty pleasures, as stated before. But while HSM is one for me, this is the true one for me.

Instead of talking about the ones I actually hate (Jonas LA) let's talk about my favorties. First up, The Sutie life, and it's spin off.

It's stupid, idiotic, and not well written. But...I liked it. In this kind of show, stupdity can be a good thing. Plus, in a way, it has a heart to it. There's a reason Tv Tropes gave it a crowning moment of heartwarming page. It feels like they actually tried, and are having fun with it. I like all the actors here (Even...her.) And the one thing that sets this, as well as the other shows I like, from other Disney shows, is that for the most part, the comedy comes from the characters, not the stupid things they do.

The people themselves are funny, and I do laugh. Yes, it's stupid. But that's part of it's charm. The spin of is actually just as good. Especially now that there's somewhat of a story arc, and actual character development. And I do like Bailey (In both ways), and the relationship is good.

But now it's cancled, and yes, i like the finale.

This was the first disney show I saw, and I saw it when I was a bit younger, so it holds a place in my heart/

Next, we have Wizards of Waverly Place. I know a guy who hates the above, and likes this show. Yeah, Disney haters like this show. Wow. Anyway, I won't go into too much deatail here. Again, comedy comes from characters. But here we have a family thing going on that adds a heart to it. The movie (as ass pull-y as it might be to some) shows this off. Season 4 shows it more, and adds a good story arc that actually has you wondering what will happen next. I like it.

And now we have Good Luck Charlie. Again, Disney Haters like it. But even people who hate the above like it. Heck, even tv tropes, which hates these shows, likes it. Why? For one reason. All the shows have one thing in common: They have a twist. Example: Normal kids...that live in a hotel. Normally family....of wizard. Normal girl...that is a super star.

This show? Normal baby and family.....that IS a normal baby and family! (Though i think Charlie might be an evil robot, but that's just me) That's right, it's just a normal sitcom. Another thing, all these shows have the main characters name in the title. Ok, the last one doesn't, which is another reason it's good. I won't go to far into, but it is good.

I'm ok with people hating them, cuz i see why. But i like them, so let's move on

4. Click (Not to be confused with the Goosebumps ep/story with the same name...and plot..and producer)

I don't know how hated it is, but I rarely see positive reviews it, it's close enough.

Now, I don't hate Adam Sandler. He can be funny, but the problem is always chooses the worst scripts/ And he still hasn't learned his lesson (Just go with it? How about just go...far away). He's a decent dramatic actor, surprisingly enough. And this movie proves it.

Yes, it does have the whole work workaholic cliche, but it's done ok here. Some people complain about the ending, but I won't spoil it. Sandler does a decent job, and he's quite funny at some points.

And of course, how can I not mention Christopher Walken? He's great as usual. Gotta love him. The plot is good, and for the most part it's very good.

However, we have a case of trailers always lie. At first glance this seems like your typical Sandler comedy. But it's a bit different. It's...a TearJerker. No really. I've seen several people say they cried at it. The one scene that gets most people, is when Sandler uses the remote to skip most of his lfie....and his Dad's death. He looks at the last time he talked to him and...he was a dick. It's more tear-jerking then it sounds.

I have little else to say, just that I quite like this movie, and it's one of my favorites from Sandler...but Punch Drunk Love is better.

3. Shrek The Third

I actually just finished watching this one for a 2nd time, as I'm writing this, To get a better understanding for why I liked this, I gotta tell my history with the Shrek movies.

I saw the first movie at a friends house when I was 9 or 10. I liked it alot, but I didn't remember much outside of the main plot.

I saw Shrek 2 in theaters when it came out and I loved it, i even got it on DVD. (Lost it long ago though)

Soon after, I noticed i only saw the first one once, so I watched it when it was shown on Cartoon Network (Before it started sucking). I...found to be underwhelming. I actually agree with Doug, when he said in his top 10 comedies video, that it was underwhelming. BUT, It was good. I liked it. But it wasn't great, and it wasn't all that funny. So i loved Shrek 2

I didn't see 3 when it came out, cuz I was waiting for the DVD. So I was shocked when the reviews came in. It's terrible? Damn, I couldn't believe it!

I saw it on youtube (Before viacom came in). And...I thought it was ok. I couldn't see how it was so bad.

Watching it again, I liked it. Quite a bit actually. Why it so hated it? Well, I understand WHY, It's an average sequel at best. And the first 2 were better.

But maybe my views on the first one helped this out. Knowing how lackluster the series could get, I was fully prepared for how good or bad it could be.

I think the plot is good, and it does it job, in telling us more of the story. Prince Charming is good as the bad guy, and team up with the princesses as well as the fairy tale baddies was awesome.

I get why people might dislike it, but there's nothing terrible about it. When a joke falls flat, it falls flat, nothing more. I liked this movie, and as far as sequels go it could of been worse. And no, I have not seen Shrek Forever After, -er the Final chapter- er Shrek 3D, er Shrek Goes to white castle- er whatever the fuck it's called.

So the sum it up, decent sequel. (Eric Idle is awesome as Merlin by the way)

2. Chicken Little

Oh boy, here we go.

A This was the first CG movie in the Animated Disney canon, and this was the jump the shark moment for many Disney fans. (And this was BEFORE Hannah Montana aired).

But, I liked it. I saw it in theaters when it came out, and it wasn't til I got older that I found out it was hated.

I think the story is actually clever. The alien part is sorta stupid, but hey it's a cartoon, stupider things have happened.

I dare say some parts were quite heartwarming, and chicken little himself is kinda likable. (Plus in the movie shown at the end, he's Adam Freaking West!).

It's also very funny, but that's all subjective. However, it's not one of the best Disney movies. I quite liked it, but it is a weaker effort. Even if say Dreamworks put this out, it would still be a weaker effort. And that;s not an insult, it's still very good.

As for why it's hated...can't tell ya. Besides what i said, i don't get it. It's not that bad at all! But whatever...

Final Sum up:...I liked it.

And the Number one thing I like that people hate is...

1. Spongebob Squarepants (Seasons 4-8)

*Sigh* It had to come to this, didn't it?

Let's calm down a bit, and talk about the history behind this, shall we?

The Year is 2005. Spongebob's 3rd Season has ended. No one knew what would happen. The movie has came out, and it was a big hit, and a great movie. Then a 4th season was announced. People though it was over, but more Spongebob was always good.

But of course, shark jumping ensued. Everything seemed weaker. Animation (At first, then it got better), jokes, and other stuff,

And when Season 5 came, people hated it. And Season 6 wasn't any better in their eyes. And now, people really hate it, and it seems like they won't let up.

However, I like it. In fact, I might love it.

I would explain how I grew up with SB, and stuff but that's not important.

I do think the newer seasons are weak, but that;s just it: Weak. It's at worst, average. Besides some gross jokes (Which some people like, mind you)

It's not terrible, far from it. If you watch some episodes, you;ll see that it can be quite good. Check out Season 7, which even the haters say its good, but Season 8 is shaping to be even better.

The show is still decent. It's'. Not. That. Bad.

I get why people would find it weak, but terrible? Come on.

In conclusion, it's still good. Just calm down

So that's my list. And don't think I'm bashing people for having a different opinion. I'm fine if you hate any of the above, just try to give them a 2nd chance. And if you really do hate them, please let it be, cuz you honestly hate them, not becuase other people do. Think for yourself,

Well, see ya!

Crossing The Streams

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Movie Review: The Last Airbender

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Top 11 Things I like that other's Hate

Sunday, March 6, 2011

A Review of the Worst movie I've ever seen