Update Blog - 11/18/23 (Patreon)

This week came with a bit of an unexpected twist, especially with my luck turning around. After some time of a viewer drought, I've been gaining a bit more popularity with my recent posts. One from Bluesky about Coyote vs. Acme gathered hundreds of likes, my Tiktok video about Robin Hood went a bit viral, and my latest review is getting more recognition. There were a few challenges I had to personally face during the week, but I'm happy to say that things looking like they'll get better as we get closer to the end of the year. So here's what I was up to this week.

- Released my review of Trolls Band Together: We were so close to having a full year where I did not give out the AniMat's Seal of Garbage to any new releases. Unfortunately, that clean record is ruined because of these stupid trolls. I'm surprised that it's been getting passable reviews by critics because all the other earlier reactions I've seen all say that this is the weakest of the trilogy, and I couldn't agree more. Yes, the animation is nice and colorful like before, but the gimmick of dancing trolls and pop song remixes really wore off and the rest of the substance is almost like a joke where it feels like there was no effort anymore. This is honestly the most corporately manufactured animated feature this year where every creative choice feels like it was to make the movie more profitable. Like I emphasised in the title, this movie made me feel like I'm done with this franchise and I don't want to see any more of these trolls. It sucks to see DreamWorks slip this year when compared to the awe-inspiring features they put out in 2022.

- Created a couple of Art Commissions: Last weekend, my plans had to be set aside because I dealt with a bad upset stomach that ruined my sleep, so I was not in the mood to start working on any new videos at the time. It sucked, but as I was recovering myself, I was taking care of smaller things like uploading videos. But one business I realized I could take care of during this time was that there were some Art Commissions that I needed to do for this month for a couple of patrons. The funny thing about the two I did was that they coincidentally share a theme of PlayStation characters. One is said to be once the official mascot of PS, Toro Inoue from Doko Demo Issyo, and the other is of Ratchet & Clank. The first was honestly among the easiest commissions I drew (but still got the style right and the patron was happy, so it's all good), and because of that, I decided to go extra with Ratchet and Clank to give it more detail. I think both turn out to be pretty nice and it makes me happy to see how you all are helping me improve on my art skills recently. So for that, I say thank you!

- Created the next AniMat's Classic Reviews: While there were other errands that I had to take care of during the week like healing myself, the podcats, auditions and the Patreon chat, the main video that I was able to work on was the next ACR. And yes, since it is Yu-Gi-Oh! the Movie, this one will be a little more personal, as it was a film I enjoyed the heck out as a kid, and use this as a moment to show off that I was one a major fan of both the original show and the card game. As it will be more personal though, I don't know how people will react to the video as a review and if some may think that I'll have my nostalgia in the way when discussing about this feature. Either way, we'll see what the reactions will be next month, but I did have a fun time making this, and I hope you'll enjoy it too when it comes out.

- Currently working on my review of Wish: I'll admit that I was aware that Disney was putting out a campaign that there were a few places where there was a public early screening of Wish. However, since it was with Fandango, I thought that was a US only thing. But then a few days ago, I discovered that a few cinemas around my area have that one shot of an early screening. And like Alexander Hamilton said it best, "I am not throwin' away my shot". Later today, I'll be going out to see the movie so that I'll be able to have a review ready for you by next week. I did have to switch my schedule around and push back both the Under the Boardwalk and Leo review for the week after, but it will be worth it because I think it's safe to say that, as it is one of the most anticipated animated features of the rest of the year, this will take priority to talk about. Let's see if this is as worthy to mark Disney's big 100 as much as Once Upon a Studio!

So that was my week of art, reviews and a whole bunch of other stuff. As many Americans will be having a feast with thanksgiving and family reunions that will either be great or awkward, I'll still be on my own grind of working on review after review. It's a pretty wild time to be an animation critic, am I right? So, as I continue working on these new videos, until next time...

See ya later, dudes!