So the end of the world really is upon us, yes again, and it’s up to Ashy Slashy to save the day! And night, and the nowheresville town of Elk Grove, and what’s left of the people in it. Because really, between the 60-some-foot-high Kandarian demon, the Dark Ones, the rift and the Deadlands, Ruby and her machinations, and the damned Necronomicon and all the deadites that came from it, there aren’t a ton of people left in Elk Grove.
Brandy has more or less embraced the fact that she’s a Williams, and, in that fine tradition, goes about slaughtering deadites and demons left and right, getting covered in blood and gore as is family tradition, too. It’s so cute to see Brandy strike a Ghostbeater pose and drop a one-liner, with her dad looking on with such pride, that the daughter he never knew he had could and would carry on the fight regardless of what happens to him. And when Ash falters and doubts himself, it’s Brandy’s turn to tell him to suck it the fark up, and go kick some ass! Though poor Brandy is still denied the pre-Deadite-fight toke on the traditional blunt, hah.
This is somewhere many TV shows and even movies have faltered in recent years, trying to take something nostalgic we all loved from our younger lives and revamp it here in the modern-day. Keeping the same tone and ridiculous slapstick-y blood-splatter practical effects that made the original Evil Dead films is an absolute passion of the makers of Ash vs. Evil Dead, including Bruce Campbell himself, is hard to do, but these guys pulled it off.
Far too often the remade show or film suffers the Jurassic World syndrome, where the young and cocky new guy trying to stop the world from ending all but turns to the camera and says, “See what I’ve accomplished in your name, Grandpa, aren’t you proud of me? I made your original vision so much better!” That is almost inevitably hardly the case, but the upstarts with way too much money and time on their hands think remaking something they loved from when they were little is the most sincere form of flattery. In Ash’s case, instead, we see him pass the baton to Brandy gradually, by tossing her into the deep end of his world, where she swims like a damn champ.
That’s not to say that others in Ash’s world weren’t given the same loving treatment, in this final season of Ash vs. Evil Dead. Poor Pablo, that hapless lover, and eventual fighter, who embraced his own heroic heritage as a Brujo Especiale, in his own family tradition, has come a long way from when he first knelt and swore to join the Jefe’s fight. And when Pablo heroically runs down the behaunted main avenue of Elk Grove and is included in a very fine tribute to the original ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘Army of Darkness’ films, it is an excellent reminder of other characters who had grand storylines of their own, whom we came to love just as much as we love Ash.
Speaking of tributes, it has to be talked about, the necklace Ash gave Brandy, awww. He said he had it when he first encountered the Necronomicon in that cabin so damn long ago, and for all of us ‘Evil Dead’ fans, even if it’s not the real thing, that necklace sure feels like it anyways. Rather like the magnifying glass that was used to read that damn book that began all this nonsense, I thought; how appropriate.
A whole bunch of father and daughter deadite-slaying later, Pablo’s gone into the rift like that Brujo badass he is and come out with Kelly’s spirit, which he tosses into her body post-haste. She still won’t rise, why?! Because that sort of gag is yet another ‘Evil Dead’ tradition, that’s why. So Kelly’s finally back up kick some deadite demonic ass, finally, onward we go!
Boy, I bet the military are going ‘WTF y’all?!’ as they try to bombard the Kandarian demon with everything they’ve got. Ground forces are having no luck either, and though all our Ghostbeaters are finally together again, only Ash, our reluctantly aging hero, is the chosen one, the one to finally face that freaking gigantic Kandarian demon, alone. Ash bids a loving farewell to his original team, the Ghostbeaters, telling Kelly she will make a strong leader and that Pablo himself is the Jefe now, and to his heretofore-unknown daughter, the unexpected windfall of a child that straightens his spine and makes him face the deadites head-on once more, Brandy, wears the necklace as she bids him a loving goodbye. Nothing to do now but steal a tank, create a makeshift spear with the Kandarian dagger, oh yeah, and face down a humungous demon!
We all enjoyed the giant demon fight scene and can pretty much guess who won, but the whole scene after that was an interesting way to end the series. The film Army of Darkness actually has an alternate ending scene, wherein Ash once again screws up proper wording and finds himself way far off in a destroyed future rather than the present and S-Mart. This ending of another potential far-off future, somehow original Mad Max meets I Am Legend with deadites instead of vampires, where Ash once again has to gear up and go out to fight demons, seems ridiculously far-fetched.
Which, somehow, makes it work mostly for Ash’s whole Evil Dead world. All three seasons of Ash vs. Evil Dead, and hell, the movies that preceded them too, were over the top, goofy and funny and completely not plausible ever, but more than anything, fun. We’re all aging and resenting it too, just like Ash, and just like our beloved boom-stick wielding Jefe, we want to roar off into the sunset to kick ass, just one more time!
As most of us already know, the third season of Ash vs. Evil Dead was the final season, as Starz cancelled the show. Tons of fans turned hopeful petitions to places like Netflix, only to be further saddened when the man himself, Bruce Campbell, took to social media and stated he was finally done playing Ash Williams, but what an amazing ride it has been. We fans, myself included, loved all the hard work and energy and passion that was poured into every single episode of the show, and the show can be likened to ‘Stranger Things’ for nostalgia tribute value entertainment. Hail to the King, and his beloved Ghostbeaters, forever baby!
Rating: 4.5/5
Apple TV’s Masters of the Air takes viewers on an intense journey through the harrowing experiences of the Eighth Air Force during World War II. This limited series, produced by the dynamic duo of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, delivers a gripping portrayal of the bravery and sacrifice of the young men who fought in the skies over Europe. With a focus on authenticity and emotional depth, Masters of the Air stands as a worthy successor to its predecessors, *Band of Brothers* and The Pacific.
The series excels in its meticulous attention to detail, from the period-accurate planes to the stark realism of aerial combat. The visual effects are nothing short of spectacular, immersing the audience in the chaos and danger of high-altitude warfare. The show’s cinematography captures the vastness of the skies and the claustrophobic confines of the bombers, adding to the tension that permeates every scene.
Masters of the Air is anchored by strong performances from its ensemble cast. The actors deliver nuanced portrayals of their characters, conveying the fear, camaraderie, and resolve that defined the Eighth Air Force’s mission. The series doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of war, including the psychological toll on the airmen and the devastating losses they endured.
However, *Masters of the Air* isn’t just about action and heroism. It also explores the complex moral dilemmas faced by the pilots and crew, adding layers to the narrative that elevate it above typical war dramas. The series’ pacing is deliberate, allowing for moments of introspection amid the chaos, which deepens the emotional impact.
In conclusion, *Masters of the Air* is a powerful and moving tribute to the unsung heroes of the skies. Its combination of historical accuracy, stunning visuals, and compelling storytelling makes it a must-watch for fans of war dramas and history buffs alike. Apple TV has once again proven its prowess in delivering top-tier original content, and *Masters of the Air* is a shining example of their commitment to quality storytelling.
With its emotionally charged narrative and breathtaking visuals, *Masters of the Air* earns a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. This series is not just a show—it’s an experience that honors the legacy of the brave airmen who risked everything for freedom.
Rating: 10/10
If you’re a fan of fantasy worlds filled with magic, talking beasts, and a storyline that feels like a reimagined “Beauty and the Beast,” *The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts* is an anime you should not miss. Streaming on Crunchyroll, this underrated gem offers a fresh and engaging twist on the classic tale of love and sacrifice in a magical otherworld.
The anime takes place in a fantastical world where humans and beasts coexist in a fragile peace. The story follows Sariphi, a young girl who has been chosen as the 99th human sacrifice to the fearsome King of Beasts, Leonhart. However, instead of cowering in fear, Sariphi faces her fate with courage and empathy, qualities that intrigue the beastly king. As their relationship develops, Sariphi learns that Leonhart harbors a deep secret that could change the fate of both their worlds.
Sariphi, the protagonist, is a breath of fresh air in the world of anime heroines. Her unwavering kindness and bravery make her a relatable and admirable character. Leonhart, the King of Beasts, is a complex character whose tough exterior hides a heart full of vulnerability. The supporting cast, consisting of talking beasts and magical beings, adds depth and richness to the world-building, making every episode a visual and emotional treat.
The animation quality is top-notch, with beautiful, lush backgrounds that bring the magical world to life. The character designs, especially the talking beasts, are creative and detailed, adding to the fantastical atmosphere of the anime. The contrast between the dark, mysterious kingdom and the warmth of the characters’ interactions is visually striking and enhances the overall storytelling.
At its core, The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts is a story about breaking down barriers, understanding the “other,” and the power of love to transform even the most hardened hearts. The anime explores themes of sacrifice, acceptance, and the courage to stand up against prejudice. It’s a story that resonates on many levels, making it more than just a simple fantasy tale.
With only one season and 24 episodes, *The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts* is a binge-worthy series that delivers a compelling story, memorable characters, and a beautifully crafted world. While it may not have the mainstream popularity of other fantasy anime, it’s a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. If you’re into magical worlds, talking beasts, and stories with heart, this anime is a must-watch.
This series is a great find on Crunchyroll for those who crave a blend of fantasy, magic, and heartfelt storytelling. Don’t miss out on this enchanting adventure!
★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Red Cat Ramen or Ramen Akaneko is a captivating and unique anime that blends the worlds of culinary artistry and magical realism, now streaming on Crunchyroll. The series centers on Yashiro Tamako,
a young girl who has a dislike of cats and applies for a part-time position at a ramen joint run by cats.
The anime unfolds as Tamako and the cat staff embark on a journey to revive the struggling ramen shop, which has fallen out of favor with the locals. Each episode showcases a different cat and their interaction with Tamako through the intricate process of running the restaurant from daily cat brushings to customer service. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, from rival chefs to eccentric food critics, each contributing to Tamako’s growth.
The story is not just about food; it’s about tradition, legacy, and the bonds that are forged through the act of cooking. The cat staff with their enigmatic personalities and vast wisdom, become both a mentors and friends to Tamako, helping her uncover the true essence of a restaurant.
Ramen Akaneko stands out in the anime world for its unique combination of culinary exploration and fantasy storytelling. The series is visually stunning, with each ramen dish meticulously animated to highlight the artistry involved in ramen-making. The anime doesn’t just stop at visuals; it delves deep into the cultural and emotional significance of ramen, offering viewers a rich, sensory experience.
The characters are well-developed, particularly Tamako, whose journey from a novice to a fully fledged staff member is both inspiring and relatable. The staff, with its mysterious aura, adds a layer of intrigue and depth to the story. Their dynamic relationship drives the narrative, making each episode feel like a new chapter in their evolving partnership.
Bunzo (文蔵)
Voiced by: Kenjiro Tsuda[3]
Sasaki (佐々木)
Voiced by: Noriaki Sugiyama[4]
Sabu (サブ)
Voiced by: Michiyo Murase[4]
Hana (ハナ)
Voiced by: Rie Kugimiya[4]
Krishna (クリシュナ, Kurishuna)
Voiced by: Saori Hayami[4]
Tamako Yashiro (社珠子, Yashiro Tamako)
Voiced by: Kurumi
The anime’s pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of light-hearted moments, intense culinary battles, and touching emotional scenes.
For fans of cooking anime, Ramen Akaneko is a feast for the senses. The attention to detail in the cooking sequences is impressive, and the way the show incorporates elements of fantasy makes it stand out from other food-themed anime. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast, a fantasy lover, or just looking for a heartwarming story, Ramen Akaneko is a delightful watch that should be on your must-see list this year.
Ramen Akaneko is a beautifully crafted anime that offers more than just a visual feast. It’s a story of passion, perseverance, and the magic that happens when food is made with love and care. With its stunning animation, engaging characters, and heartwarming plot, this series is a must-watch for anime fans and foodies alike. Don’t miss out on this flavorful journey—head over to Crunchyroll and dive into the world of Ramen Akaneko.
Masters of the Air: A Gritty Tribute to the Heroes of the Skies
The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts
Ramen Akaneko – A Flavorful Journey into Culinary Magic
Stan Against Evil Pop-up Video The Words Get Caught In My Mouth
Monkey Man Review
Everything we know about the Scrubs Reboot
Maxxxine goes to Hollywood
10 dark reasons why Friends doesn’t stand the test of time.
Hungry Hungry Hippos Fan Trailer
Cowboy Cartel on Apple TV – A Modern Western Thrill Ride
Comic-Con 2024: Arthur C Clarke’s Venus Prime TV series
Comic-Con 2024: Max Collins’s TRUE NOIR
Comic-Con 2024: Will Wight’s Cradle
Interview With Heroes & Villains Creative Director Doug Johnson
Thatsmye Interviews: Les Weiler on Henchin’: the Series
