Legion of Super-Heroes (2023) [Blu-ray/Digital]

It’s weird that after “Battle of the Super Sons” that DC and Warner would choose to adapt “Legion of Super Heroes” as their new feature. It feels like one of their least consequential animated movies in years. It doesn’t take place during the timeline of the Super Sons, and it rushes through the entire introduction of Supergirl. Plus, there seems to be a whole chunk of story missing as Superman seems to have a boom tube device that can warp in to the future to visit the Legion of Super Heroes. When did he get that? How exactly did he get that? Why did he assume Supergirl would have an easier time in the far future than she would in present Earth?

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Every Bugs Bunny Ever: Tortoise Beats Hare (1941)

2023 marks the 85th Anniversary of Bug Bunny’s first animated appearance in 1938’s “Porky’s Hare Hunt.” Debuting originally as Happy Rabbit, Bugs eventually became one of the most iconic animated characters of all time. In honor of the landmark anniversary, we’re discussing every animated appearance by Bugs Bunny. We’re big fans of Bugsy and we hope that you are, too.

Follow us on this massive journey where we discover and re-discover Every Bugs Bunny Ever.

Tortoise Beats Hare (1941)
Directed by Tex Avery
Produced by Leon Schlesinger
Music by Carl W. Stalling
Animation by Charles McKimson

In “Tortoise Beats Hare,” Bugs is a bit of a bully once again. Maybe not so much a bully, but he does have a bone to pick which makes him kind of antagonistic. This time he kind of has a reason to be. Here, he’s forced in to taking part of the classic Aesop fable of “The Hare & The Tortoise.” And by the laws of the original short story, he has to lose. This, of course, doesn’t sit well with Bugs Bunny (now donning his white gloves), and he’s hell bent on beating Cecil the Tortoise. This is the first time we meet Cecil, a very unassuming and slow witted tortoise who is so much cleverer than Bugs assumes.

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Every Bugs Bunny Ever: Elmer’s Pet Rabbit (1941)

2023 marks the 85th Anniversary of Bug Bunny’s first animated appearance in 1938’s “Porky’s Hare Hunt.” Debuting originally as Happy Rabbit, Bugs eventually became one of the most iconic animated characters of all time. In honor of the landmark anniversary, we’re discussing every animated appearance by Bugs Bunny. We’re big fans of Bugsy and we hope that you are, too.

Follow us on this massive journey where we discover and re-discover Every Bugs Bunny Ever.

Elmer’s Pet Rabbit (1941)
Directed by Charles M. Jones
Produced by Leon Schlesinger
Music by Carl W. Stalling
Animation by Rudy Larriva

I hate to say it, but “Elmer’s Pet Rabbit” is one of my least favorite shorts from Bugs massive library. While it’s not the worst of its kind, it really is weak in both its execution and premise. Bugs goes from wacky taunter, to inadvertent hero, right back to wacky taunter all over again. It’s almost like he takes a step back in his development here, even with Elmer Fudd playing the protagonist to Bugs. He’s basically the foil, but he’s also the more innocent of the pairing, playing a basic bachelor in a derby, who simply buys a wabbit one day.

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Every Bugs Bunny Ever: A Wild Hare (1940)

2023 marks the 85th Anniversary of Bug Bunny’s first animated appearance in 1938’s “Porky’s Hare Hunt.” Debuting originally as Happy Rabbit, Bugs eventually became one of the most iconic animated characters of all time. In honor of the landmark anniversary, we’re discussing every animated appearance by Bugs Bunny. We’re big fans of Bugsy and we hope that you are, too.

Follow us on this massive journey where we discover and re-discover Every Bugs Bunny Ever.

A Wild Hare (1940)
Directed by Tex Avery
Produced by Rich Hogan
Music by Carl W. Stalling
Animation by Virgil Ross

“What’s Up, Doc?”

Finally! Here we are that the final turning of the screwball. Bugs Bunny is here and he brings in all of his signature quirks and trademark personality. Everything is present from chomping down on his carrot, to outwitting the bad guy, to his iconic “What’s Up, Doc?” The character has evolved now with no black tipped ears, or black nose. Now he has his great punctuated ears, his pink nose, buck teeth, and sharp puffy tail.

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Charlie and the Hunt (2022) [Slamdance 2023]

UNSTOPPABLE SHORTS BLOCK 2
If you’re looking for a break from the heavier and political fare at “Slamdance,” Jenn Shaw’s “Charlie and the Hunt” is the perfect antidote. It’s rare that there are such wholesome shorts featured and it’s nice to see something a lot more about whimsy and the relationships that we hold near and dear to our hearts.

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Every Bugs Bunny Ever: Elmer’s Candid Camera (1940)

2023 marks the 85th Anniversary of Bug Bunny’s first animated appearance in 1938’s “Porky’s Hare Hunt.” Debuting originally as Happy Rabbit, Bugs eventually became one of the most iconic animated characters of all time. In honor of the landmark anniversary, we’re discussing every animated appearance by Bugs Bunny. We’re big fans of Bugsy and we hope that you are, too.

Follow us on this massive journey where we discover and re-discover Every Bugs Bunny Ever.

Elmer’s Candid Camera (1940)
Directed by
Charles Jones
Produced by Leon Schlesinger
Music by Carl W. Stalling
Animation by Bob McKimson

I was surprised doing my research for “Elmer’s Candid Camera” that the crew behind this didn’t think much of the short after completion. In fact, Chuck Jones considered it a guide on “what NOT to do, and how NOT to do it,” when it applies to Bugs and Elmer Fudd. It’s surprising because while “Elmer’s Candid Camera” isn’t a masterpiece by any stretch, it’s still pretty good in its own right.

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Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Much like the original, “Top Gun: Maverick” is a big jingoistic cartoon. But it’s a fun jingoistic cartoon. I say that as someone that didn’t like the original “Top Gun” so suffice to say I was hesitant going right in to it. After so many years left in film limbo, I was stunned it was so well received, as legacy sequels most of the time fall flat. While “Top Gun: Maverick” isn’t exactly a masterpiece, I could think of worse times to spend with an action movie; it’s definitely one of the better legacy sequels I’ve seen.

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