(0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it then cutting to James in his chair)
TLOTA: I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and the views that I'm about to express are that of my own and some of yours. Well, the best description of 2016 is Bipolar and that's being nice! But this time around before we get to the Top 10 believe it not we've got some honorable mentions before we get started. So let's get to them! (Cut to clips of review and other moments that happened as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
The Rowdy and Friends Fantasy League Sketch) Meant to parody one of the biggest online league player trading scandals I was proud to be a part of this sketch just for the fact I could get to be onscreen and me getting to be onscreen even for a moment.
Tipsy Gentlemen: Passion Of The Christ 2, Bibleman Animated Series and Nostalgia Christian/Say Goodnight Kevin) Being honest as I could I wanted to share my thoughts on certain things and express myself onto a different forum and do so intelligently and I want thank Chris T. Ian for allowing me to be intelligent about my beliefs.
The Kick-Ass Review) Honestly this was meant to be done in November of 2015 but the timing I had at the time was bad as was the fact I hadn't done another "Different Cuts" in a while meant something had to be postponed this review had to be it but it did lead to a lot of great silly moments and started the "Mystery Of James Faraci The Last Of The Americans" storyline.
The Top 10 Good Things to come from Michael Bay's Transformers) Going in I knew these movies were not going to be Shakespeare and finding those ten moments were a freaking chore for me. But I got the Job done and it helped lead into something that made the top 10 list.
The Top 13 Buffy & Angel Episodes) To be honest not my best list but there were some great moments like when I did a "Bar Rescue" Sketch and was a great lead into..
The Tribute To The Magic Of David Copperfield) Something I felt I had to do for one of the first things I religiously tuned into as a kid and remembered and remains with me to remind me of how much of a kid at heart I still am!
The Disney Descendants April Fools Review) Having seen my friend's review on the DCOM. Doing this review straight would've driven me to drink! But I think having Nick play a Raoul Duke Esque character in order to do and say the things I didn't want to or could say without coming off like a knock off of The Rowdy Reviewer's version of the review.
The Five Things I disliked and liked about "Superman V Batman Dawn Of Justice") I had to break character to be honest with myself and with everyone I know who had seen this movie and I needed to say it the way I needed to talk about it!
(Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: And seeing as how I broke character to talk about "Superman V Batman Dawn Of Justice" (James pulls out the Robo Knight Robo Morpher and unlocks the latch to the door that holds James' card and powers down and becomes James Faraci)
James Faraci: I got the five moments everyone else liked and I've got my five. It's time for the Top 10 Moments of James Faraci The Last Of The Americans in 2016!
(A Hand pulling a card designed by Stevie Swigart with the statistics of James Faraci The Last Of The Americans while putting it into the Robo Knight Robo Morpher and punching in the code 428 from the 0:00-0:03 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run. 0:04 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators shows James Faraci morphing into James Faraci The Last Of The Americans with his Long sleeve Tee-Shirt with the American flag design on it, Blue cargo Jeans and Tan Work boots until 0:07 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run as scene cuts to James stocking up on his arsenal from the Classic Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers Morpher, a bandoleer stocked up with Sonic Screwdrivers, Ammunition for a 303 British Rifle and said rifle, The Ring Of Aeon, The Gem From the Gauntlet Malachite’s Hand, Emmalina’s amulet and the Sword Of Caliverti from 0:08-0:15 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators. 0:15-0:29 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run shows James leaping and running through moments from the 2015 calendar year of his reviews ranging from James landing on Linkara, to James getting his nards smashed, To Josie & The Pussycats running into James’ office, to James and Paulo dressed as the Mario Brothers on a snow sled, to Everyone at team TLOTA running out of James’ office, to James leading the charge against the Cullens and the vampires of The Twilight Saga, to Rowdy turning his head to Paulo with a demented smile on his face as everyone save for James looks scared as James has his right hand with defeat on his face until the 0:30 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators shows when James pulls out a sonic screwdriver towards the Power Rangers then cuts over to a slab of titanium where lasers cut out “The Last Of The Americans” until 0:36 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run when James lands on top of the slab while doing a heroic pose with Paulo Fonseca, John Santos, Eliza Dushku & Eric Kurtzke on his right andRebecca & Nick Yaun, Traci Hines, Renee Miller and Mike Santos on his left doing their own heroic poses on a black background the 0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it with the words "The Top ten moments" and underneath "The Last Of The Americans" is "Of 2016" then the camera zooms to the backside of the slab with the number and James doing a voiceover the clip.)
James Faraci (Voiceover): Number ten
10) This review is "Happening" hot stuff!
James Faraci (Voiceover): Knowing this movie had been reviewed to freaking death, I figure I'd be the one to actually bury reviewing this turkey for good! The Nostalgia Critic's review made it safe for me to review but after watching the movie I found myself laughing myself cuckoo! The movie was M. Night Shaymalan at his most doped up and it shows! Hell Mark Wahlberg was possibly the loudest voice as to how much he disliked this movie. But for me, the best parts of the review was the opening when I did a parody of the scene in Airplane when one of the passengers start to have a nervous breakdown. But instead of me acting crazy from fear, I was crazy from laughing and the fact everyone tried to calm me down the way they did then there was the mid-review sketch featuring Cinema Sins Jeremy and Alton Brown played by Nick Yaun was some of my most creative writing I did in a long time then there was the "What?! NO!" moment. I thought of some of the best questions I could think of and I needed to make a subtle add in to the "Mystery Of James Faraci" storyline I made for Eliza and to be honest the most notable moments in the movie just made my review easy but it was one of the best for me to enjoy and work on.
(0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it then the camera zooms to the backside of the slab with the number and James doing a voiceover the clip.)
James Faraci (Voice over): Number nine
9) Jim vs "Jem"
James Faraci (Voice over): "Jem & The Holograms" was the movie that everyone and their GRANDPARENTS knew was dead on arrival! So for me personally I had no interest in reviewing it at all. But surprisingly it became one of my best reviews but how did this happen? Well we have the Blockbuster Buster to thank for this one. He had used a video of one of The Last Of The American's team members, Traci Hines if you need to know, in his review which got me wondering what it would've been like if Traci had seen it and how she'd like to get her revenge for knowing their video was nearly in this turkey. So yeah the star in this review wasn't The Last Of The Americans or the movie itself, it's Traci! That's right I gave her all the spotlight to be as funny and crazy as she needed to be on. However this one had it's fair share of problems. First off, The scheduled release date was supposed to be on September 12th! Several days after a scheduled crossover between my friend Rowdy, Writrzblok & The Cartoon Hero but that crossover was delayed due to conditions beyond normal conditions so to save my friend's backside I had to post my review first so I could save my friend's backside and posted mine first! But I want to once again thank Olivia Horvath for putting up with all the chaos in this review and helping me out with the technical details.
(0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it then the camera zooms to the backside of the slab with the number and James doing a voiceover the clip.)
James Faraci (Voice over): Number eight
8) Highlander II The Different Cuts
James Faraci (Voice over): This one almost broke me! But it was worth the time and effort because WHOO NELLY watching just the theatrical cut alone was an endurance trial. Sitting through the fan cuts nearly sent me to the funny farm. But as you can tell the results were worth the time, effort and sanity plus having Spoony back the whole review in his own way made the experience all the more pleasurable! But the best parts was when I wrote for Eliza Dushku and her reactions to the comments Spoony made which I had to whisper to her because of obvious reasons. So letting Spoony know that even though he may have regained some respect and forgiveness from the Internet Reviewing community trust me no one will fully forget but I hope this does something to remind us we need to be careful in what we say and how we act and treat each other.
(0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it then the camera zooms to the backside of the slab with the number and James doing a voiceover the clip.)
James Faraci (Voice over): Number Seven
7) All The "Peanuts" movies
James Faraci (Voice over): Partly inspired by my love of The Peanuts and the Specials and movies and partly inspired by The Nostalgia Critic's mini-reviews all of the Looney Tunes movies. I wanted to do something similar and for me I had all the material I needed and it was easy enough since last year The classic four movies that were made between 1969 & 1980 were made available on DVD & Blu-Ray and that made it much easier for me to do these reviews. But as I was watching them again I saw things differently. It was like looking at them for the first time and seeing them for how awesome they truly were and how much of an impact they had on me as not only as a fan of Peanuts but also a fan of animation in general and how much effort to make these movies and how they should be as appreciated as The Classic Disney animated movies are. The latest one I went with my nieces and because we did enjoy it I knew it was on par with the classic four so it was easy to know that it belonged on this and how much of an impact these movies would have on me. So Charlie Brown if you think I held that football long enough for you to kick it. You're most welcomed!
(0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it then the camera zooms to the backside of the slab with the number and James doing a voiceover the clip.)
James Faraci (Voiceover): Number six
6) The Three Months of Batman movies
James Faraci (Voice over): Not just my review of "The Dark Knight Rises" I'm talking about all three months of my work from the Bat-Months. The review of the 1966 Batman movie review was possibly the funniest review I had ever done. I always felt the more family friendly version of "Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker" was the one with the most depth and possibly did the job of telling the story better and trust me if I never watch "The Dark Knight Rises" it will be too damned soon! But I got some of the best story telling and by all accounts the best ending to a three month review arc! I wanted to show how far Batman has fallen and how far if he's done the right way he can truly rise and not in the way Christopher Nolan's movie made it out to be! (Cut
to James and Team TLOTA emerging from the shadows and pulling out Megaforce
Morphers and inserting their own cards with their own stats done by Stevie
Swiggart and Powering up into a battle ready form as they walk on the rooftop of
James’ office building as the wind blows in their faces as camera rises over
the team to see the American Flag and James’ signal in the sky as Batman "Finale" from the 1989 soundtrack plays in the foreground.)
(0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it then the camera zooms to the backside of the slab with the number and James doing a voiceover the clip.)
James Faraci (Voiceover): Number five
5) The Big 3
James Faraci (Voice over): The Big 3 consists of my first big three reviews I did on Myspace before Myspace reformatted it site. These reviews consisted of Channel Awesome's Second, third and fourth year anniversary specials. Interweaving the ending of the storyline was something that was just incidental. However this also brought kind of a sense of closure to my past because now I could move forward and not feel like a chapter or three was missing. Also this IS also the last big several day Anniversary special and I think I did end it on a good note. A new Morpher for my card, a new look for my character and afterwards re-reviewing these a new perspective on where I've been and where I can now go from here on out.
(0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it then the camera zooms to the backside of the slab with the number and James doing a voiceover the clip.)
James Faraci (Voiceover): Number Four
4) Reality Checkout: Reality Romance
James Faraci (Voice over): This was something I wanted to get out of me! I mean I have NO love for this genre of "Television" it's an insult to intelligence. It's an insult to Romance in general. Reality Romance STILL to me remains one of the worst things humanity has brought upon itself and this is 2016! The Year we put Donald Trump into the Office of President! But yet somehow this still remains one of the worst things humanity has done! As far as I'm concerned it is a glorified meat market that takes the ones that with the least amount of substance and the most amount of filler without anything with taste. I REALLY REALLY REALLY WANT TO SEE ALL THOSE INVOLVED TO SUFFER THE MOST HORRIBLE FATE EVER! I HOPE TO EVERY DEITY THAT HUMANS BECOME MORE INTELLIGENT AND SEND THIS GARBAGE BACK INTO THE DEPTHS FROM WHENCE IT CAME!
(0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it then the camera zooms to the backside of the slab with the number and James doing a voiceover the clip.)
James Faraci (Voiceover): Number three
3) The Ghostbusters 2016 review!
James Faraci (Voiceover): The first time I did a review of a movie at the time I did while it was in it's theatrical run and for me it was worth it. I wrote the review just as The Nostalgia Critic was doing his. Even though his review was on the now defunct Vessel.com a week before I could get mine out. And yes, I did copy some of The Critic's jokes like with the Meninists. But as where he just sat and heard all the arguing including that from the Meninists. I did something different! I shut those jackasses down by having Eliza Kiss and have her way with me! Then came the fact instead of me dealing with the arguments that had the internet ablaze all because James Rolfe said that he wasn't going to review the 2016 Ghostbusters movie! That's all he said but somehow it divided the Internet Reviewer community. I chose to stay in the middle of the road until I saw the movie and I actually thought the movie for the most part was Pretty Great. I found a lot for me to like and I found a lot for me to use for my review and it was for me one of the best from 2016 I did and I am grateful to everyone who knew I meant to be honest and I did better than the Nostalgia Critic in certain areas but he did better me with two little things. One was Jason Laws and the line "You've got a monkey in a religion" and the other was Aiyanna Wade! Somewhere in the back of my screwy cerebellum I started to think "Yeah she's kind of good looking!" and maybe I'm right for thinking that but something tells me I'm better off not pursuing a crush that might not give me the time of day. But I did one of my best reviews of the year with this one!
(0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it then the camera zooms to the backside of the slab with the number and James doing a voiceover the clip.)
James Faraci (Voiceover): Number two
2) The Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie Review
James Faraci (Voiceover): I SO WANT TO THANK GUS "THE NOSTALGIA KID" WEBB & CHRIS LEE "ROWDY C" MOORE SO VERY MUCH FOR DOING THIS WITH ME! Okay backstory behind this review. Gus was planning on doing a tribute to those on board the Satellite Of Love and the movies they had to sit through and that got me thinking about the movie they made and how I could do something to honor it. The best way I could think about it was to do my review in the same vein as an episode of MST3K. Having A Mad and an Assistant coming up with a way to torment me and my friends with a bad movie. And generally bad adaptations of our childhood favorites is the best way to piss Internet Reviewers off. But this was one of the rare ones that was awesome because it stayed true to what it was doing. And keeping the review in the same vein as Mystery Science Theater 3000 was definitely one of the reasons everyone myself included loved working on and checking out this review!
(A Hand pulling a card designed by Stevie Swigart with the statistics of James Faraci The Last Of The Americans while putting it into the Robo Knight Robo Morpher and punching in the code 428 from the 0:00-0:03 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run. 0:04 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators shows James Faraci morphing into James Faraci The Last Of The Americans with his Long sleeve Tee-Shirt with the American flag design on it, Blue cargo Jeans and Tan Work boots until 0:07 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run as scene cuts to James stocking up on his arsenal from the Classic Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers Morpher, a bandoleer stocked up with Sonic Screwdrivers, Ammunition for a 303 British Rifle and said rifle, The Ring Of Aeon, The Gem From the Gauntlet Malachite’s Hand, Emmalina’s amulet and the Sword Of Caliverti from 0:08-0:15 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators. 0:15-0:29 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run shows James leaping and running through moments from the 2015 calendar year of his reviews ranging from James landing on Linkara, to James getting his nards smashed, To Josie & The Pussycats running into James’ office, to James and Paulo dressed as the Mario Brothers on a snow sled, to Everyone at team TLOTA running out of James’ office, to James leading the charge against the Cullens and the vampires of The Twilight Saga, to Rowdy turning his head to Paulo with a demented smile on his face as everyone save for James looks scared as James has his right hand with defeat on his face until the 0:30 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators shows when James pulls out a sonic screwdriver towards the Power Rangers then cuts over to a slab of titanium where lasers cut out “The Last Of The Americans” until 0:36 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run when James lands on top of the slab while doing a heroic pose with Paulo Fonseca, John Santos, Eliza Dushku & Eric Kurtzke on his right and Rebecca & Nick Yaun, Traci Hines, Renee Miller and Mike Santos on his left doing their own heroic poses on a black background the 0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on itthen the camera zooms to the backside of the slab with the number and James doing a voiceover the clip.)
James Faraci (Voiceover): And THE Number one moment everyone liked in 2016 about The Last of The Americans is...
1) "Star Wars: The Force Analyzed"!
James Faraci (Voiceover): Doing this was the most rewarding and subsequently the most fun I had writing on a subject that has been deemed untouchable but somehow I was able to encapsulate the universe of Star Wars and all of the delicate intricacies of that universe in order for me to explain why I liked the First six and in order to explain why I liked The Force Awakens. I made my own version of it because I couldn't do The Force Awakens any justice with a review. Making it in the same way The Nostalgia Critic talked about Mad Max Fury Road. Put myself into the experience of being in a universe just like Star Wars and talk about my experiences with the entire Star Wars movies while telling a great Star Wars esque story using other well known characters in Sci-Fi and boy did I succeed in that. It's the best moment of 2016 because for me it is the best review I've done! (Cut to clip of James
Running to his Time and Space Device as Tray carries Tenn to the Falcon before
cutting to footage of “The Day Of The Doctor” in which The 11th
Doctor shouts “GERONIMO!” The 10th Doctor shouting “ALLONS-Y!” and
The War Doctor saying “Ugh, For God’s Sake!” before cutting to see James’ Time
and Space Device getting the hell out of Dodge as a gigantic explosion like
experience happens! Before cutting to James in his office.)
James Faraci: So those were the Top 10 moments of James Faraci The Last Of The Americans of 2016. What does 2017 hold? (Cut to clips of future reviews as James does a voiceover)
James Faraci (Voiceover): 2017 promises to be one of the biggest years for me with more Reviews, editorials and behind the scenes of the events featuring Team "The Last Of The Americans" and in addition to that a new summer series that will involve some series from the land down under created by a man named Jonathan M. Schiff. And Starting January a three month nightmare for me. A three month trek into hell called "Bad Romance". This and more will come in 2017 from James Faraci The Last Of The Americans (Cut to James physically)
James Faraci: Now if you'll excuse me! (James grabs the Robo Knight Robo Morpher puts the card into the slot and punches the code 428 and morphs back into James Faraci The Last Of The Americans)
TLOTA: I've got a ton of work to do! I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and I'll see you in 2017!
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Monday, December 12, 2016
Top 12 Little known Christmas Specials
(Music from the
last seasons of the Original Run of American Gladiators play as a Speedy shot
of James Faraci riding with Santa on his sleigh is seen, then throwing
snowballs, then singing Christmas Carols with The Muppets, then baking cookies,
then Waxing Rudolph’s red nose to add to the brightness and pal around with
Frosty before fading away to see a picture of the North Pole Santa Workshop
appears in the background as Jesus Christ, Santa Claus and Santa Christ appear
in the foreground as all three stand as a Christmas Tree land over them and
James Faraci stands alongside the Christmas tree with a smile on his face and
in Holiday text the words of The Last Of The Americans stand by his side as
Jingling Bells and snow falls in the intro before cutting to everyone save for James in the parking lot walking to the studio)
Paulo Fonseca: You're pulling our leg!
Renee Miller: Last year when he did the intro he was yo-yoing in the center of a green and red hypnowheel!
Olivia Horvath: Well with as loud as you got I'm certain by the end of 2017 we're going to be making first contact!
TLOTA: Well, I can't help it! (Cut to well known Christmas Specials as an electric guitar covers "The 12 Days Of Christmas" and James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): It's incredible to describe, it's the one time everyone reverts to being a kid and we get to watch our favorite animated and live action Specials. But yet for every "Frosty The Snowman" there's a "Cricket On The Hearth". For every "Charlie Brown Christmas Special" there's a "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and that is kind of sad to know that people don't know about at least HALF of the countless Christmas Specials that don't get shown as much as they should. (Cut to James in his office.)
TLOTA: Well guess what Santa James Faraci The Last Of The Americans is gonna give 12 specials the recognition they deserve! Why 12? (James grabs a Santa hat off screen and puts it on his head) HO! HO! HO! These are the Top 12 Little known Christmas Specials! (Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the words "The Top 12 Little known Christmas Specials" before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 12 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
12) Joyeaux Noel
TLOTA (Voiceover): I put this one here because it's actually getting more and more recognition. Set in World War I this movie is about the troops in the trenches who make a truce to stop the fighting for one day and celebrate Christmas together. Which is exactly how things are supposed to be for everyone of us. Just this one day when we forget our differences and we call all of ourselves brothers and sisters! They come out of the bunkers, talk to one another, hold a Christmas Mass! It's an amazing thing to know that people can be that good at heart! And this movie shows the sacrifices that these soldiers made NOT to break the bonds they made in that night the troops decided to stop the fighting. If you get a chance to watch it or to find it, get it to maybe just remind us of how good humanity can be!
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 11 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
11) The Pee Wee Herman Christmas Special
TLOTA (Voiceover): While it's not as unknown as bigger Christmas specials, it is not as really well known. Partly because it doesn't break any new ground or doing anything different. It does feel like a well done satire of Christmas Specials and it is done in such a weird and crazy way it's hard NOT to enjoy it. It has celebrity cameos because that's what Pee Wee Herman thinks should be in Christmas Specials and to this Christmas Special's credit it doesn't feel like it's bad. If you want to see it, it's available on Netflix and other Streaming services. Check it out if you want to enjoy something so bonkers and yet so full of Christmas Spirit!
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 10 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
10) The Rifftrax Live Christmas Shorts-Stravaganza
TLOTA (Voiceover): From the ashes of MST3K Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy & Bill Corbett decided to get together and make a fresh start in a new Riffing medium, The Internet where they could riff on ANYTHING unhindered and this Christmas Shorts-Stravaganza with Weird Al Yankovic on joining them as they primarily take on Public Domain or lesser known movies and Shorts. The Cynicism they exposit on these shorts might actually make you feel better as the Holidays continue on! It's available on DVD and on Hulu and other streaming sites if you're looking for it. Give it a watch, it's worth seeing a bit of Cynicism that doesn't come from a Green guy who thinks Christmas must be stolen for him to enjoy their sorrows.
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 9 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
9) A Claymation Christmas Celebration
TLOTA (Voiceover): If you were a kid of the late 1980's early 1990's and seen the California Raisins ads. Then you know about the Claymation studios of Will Vinton. But this special has got a unique charm around it. It's hosted by Dinosaurs and has musical vignettes in which some of the silliest moments but also some of the greatest covers of Christmas songs. And some of the animation is so abstract you swear you have to pause and double check the animation just to make sure what you're seeing IS animation. That's remarkable! It's available on DVD and while I'm not sure about the Streaming sites I am sure you have to see it to believe it!
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 8 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
8) Hey Arnold "Arnold's Christmas"
TLOTA (Voiceover): For those who don't know "Hey Arnold" was about a kid named Arnold whose parents left and never returned possibly the parents are presumed dead and lives with his grandparents in a boarding house full of unique characters. One of them being Mr. Hyunh who left his daughter as he was off doing his duty in the Vietnam war. And as his gift to Mr. Hyunh Arnold decides to find his daughter and reunite the two and if I say any more I'm likely to give away the twists and turns and everything else that makes this one an awesome Christmas Special. It's available on DVD and I think on Shout TV I could be wrong but I'm also sure if you look it's also available on Streaming services. Check it out and see a tale of a Football headed kid just trying to make the world around him a little more bearable.
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 7 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
7) A Chipmunk Christmas
TLOTA (Voiceover): This Special featuring Alvin, Simon & Theodore and their adoptive father Dave Seville is the first one in which Ross Bagdasarian Jr play Alvin, Simon & Dave. The special animated by Chuck Jones could be seen as a semi proto pilot to what eventually became the 1980's Alvin & The Chipmunks series. It focuses on Alvin and his Golden Echo Harmonica and a fan of Alvin's named Tommy and I'm not going to get into too much detail because it will ruin possibly one of the most heartwarming Christmas specials I've ever seen because there is so much to like. The Animation, the music, the story, the twists and turns, I can't do it justice here. If you're looking for it, it's on DVD and I think it's on Blu-Ray I could be wrong on that but I know it's on YouTube and trust me this special is something that needs to be seen to be believed!
(Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: We've got six more specials to go and three hours before the party so...
Eliza Dushku (Audio only): Hey James, we need more glassware, silverware, plates and more pigs in a blanket!
TLOTA: Well, The next six will be taken care after the break! We'll be back!
Paulo Fonseca: You're pulling our leg!
Olivia Horvath: No joking I am a Psychic medium!
Renee Miller: That sounds cool.
John Santos: Did anyone ask you if you've seen Elvis?
Olivia Horvath: Constantly! And for the record YES! He is dead! AND IF ANYONE ELSE has any stupid questions I WILL SEND SPIRITS AFTER YOU!
Rebecca Yaun: Well if it's okay I'd like to ask if you know what's on the menu for today with our annual Christmas Reviewerverse Shindig?
Olivia Horvath: Turkey with Cranberry Sauce and Stuffing, Shrimp Cocktail and Garlic Shrimp, Pigs in Blankets, Meatballs and Sausage, biscuits, A Deli Platter, A Veggie platter, various cookies, pies, A Vanilla/Chocolate sheet cake and A make it yourself cocktail bar!
Rebecca Yaun: How did you know that?
Olivia Horvath: He sent me an E-Mail telling me what's on the menu! Didn't you guys check your E-Mails?
Others: No not really. (Cut to James running out to the outside of The Studio and meeting up with the rest of the team)
TLOTA: GUYS! STAY RIGHT THERE! (James stands a foot away and says the "Apache Chief Growing cry" as he grows to be the size of a 300 story Skyscraper as the Others look up and shout "WHAT THE....?" before multiples continual zooms to James face)
TLOTA: CHRISSSSSSSSSSSSSSTMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS! (Cut to Angry Joe in his satellite as James' echo violently wakes him up and he says Ow! before cutting to James Shrinking back to normal as everyone save for Olivia is shocked)
Olivia Horvath: Do you usually do something this extreme to say how much your excitement Christmas?!
TLOTA: Well, let's say after last year's Nostalgia Critic's first Christmas review intro nearly wiped everyone off the face of the earth though Chicago. I scaled back!
Olivia Horvath: And you guys are not surprised when he does something like this?!Renee Miller: Last year when he did the intro he was yo-yoing in the center of a green and red hypnowheel!
Olivia Horvath: Well with as loud as you got I'm certain by the end of 2017 we're going to be making first contact!
TLOTA: Well, I can't help it! (Cut to well known Christmas Specials as an electric guitar covers "The 12 Days Of Christmas" and James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): It's incredible to describe, it's the one time everyone reverts to being a kid and we get to watch our favorite animated and live action Specials. But yet for every "Frosty The Snowman" there's a "Cricket On The Hearth". For every "Charlie Brown Christmas Special" there's a "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and that is kind of sad to know that people don't know about at least HALF of the countless Christmas Specials that don't get shown as much as they should. (Cut to James in his office.)
TLOTA: Well guess what Santa James Faraci The Last Of The Americans is gonna give 12 specials the recognition they deserve! Why 12? (James grabs a Santa hat off screen and puts it on his head) HO! HO! HO! These are the Top 12 Little known Christmas Specials! (Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the words "The Top 12 Little known Christmas Specials" before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 12 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
12) Joyeaux Noel
TLOTA (Voiceover): I put this one here because it's actually getting more and more recognition. Set in World War I this movie is about the troops in the trenches who make a truce to stop the fighting for one day and celebrate Christmas together. Which is exactly how things are supposed to be for everyone of us. Just this one day when we forget our differences and we call all of ourselves brothers and sisters! They come out of the bunkers, talk to one another, hold a Christmas Mass! It's an amazing thing to know that people can be that good at heart! And this movie shows the sacrifices that these soldiers made NOT to break the bonds they made in that night the troops decided to stop the fighting. If you get a chance to watch it or to find it, get it to maybe just remind us of how good humanity can be!
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 11 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
11) The Pee Wee Herman Christmas Special
TLOTA (Voiceover): While it's not as unknown as bigger Christmas specials, it is not as really well known. Partly because it doesn't break any new ground or doing anything different. It does feel like a well done satire of Christmas Specials and it is done in such a weird and crazy way it's hard NOT to enjoy it. It has celebrity cameos because that's what Pee Wee Herman thinks should be in Christmas Specials and to this Christmas Special's credit it doesn't feel like it's bad. If you want to see it, it's available on Netflix and other Streaming services. Check it out if you want to enjoy something so bonkers and yet so full of Christmas Spirit!
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 10 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
10) The Rifftrax Live Christmas Shorts-Stravaganza
TLOTA (Voiceover): From the ashes of MST3K Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy & Bill Corbett decided to get together and make a fresh start in a new Riffing medium, The Internet where they could riff on ANYTHING unhindered and this Christmas Shorts-Stravaganza with Weird Al Yankovic on joining them as they primarily take on Public Domain or lesser known movies and Shorts. The Cynicism they exposit on these shorts might actually make you feel better as the Holidays continue on! It's available on DVD and on Hulu and other streaming sites if you're looking for it. Give it a watch, it's worth seeing a bit of Cynicism that doesn't come from a Green guy who thinks Christmas must be stolen for him to enjoy their sorrows.
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 9 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
9) A Claymation Christmas Celebration
TLOTA (Voiceover): If you were a kid of the late 1980's early 1990's and seen the California Raisins ads. Then you know about the Claymation studios of Will Vinton. But this special has got a unique charm around it. It's hosted by Dinosaurs and has musical vignettes in which some of the silliest moments but also some of the greatest covers of Christmas songs. And some of the animation is so abstract you swear you have to pause and double check the animation just to make sure what you're seeing IS animation. That's remarkable! It's available on DVD and while I'm not sure about the Streaming sites I am sure you have to see it to believe it!
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 8 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
8) Hey Arnold "Arnold's Christmas"
TLOTA (Voiceover): For those who don't know "Hey Arnold" was about a kid named Arnold whose parents left and never returned possibly the parents are presumed dead and lives with his grandparents in a boarding house full of unique characters. One of them being Mr. Hyunh who left his daughter as he was off doing his duty in the Vietnam war. And as his gift to Mr. Hyunh Arnold decides to find his daughter and reunite the two and if I say any more I'm likely to give away the twists and turns and everything else that makes this one an awesome Christmas Special. It's available on DVD and I think on Shout TV I could be wrong but I'm also sure if you look it's also available on Streaming services. Check it out and see a tale of a Football headed kid just trying to make the world around him a little more bearable.
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 7 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
7) A Chipmunk Christmas
TLOTA (Voiceover): This Special featuring Alvin, Simon & Theodore and their adoptive father Dave Seville is the first one in which Ross Bagdasarian Jr play Alvin, Simon & Dave. The special animated by Chuck Jones could be seen as a semi proto pilot to what eventually became the 1980's Alvin & The Chipmunks series. It focuses on Alvin and his Golden Echo Harmonica and a fan of Alvin's named Tommy and I'm not going to get into too much detail because it will ruin possibly one of the most heartwarming Christmas specials I've ever seen because there is so much to like. The Animation, the music, the story, the twists and turns, I can't do it justice here. If you're looking for it, it's on DVD and I think it's on Blu-Ray I could be wrong on that but I know it's on YouTube and trust me this special is something that needs to be seen to be believed!
(Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: We've got six more specials to go and three hours before the party so...
Eliza Dushku (Audio only): Hey James, we need more glassware, silverware, plates and more pigs in a blanket!
TLOTA: Well, The next six will be taken care after the break! We'll be back!
(Commercial Sting with
American Gladiators first run's final season's ten seconds theme with
James Standing alongside a Christmas tree to Holiday Text saying The Last of
the Americans. While the sound of Jingling bells and the sight of snow falling are
covering the sting then same moment returns to the review)
TLOTA: Whew we are an hour away from this party getting started. So maybe I can finish this countdown without something going wrong again. Let's just say it involved a pressure cooker. Don't ask!
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 6 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
6) ALF's Special Christmas
TLOTA (Voiceover): All I can say about this one is YOWZA! This is possibly one of the saddest Christmas Specials I've ever seen! I mean we have Gordon "ALF" Schumway having befriend a little girl named Tiffany who knows this is her last Christmas in a hospital or on this planet, The Tanners' friend whose Cabin they're staying in having lost their significant other and deciding to end his own life and yet they try to balance out this with a woman having a baby as Gordon assist her in giving birth and the Tanners trying to get through the Holidays in a Cabin with "Humorous" results. As humorous as a special can be when the special ends with Tiffany looking at Gordon outside the hospital's window and the two share sad glances at one another and the last scene is that of an "In Memoriam of..." scene of a fan of the show! (Cut to James physically on the verge of crying)
TLOTA (quietly): What is wrong with you Christmas Special?! (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): If you're looking for it, the special WAS on HULU for a while but you can also check it out on YouTube and other Streaming sites. Give it a watch if you want but be warned if you want to have your heart torn to bits this is the special for you!
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 5 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
5) A Family Circus Christmas
TLOTA (Voiceover): Based on the Comic Strip Characters. This special features the characters by Bill & Jeff Keane sees the one of the younger children Jeffy coming along on a sleigh ride with Santa in hopes of getting his dad the best gift he can find. Will Jeffy get it for his dad? Well you'll have to do some searching but it is on YouTube and sadly not on any streaming sites or on DVD. But if you can find it, I STRONGLY Suggest you check it out. It's worth the time to find this jewel and give it the respect it deserves.
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 4 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
4) The S CLUB 7 Christmas Special
TLOTA (Voiceover): This is something that I feel should be more well known for my own reasons. But here's the gist of what you need to know about the special. A musical group of seven singers from the United Kingdom is trying to make it big here in the states but with their careers not getting off the ground they decide to take a break, go home for the holidays and hopefully comeback in the spring of the next year hopefully in Los Angeles to start fresh. But after being fired from their Mall Santa Job and a crash involving some of their members the remaining members must choose to be loyal to their fallen friends and stay in the City Of Angels or go home as is leaving those who are injured and hope for the best. Well, if you want to know the whole story you're gonna have to find it. But as far as I know it's on YouTube either in one whole episode or in multiple parts and I personally enjoy it. (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: So if everything is about this is enjoyable and has a decent moral decision the group has to make then why isn't this being shown more? (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Because the band are known for the four series of thirteen episodes and not their music and believe me their music is just that right amount of 2000 pop that should've been more than just a one-hit wonder! That's right they only one hit the Aptly titled "Never Had A Dream Come True" peaked at the Number 10 spot for the first two weeks in May of 2001! They deserved better! They deserved to have tour the States as musicians! But no! Their manager thought they weren't worth their time! Their Manager SIMON FULLER WHO ONCE MANAGED THE SPICE GIRLS, WAS AN EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ON AMERICAN IDOL AND PRODUCED A TON OF TALENT SHOWS STATESIDE AND OVERSEAS WHO HAD POSSIBLY A GREAT GROUP THAT WOULD'VE LASTED PAST THE ZEITGEST OF WHAT HAPPENED AND GOT THEM TOUR SPOTS WITH SOME OF THE MUSICIANS OF THE TIME STATESIDE AND DECIDED "NO, I WILL NOT LET THEM SUCCEED!" UP YOURS YOU SCROOGE! HERE'S HOPING YOU GET A LUMP OF COAL UPSIDE YOUR HEAD! But thankfully last year they had a reunion tour but if you lived in the UK you were golden. If you were one of the dozens of American fans you had to spend MORE money just to see them perform once again in the May of 2015! Fourteen years AFTER they made it big here Stateside and twelve years after they broke up! Well, here's hoping people eventually find them out whether through Nostalgia or YouTube and people actually see them for what they should've been!
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 3 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
3) The Snowman
TLOTA (Voiceover): With amazingly hand drawn animation. This tale of a Snowman coming to life is far removed from "Frosty The Snowman" as it can get. With an intro beforehand by the late David Bowie in some versions of this special, amazing music and no dialogue we see this tale of a magical Snowman taking his human friend to a Snowman party and if I give away too much you might not want to see how it goes but it ends on a simple note that makes this one so compelling! It's on DVD, Blu-Ray and on Amazon Prime and some other streaming services for you to check out. If you haven't seen it then you HAVE to see it. This one has to be seen and just beholden as a cherished classic.
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 2 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
2) The Little Rascals Christmas Special
TLOTA (Voiceover): Set during the Depression this animated special follows Spanky, his little brother Porky and their mom played by original "Our Gang"/ "Little Rascals" actress Darla Hood and how Spanky & Porky need to get the rest of the gang to help their mom get something she needs and that is as far as I dare go. Because there is a lot of to enjoy! One thing I should note is that the Directors of the animation would eventually create the 1980's Animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. And the best place I could find this is on YouTube and Dailymotion if you're looking for it. Check this one to make sure as Buckwheat says best OKAY!
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): And the Number one little known Christmas Special is.....(Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
1) A Christmas Story! (Cut to the cover of the more well known movie DVD)
TLOTA (Voiceover) NO NOT THAT ONE! (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): I'm talking about the story about a dog and his little mouse friend trying to make their way to find Santa and give their master's letter to Santa. Will they overcome all the obstacles and give their letter to Santa? Well, for that you'll find it on DVD specifically the Hanna Barbera Christmas Classics Collection but it's not available for streaming though. But I'm sure it's out there on YouTube and other video streaming sites. Check them out, they're worth the time!
(Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: And that was the top 12 little known Christmas Specials and for me this was important! (Cut to clips of Christmas Specials well known and little known as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Because these specials need to be remembered even if The Nostalgia Critic can't remember them and to be fair all of them needs to be added to our Holiday Special collection that we all should see and Know that there's room for "Home Alone" and for the animated "Elf on The Shelf" Special equally. There's plenty of room at the table for everyone if we remember that they deserve it even if they are older or lesser known they deserve it as much as the most known of all the Christmas Specials.
(Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans. Happy Holidays everyone! (Scene fades to black as the words "A Few Hours Later..." before cutting to James as cleans up the office and finds Aiyanna Wade reeking of booze and half passed out in the kitchen without a word but heartwarming music heard in the ending of The Nostalgia Critic's review of "A Christmas Story 2" is heard as James lets Aiyanna sleep off the drinks she had properly positioned so she doesn't choke on her vomit, hooks her up to an I.V. pump and in case something goes wrong places a bottle of water and aspirin, bucket next to her if she feels ill later on the couch and James goes to his business office and falls asleep on the floor with a blanket over himself curled up in a ball before cutting to the next day as Walter Banasiak finds Aiyanna on the couch)
Walter Banasiak: Hey Aiyanna! (Aiyanna wakes up shocked to see herself hooked up to an I.V. pump with D-5 Half Normal Saline with 20 KCL at 100 CCs an hour, Walter, A bucket, a bottle of Water and a bottle of Aspirin)
Aiyanna Wade: Walter, what happened? I remember going to the bar and making my Batgirl cocktail and next thing I know I'm sleeping on a couch so I don't blow chunks on myself. What happened?
Walter Banasiak: Well, you had more than one and next thing we all knew you grabbed James by the Po-pos! and were stumbling around trying to kiss James under the Mistletoe and well you tried to find more to drink. We lost you in the mix. Apparently James found you and the rest is history.
Aiyanna Wade: Did he...?
ORAC (Audio only): James spent half the night up making sure you were comfortable, the other half... (Cut to Walter and Aiyanna looking into James' business office before cutting to see James asleep on the floor on his side.)
Walter Banasiak (Audio only): Can't believe he spent the night here and made sure you were comfortable. Didn't even have the time to do anything else. (Cut to Aiyanna Wade coming up to James's still asleep body and gives him a kiss on the cheek before walking away and closing the door letting James sleep before cutting to hours later as James wakes up to discover a card saying only one word "Thanks" and James smiles sadly and nod to say to himself "I did the right thing" and walks over to the vault behind ORAC's area and places it in the vault)
TLOTA: Whew we are an hour away from this party getting started. So maybe I can finish this countdown without something going wrong again. Let's just say it involved a pressure cooker. Don't ask!
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 6 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
6) ALF's Special Christmas
TLOTA (Voiceover): All I can say about this one is YOWZA! This is possibly one of the saddest Christmas Specials I've ever seen! I mean we have Gordon "ALF" Schumway having befriend a little girl named Tiffany who knows this is her last Christmas in a hospital or on this planet, The Tanners' friend whose Cabin they're staying in having lost their significant other and deciding to end his own life and yet they try to balance out this with a woman having a baby as Gordon assist her in giving birth and the Tanners trying to get through the Holidays in a Cabin with "Humorous" results. As humorous as a special can be when the special ends with Tiffany looking at Gordon outside the hospital's window and the two share sad glances at one another and the last scene is that of an "In Memoriam of..." scene of a fan of the show! (Cut to James physically on the verge of crying)
TLOTA (quietly): What is wrong with you Christmas Special?! (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): If you're looking for it, the special WAS on HULU for a while but you can also check it out on YouTube and other Streaming sites. Give it a watch if you want but be warned if you want to have your heart torn to bits this is the special for you!
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 5 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
5) A Family Circus Christmas
TLOTA (Voiceover): Based on the Comic Strip Characters. This special features the characters by Bill & Jeff Keane sees the one of the younger children Jeffy coming along on a sleigh ride with Santa in hopes of getting his dad the best gift he can find. Will Jeffy get it for his dad? Well you'll have to do some searching but it is on YouTube and sadly not on any streaming sites or on DVD. But if you can find it, I STRONGLY Suggest you check it out. It's worth the time to find this jewel and give it the respect it deserves.
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 4 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
4) The S CLUB 7 Christmas Special
TLOTA (Voiceover): This is something that I feel should be more well known for my own reasons. But here's the gist of what you need to know about the special. A musical group of seven singers from the United Kingdom is trying to make it big here in the states but with their careers not getting off the ground they decide to take a break, go home for the holidays and hopefully comeback in the spring of the next year hopefully in Los Angeles to start fresh. But after being fired from their Mall Santa Job and a crash involving some of their members the remaining members must choose to be loyal to their fallen friends and stay in the City Of Angels or go home as is leaving those who are injured and hope for the best. Well, if you want to know the whole story you're gonna have to find it. But as far as I know it's on YouTube either in one whole episode or in multiple parts and I personally enjoy it. (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: So if everything is about this is enjoyable and has a decent moral decision the group has to make then why isn't this being shown more? (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Because the band are known for the four series of thirteen episodes and not their music and believe me their music is just that right amount of 2000 pop that should've been more than just a one-hit wonder! That's right they only one hit the Aptly titled "Never Had A Dream Come True" peaked at the Number 10 spot for the first two weeks in May of 2001! They deserved better! They deserved to have tour the States as musicians! But no! Their manager thought they weren't worth their time! Their Manager SIMON FULLER WHO ONCE MANAGED THE SPICE GIRLS, WAS AN EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ON AMERICAN IDOL AND PRODUCED A TON OF TALENT SHOWS STATESIDE AND OVERSEAS WHO HAD POSSIBLY A GREAT GROUP THAT WOULD'VE LASTED PAST THE ZEITGEST OF WHAT HAPPENED AND GOT THEM TOUR SPOTS WITH SOME OF THE MUSICIANS OF THE TIME STATESIDE AND DECIDED "NO, I WILL NOT LET THEM SUCCEED!" UP YOURS YOU SCROOGE! HERE'S HOPING YOU GET A LUMP OF COAL UPSIDE YOUR HEAD! But thankfully last year they had a reunion tour but if you lived in the UK you were golden. If you were one of the dozens of American fans you had to spend MORE money just to see them perform once again in the May of 2015! Fourteen years AFTER they made it big here Stateside and twelve years after they broke up! Well, here's hoping people eventually find them out whether through Nostalgia or YouTube and people actually see them for what they should've been!
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 3 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
3) The Snowman
TLOTA (Voiceover): With amazingly hand drawn animation. This tale of a Snowman coming to life is far removed from "Frosty The Snowman" as it can get. With an intro beforehand by the late David Bowie in some versions of this special, amazing music and no dialogue we see this tale of a magical Snowman taking his human friend to a Snowman party and if I give away too much you might not want to see how it goes but it ends on a simple note that makes this one so compelling! It's on DVD, Blu-Ray and on Amazon Prime and some other streaming services for you to check out. If you haven't seen it then you HAVE to see it. This one has to be seen and just beholden as a cherished classic.
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Number 2 (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
2) The Little Rascals Christmas Special
TLOTA (Voiceover): Set during the Depression this animated special follows Spanky, his little brother Porky and their mom played by original "Our Gang"/ "Little Rascals" actress Darla Hood and how Spanky & Porky need to get the rest of the gang to help their mom get something she needs and that is as far as I dare go. Because there is a lot of to enjoy! One thing I should note is that the Directors of the animation would eventually create the 1980's Animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. And the best place I could find this is on YouTube and Dailymotion if you're looking for it. Check this one to make sure as Buckwheat says best OKAY!
(Cut to a basic animated Snow flurry scene with a blue background as Jingling Bells are heard and "Christmas in Sarajevo" by The Trans Siberian Orchestra plays in the foreground before the number is shown)
TLOTA (Voiceover): And the Number one little known Christmas Special is.....(Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
1) A Christmas Story! (Cut to the cover of the more well known movie DVD)
TLOTA (Voiceover) NO NOT THAT ONE! (Cut to clips of the special as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): I'm talking about the story about a dog and his little mouse friend trying to make their way to find Santa and give their master's letter to Santa. Will they overcome all the obstacles and give their letter to Santa? Well, for that you'll find it on DVD specifically the Hanna Barbera Christmas Classics Collection but it's not available for streaming though. But I'm sure it's out there on YouTube and other video streaming sites. Check them out, they're worth the time!
(Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: And that was the top 12 little known Christmas Specials and for me this was important! (Cut to clips of Christmas Specials well known and little known as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Because these specials need to be remembered even if The Nostalgia Critic can't remember them and to be fair all of them needs to be added to our Holiday Special collection that we all should see and Know that there's room for "Home Alone" and for the animated "Elf on The Shelf" Special equally. There's plenty of room at the table for everyone if we remember that they deserve it even if they are older or lesser known they deserve it as much as the most known of all the Christmas Specials.
(Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans. Happy Holidays everyone! (Scene fades to black as the words "A Few Hours Later..." before cutting to James as cleans up the office and finds Aiyanna Wade reeking of booze and half passed out in the kitchen without a word but heartwarming music heard in the ending of The Nostalgia Critic's review of "A Christmas Story 2" is heard as James lets Aiyanna sleep off the drinks she had properly positioned so she doesn't choke on her vomit, hooks her up to an I.V. pump and in case something goes wrong places a bottle of water and aspirin, bucket next to her if she feels ill later on the couch and James goes to his business office and falls asleep on the floor with a blanket over himself curled up in a ball before cutting to the next day as Walter Banasiak finds Aiyanna on the couch)
Walter Banasiak: Hey Aiyanna! (Aiyanna wakes up shocked to see herself hooked up to an I.V. pump with D-5 Half Normal Saline with 20 KCL at 100 CCs an hour, Walter, A bucket, a bottle of Water and a bottle of Aspirin)
Aiyanna Wade: Walter, what happened? I remember going to the bar and making my Batgirl cocktail and next thing I know I'm sleeping on a couch so I don't blow chunks on myself. What happened?
Walter Banasiak: Well, you had more than one and next thing we all knew you grabbed James by the Po-pos! and were stumbling around trying to kiss James under the Mistletoe and well you tried to find more to drink. We lost you in the mix. Apparently James found you and the rest is history.
Aiyanna Wade: Did he...?
ORAC (Audio only): James spent half the night up making sure you were comfortable, the other half... (Cut to Walter and Aiyanna looking into James' business office before cutting to see James asleep on the floor on his side.)
Walter Banasiak (Audio only): Can't believe he spent the night here and made sure you were comfortable. Didn't even have the time to do anything else. (Cut to Aiyanna Wade coming up to James's still asleep body and gives him a kiss on the cheek before walking away and closing the door letting James sleep before cutting to hours later as James wakes up to discover a card saying only one word "Thanks" and James smiles sadly and nod to say to himself "I did the right thing" and walks over to the vault behind ORAC's area and places it in the vault)
Monday, November 21, 2016
Behind The Scenes of "Different Cuts: Highlander II"
(Scene starts with John Santos filming in the backroom as James is getting in character as he plays Christopher Lambert)
James Faraci (Doing Christopher Lambert): THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE! (Jokingly Kiya)
(Scene cuts to James as he drives up to the studio as Combine Harvester plays in the background.)
James Faraci: So today Olivia is officially joining the team and I am planning on having a celebration after we wrap for the day. (Cut to James filming as Paulo gets ready to become Giorgio A Tsoukalos)
James Faraci (Audio only): So enjoying the transformation?
Paulo Fonseca: After seeing you be this character, I'm glad I'm getting to play it because Olivia thought I was better built for the character than you. No Offense dude.
James Faraci (Audio only): None taken! (Cut to James and Spoony on the couch as they go over their lines as Olivia films.)
Olivia Horvath (Audio only): So what are you two up to?
James Faraci: Just going over lines with Noah and seeing if where and when we can ad-lib and I'm going to have record the same voiceover twice. One if Hillary Wins and the other one if Trump wins and it's a big "IF" if he does wins. Because the popular bet is that Hillary wins and basically I'm history! But we're in a world now where The Chicago Cubs are World Series Champions so anything is a possibility. (Cut to James and Olivia as they go over the intro scene.)
James Faraci: So this is where you officially join our little group and we meet Spoony and I really think you'll be a welcomed addition to the team.
Olivia Horvath: You think so?
James Faraci: Oh I truly believe you're going to be awesome.
Olivia Horvath: Thanks James.
(Cut to James and Olivia being shocked as Spoony lands and a fart from a Whoopee Cushion is heard and Spoony muffles the infamous ninth doctor lines "Excuse me, do you mind not farting while I'm saving the world?" as James and Olivia laugh and James says "Cut" before seeing Spoony dress up as Doctor Insano)
Eric Kurtzke (Audio only): Neyah, What's up doc?
Noah Antwiler: Well, I'm going to be taking Giorgio A Tsoukalos's unconscious body away after one last ramble about Aliens.
Eric Kurtzke (Audio only): So what is Giorgio's deal with Aliens anyway?
James Faraci (Audio from a distance): The guy in my opinion has a little too much fun with somethings that I wouldn't touch with a fifty yard pole!
Noah Antwiler: I hear that! (Cut to James and Noah flubbing their lines together several times before cutting to Eliza Dushku grabbing a gun in the background as James and Eliza go over the way the lines are supposed to go as Traci Hines films.)
Traci Hines (Audio only): So what is this all about?
Eliza Dushku: James wanted me to grab myself south of the border as I say my lines threatening Spoony while I hold This bad boy and I was a little unsure until James said "It'd be a subtle jab at Donald Trump"
Traci Hines (Audio only): Why are you taking jabs at Trump?
James Faraci: To be honest, Yeah I'm a republican but I know he has a snowball's chance in hell to be president and if he does, I will be completely surprised and I will not envy him because he's gonna have the worst job to ever be put upon any human. I didn't want to be president because I know after I'm elected I'm gonna be the most hated person on the planet!
Traci Hines (Audio Only): Really? So you support Hillary?
James Faraci: Not really but come next Tuesday I'm voting for the lesser of the evils. (Cut to James as he films everyone else getting dressed up as UPS like deliverymen)
John Santos: So Nick, we're using "APS" for our delivery service
Nick Yaun: I mean the other guys wanted an arm and a leg for crying out loud.
Rebecca Yaun: Alright. (Cut to the end of the day as James and everyone celebrate Olivia joining the team as James wheels out a vanilla cake with Olivia's face on it.)
James Faraci: So on behalf of ALL of us we welcome you to our team! Team "Last Of The Americans" (Everyone cheers as James breaks out the Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider before cutting to James filming Olivia as she is enjoying the cake.)
James Faraci (Audio only): So you like the cake?
Olivia Horvath: Absolutely tasty.
James Faraci (Audio only): Made it myself
Olivia Horvath: No wonder it tastes fluffy! (Cut to where everyone is standing and Paulo said "We're The Avengers" and suddenly everyone including James laughs as Spoony pops up and says "That's All Folks" and James laughs again then says "Cut" before cutting to black)
James Faraci (Doing Christopher Lambert): THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE! (Jokingly Kiya)
(Scene cuts to James as he drives up to the studio as Combine Harvester plays in the background.)
James Faraci: So today Olivia is officially joining the team and I am planning on having a celebration after we wrap for the day. (Cut to James filming as Paulo gets ready to become Giorgio A Tsoukalos)
James Faraci (Audio only): So enjoying the transformation?
Paulo Fonseca: After seeing you be this character, I'm glad I'm getting to play it because Olivia thought I was better built for the character than you. No Offense dude.
James Faraci (Audio only): None taken! (Cut to James and Spoony on the couch as they go over their lines as Olivia films.)
Olivia Horvath (Audio only): So what are you two up to?
James Faraci: Just going over lines with Noah and seeing if where and when we can ad-lib and I'm going to have record the same voiceover twice. One if Hillary Wins and the other one if Trump wins and it's a big "IF" if he does wins. Because the popular bet is that Hillary wins and basically I'm history! But we're in a world now where The Chicago Cubs are World Series Champions so anything is a possibility. (Cut to James and Olivia as they go over the intro scene.)
James Faraci: So this is where you officially join our little group and we meet Spoony and I really think you'll be a welcomed addition to the team.
Olivia Horvath: You think so?
James Faraci: Oh I truly believe you're going to be awesome.
Olivia Horvath: Thanks James.
(Cut to James and Olivia being shocked as Spoony lands and a fart from a Whoopee Cushion is heard and Spoony muffles the infamous ninth doctor lines "Excuse me, do you mind not farting while I'm saving the world?" as James and Olivia laugh and James says "Cut" before seeing Spoony dress up as Doctor Insano)
Eric Kurtzke (Audio only): Neyah, What's up doc?
Noah Antwiler: Well, I'm going to be taking Giorgio A Tsoukalos's unconscious body away after one last ramble about Aliens.
Eric Kurtzke (Audio only): So what is Giorgio's deal with Aliens anyway?
James Faraci (Audio from a distance): The guy in my opinion has a little too much fun with somethings that I wouldn't touch with a fifty yard pole!
Noah Antwiler: I hear that! (Cut to James and Noah flubbing their lines together several times before cutting to Eliza Dushku grabbing a gun in the background as James and Eliza go over the way the lines are supposed to go as Traci Hines films.)
Traci Hines (Audio only): So what is this all about?
Eliza Dushku: James wanted me to grab myself south of the border as I say my lines threatening Spoony while I hold This bad boy and I was a little unsure until James said "It'd be a subtle jab at Donald Trump"
Traci Hines (Audio only): Why are you taking jabs at Trump?
James Faraci: To be honest, Yeah I'm a republican but I know he has a snowball's chance in hell to be president and if he does, I will be completely surprised and I will not envy him because he's gonna have the worst job to ever be put upon any human. I didn't want to be president because I know after I'm elected I'm gonna be the most hated person on the planet!
Traci Hines (Audio Only): Really? So you support Hillary?
James Faraci: Not really but come next Tuesday I'm voting for the lesser of the evils. (Cut to James as he films everyone else getting dressed up as UPS like deliverymen)
John Santos: So Nick, we're using "APS" for our delivery service
Nick Yaun: I mean the other guys wanted an arm and a leg for crying out loud.
Rebecca Yaun: Alright. (Cut to the end of the day as James and everyone celebrate Olivia joining the team as James wheels out a vanilla cake with Olivia's face on it.)
James Faraci: So on behalf of ALL of us we welcome you to our team! Team "Last Of The Americans" (Everyone cheers as James breaks out the Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider before cutting to James filming Olivia as she is enjoying the cake.)
James Faraci (Audio only): So you like the cake?
Olivia Horvath: Absolutely tasty.
James Faraci (Audio only): Made it myself
Olivia Horvath: No wonder it tastes fluffy! (Cut to where everyone is standing and Paulo said "We're The Avengers" and suddenly everyone including James laughs as Spoony pops up and says "That's All Folks" and James laughs again then says "Cut" before cutting to black)
Monday, November 14, 2016
I've got a lovely bunch of "Peanuts"
(0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it then cutting to The Last Of The Americans)
TLOTA: I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and the views that I'm about to express are that of my own and some of yours. (Cut to clips of the Charlie Brown Specials as "Linus & Lucy" play in the foreground and James does a voiceover)
TLOTA: I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and the views that I'm about to express are that of my own and some of yours. (Cut to clips of the Charlie Brown Specials as "Linus & Lucy" play in the foreground and James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Oh How many of us wished Charlie Brown kicked that elusive football that Lucy pulled away every single time. How many of us wished we had a beagle like Snoopy. How many of us had those feelings we could relate to Chuck or Linus. And yes, my associate The Rowdy Reviewer has done reviews on the Specials and made mention to movies based on the Peanuts Comic Strip. That's right, there are movies based on the beloved characters created by Charles M. Schulz and every one of them are amazingly incredible. (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: And guess what I'm reviewing all of them. The qualifications is that they HAD to have been theatrically released and it HAD to be made specifically for a theatrical run AND I WILL TRY to keep the Spoilers down to the most bare minimum! With that said let's start off with "A Boy Named Charlie Brown" (Cut to clips of the movie as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Released the same year "It Was A Short Summer, Charlie Brown" aired on CBS, 1969. The film centers on Charlie Brown as he discovers his talent for Spelling and everyone encouraging him to develop that skill as it takes him to friggin' NEW YORK CITY for a National Spelling Bee championship! While I won't spoil the ending let me say that after the twist when Charlie Brown comes home, he takes what happens SO HARD it takes Linus saying "The world didn't end because of what happened" that he actually decides to get back out there and this also is the first time we hear possibly the best interpretation of the Charlie Brown "ARUGH!" and let me say the Animation is awesome but there are some moments in which it gets....Trippy! For example, What was up with the animation for the Star Spangled Banner moment? Or how about when Charlie Brown is in the National Spelling Bee finals! We only see a brown background Charlie Brown & the other contestants from the shoulders up! There's actually a video on youtube that has music that just adds to the creepy when the kids are eliminated ONE BY ONE until it's just him and one kid then as the rest of the Peanuts save for Linus & Snoopy who just so happen to be in the audience are watching on the TV when we see Charlie's head! WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE?! But overall it is an amazing movie about a kid we all can relate to, A Boy Named Charlie Brown! (Cut to the ending in which Charlie Brown tries once again to kick that damned Football only for Lucy to pull it away before cutting to James physically)
TLOTA: Because this movie was successful Charles Schulz took his time to make the follow up to it just as enjoyable but not with as much trippy animation with "Snoopy Come Home"(Cut to clips of the movie as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): The film focuses on Snoopy as he goes to find his original owner, A Girl named Lila who is in the hospital and all of the misadventures he has with Woodstock who just so happens to Debut in this movie and in the special released the same year "You're not elected Charlie Brown" aired, 1972 though in the Comic Strips he had been around since the early 1960's unnamed though. Also interesting is who does the music and it wasn't Vince Guaraldi. It was in fact The Sherman Brothers! Yes, the same duo who brought Disney some of it's greatest songs tried to do the voodoo they can do with the Peanuts gang and they made some great songs, need proof look up The episode of "Music Movies" which Paw talks about the music and the movie in much better detail. Another interesting note about this movie is that this movie is credited as the last film produced by Cinema Center Films and one of the last released by it's distributer National General Films and the movies they made would be a part of Paramount's library a few years later. And again the animation is awesome I swear if you pause this movie and "A Boy Named Charlie Brown" at the right still frame it looks like a piece of art! That is how freaking amazing the artistry in the animation is in these movies. However there was one moment that made me, a conservative Republican WANT TO CALL PETA AND HAVE THEM GIVE A LITTLE GIRL SOME HELL FOR WHAT SHE DID TO SNOOPY & WOODSTOCK! THAT IS HOW VICIOUS IT IS! DON'T BELIEVE ME. WATCH FOR YOURSELF! (Cut to the Clip in which Clara torment Woodstock & Snoopy before cutting to James physically)
TLOTA: Again CALL PETA!(Cut to clips of the movie as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): But despite that moment there is a reason that this movie is still so awesome that I put it on I can sit back, relax & enjoy it for all the Jasmine Tea in China! Because it is just an awesomely animated movie. (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: But fans would have to wait five years for the next movie between Vince Guaraldi's passing and as I said before Cinema Center Films having been absorbed by Paramount would we get the next movie which came out in 1977 the same year the Peanuts special.... Wait which special aired that year? (Cut to the Opening credit scene of "It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown" is shown as Dramatic music is heard before cutting to James grabbing a bottle of Liquid I.Q. and downing it in a breath before cutting to the movie as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): "Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown" was possibly one of those great movies that for a long time wasn't available on DVD or Blu-Ray that is until 2015. Possibly having been released in time for the final movie that I will be reviewing but it was out in the home market on VHS & CED. The Film shows the Peanuts gang going to Summer Camp and the gang have to outwit Bullies who want to show their dominance over Charlie Brown, Sally, Lucy & Linus Van Pelt, Schroder, Franklin, Peppermint Patty and Marcie. Both who made their first appearances cinematically in this movie but Marcie made her TV Debut in the 1973 Special "No Time For Love, Charlie Brown" and in the comic strip in July 1971 and Peppermint Patty made her TV Debut with "You're in Love, Charlie Brown" in 1967 and in the Comic Strip in 1966 the major bulk of the movie involves a river race that nearly gets the Peanuts blown up, tossed down a waterfall and trapped on a Water Wheel and throughout all of this Charlie Brown gets blamed but also develops leadership skills in the process that everyone says Charlie needs to develop and again not going to spoil the ending to this movie but let me say there's a reason why people love this movie and for some is considered one of the best animated movies ever made and I can see why. Give it a watch and you'll know why.(Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: And three years later the same year "She's A Good Skate, Charlie Brown" & "Life is A Circus, Charlie Brown" we'd get the last movie with the Peanuts gang until 2015 with "Bon Voyage Charlie Brown" (Cut to clip of Lucy Van Pelt shouting "And Don't Come Back!" before cutting to James physically as he gives Lucy the EVIL EYE before cutting to the movie as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): The plot involves Charlie Brown, Linus, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Snoopy and Woodstock being foreign exchange students going over to France and in a sub plot involving Charlie Brown and where he's staying and who wrote Chuck a letter inviting him to stay at where he's staying while Charlie Brown in France and that is as far as I dare go without giving EVERYTHING away. But I will say that like all the other movies up to this point the Animation is AMAZING! And even though Vince Guaraldi passed away Ed Bogus and Judy Munsen did an incredible job by invoking the way Vince Guaraldi's musicality is done in this and in "Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown". Plus there's something incredible that would eventually happen a little more in certain specials and some of the episodes of the "This is America, Charlie Brown" miniseries!
Ticket Agent: Tickets Please!
TLOTA (Voiceover): You heard correctly! The Adults in this movie are actually seen and heard! They are NOT just simply trombone Waa-Waas! We hear the adults as humans. As a kid who had seen a ton of the Specials hearing the Adults as Trombone Waa-Waa was pretty common so hearing the adult characters as no different as we could hear Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang was a bit of a shock for me when I was younger. But it doesn't detract from me LOVING this movie. Especially when Linus steps up with that Blanket of his and rescues a girl staying at the Chateau Charlie and Linus are unwelcomed guests at. Seriously, I was playing "Holding Out For A Hero" by Bonnie Tyler throughout that whole time that is how incredible Linus and that Security Blanket was! If Lucy hadn't been written out by the end of the first act of the movie She would've been so surprised that she might hold the football long enough for Charlie Brown to kick it by the end of "Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown" even if it was a post credit scene. But I digress "Bon Voyage Charlie Brown" remains not only one of my favorite movies of all time but possibly one of the best movies and specials featuring The Peanuts Gang. (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: It's just a shame that we had to wait 35 years, which happens to be most of MY Life, a good fifteen years after Charles Schulz passed away in 2000, Nearly 13 combined years of my nieces lives and nearly three of them belonged to their little sister for the next movie and was it worth the wait? What do you think? (Cut to the title card of "The Peanuts Movie" as "Linus & Lucy" play in the foreground and James does a voiceover)
TLOTA: Because this movie was successful Charles Schulz took his time to make the follow up to it just as enjoyable but not with as much trippy animation with "Snoopy Come Home"(Cut to clips of the movie as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): The film focuses on Snoopy as he goes to find his original owner, A Girl named Lila who is in the hospital and all of the misadventures he has with Woodstock who just so happens to Debut in this movie and in the special released the same year "You're not elected Charlie Brown" aired, 1972 though in the Comic Strips he had been around since the early 1960's unnamed though. Also interesting is who does the music and it wasn't Vince Guaraldi. It was in fact The Sherman Brothers! Yes, the same duo who brought Disney some of it's greatest songs tried to do the voodoo they can do with the Peanuts gang and they made some great songs, need proof look up The episode of "Music Movies" which Paw talks about the music and the movie in much better detail. Another interesting note about this movie is that this movie is credited as the last film produced by Cinema Center Films and one of the last released by it's distributer National General Films and the movies they made would be a part of Paramount's library a few years later. And again the animation is awesome I swear if you pause this movie and "A Boy Named Charlie Brown" at the right still frame it looks like a piece of art! That is how freaking amazing the artistry in the animation is in these movies. However there was one moment that made me, a conservative Republican WANT TO CALL PETA AND HAVE THEM GIVE A LITTLE GIRL SOME HELL FOR WHAT SHE DID TO SNOOPY & WOODSTOCK! THAT IS HOW VICIOUS IT IS! DON'T BELIEVE ME. WATCH FOR YOURSELF! (Cut to the Clip in which Clara torment Woodstock & Snoopy before cutting to James physically)
TLOTA: Again CALL PETA!(Cut to clips of the movie as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): But despite that moment there is a reason that this movie is still so awesome that I put it on I can sit back, relax & enjoy it for all the Jasmine Tea in China! Because it is just an awesomely animated movie. (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: But fans would have to wait five years for the next movie between Vince Guaraldi's passing and as I said before Cinema Center Films having been absorbed by Paramount would we get the next movie which came out in 1977 the same year the Peanuts special.... Wait which special aired that year? (Cut to the Opening credit scene of "It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown" is shown as Dramatic music is heard before cutting to James grabbing a bottle of Liquid I.Q. and downing it in a breath before cutting to the movie as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): "Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown" was possibly one of those great movies that for a long time wasn't available on DVD or Blu-Ray that is until 2015. Possibly having been released in time for the final movie that I will be reviewing but it was out in the home market on VHS & CED. The Film shows the Peanuts gang going to Summer Camp and the gang have to outwit Bullies who want to show their dominance over Charlie Brown, Sally, Lucy & Linus Van Pelt, Schroder, Franklin, Peppermint Patty and Marcie. Both who made their first appearances cinematically in this movie but Marcie made her TV Debut in the 1973 Special "No Time For Love, Charlie Brown" and in the comic strip in July 1971 and Peppermint Patty made her TV Debut with "You're in Love, Charlie Brown" in 1967 and in the Comic Strip in 1966 the major bulk of the movie involves a river race that nearly gets the Peanuts blown up, tossed down a waterfall and trapped on a Water Wheel and throughout all of this Charlie Brown gets blamed but also develops leadership skills in the process that everyone says Charlie needs to develop and again not going to spoil the ending to this movie but let me say there's a reason why people love this movie and for some is considered one of the best animated movies ever made and I can see why. Give it a watch and you'll know why.(Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: And three years later the same year "She's A Good Skate, Charlie Brown" & "Life is A Circus, Charlie Brown" we'd get the last movie with the Peanuts gang until 2015 with "Bon Voyage Charlie Brown" (Cut to clip of Lucy Van Pelt shouting "And Don't Come Back!" before cutting to James physically as he gives Lucy the EVIL EYE before cutting to the movie as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): The plot involves Charlie Brown, Linus, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Snoopy and Woodstock being foreign exchange students going over to France and in a sub plot involving Charlie Brown and where he's staying and who wrote Chuck a letter inviting him to stay at where he's staying while Charlie Brown in France and that is as far as I dare go without giving EVERYTHING away. But I will say that like all the other movies up to this point the Animation is AMAZING! And even though Vince Guaraldi passed away Ed Bogus and Judy Munsen did an incredible job by invoking the way Vince Guaraldi's musicality is done in this and in "Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown". Plus there's something incredible that would eventually happen a little more in certain specials and some of the episodes of the "This is America, Charlie Brown" miniseries!
Ticket Agent: Tickets Please!
TLOTA (Voiceover): You heard correctly! The Adults in this movie are actually seen and heard! They are NOT just simply trombone Waa-Waas! We hear the adults as humans. As a kid who had seen a ton of the Specials hearing the Adults as Trombone Waa-Waa was pretty common so hearing the adult characters as no different as we could hear Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang was a bit of a shock for me when I was younger. But it doesn't detract from me LOVING this movie. Especially when Linus steps up with that Blanket of his and rescues a girl staying at the Chateau Charlie and Linus are unwelcomed guests at. Seriously, I was playing "Holding Out For A Hero" by Bonnie Tyler throughout that whole time that is how incredible Linus and that Security Blanket was! If Lucy hadn't been written out by the end of the first act of the movie She would've been so surprised that she might hold the football long enough for Charlie Brown to kick it by the end of "Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown" even if it was a post credit scene. But I digress "Bon Voyage Charlie Brown" remains not only one of my favorite movies of all time but possibly one of the best movies and specials featuring The Peanuts Gang. (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: It's just a shame that we had to wait 35 years, which happens to be most of MY Life, a good fifteen years after Charles Schulz passed away in 2000, Nearly 13 combined years of my nieces lives and nearly three of them belonged to their little sister for the next movie and was it worth the wait? What do you think? (Cut to the title card of "The Peanuts Movie" as "Linus & Lucy" play in the foreground and James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): "The Peanuts Movie" for me IS the movie of 2015! And up until the movie came out I was afraid it was going to be a bastardization of everything Charles Schulz and his creations stands for! (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: As a matter of fact I made a checklist as to unfortunately what passes for "Family Entertainment in Movies" and just to see if it fails or passes. Okay, CGI Animation (Cut to a Still of the movie as it gets a check and a ding is heard before cutting back to James.)
TLOTA: Needless Pop Music in the soundtrack (Cut to the cover of "The Peanuts Movie" soundtrack before a Buzzer and a ding is heard before cutting to James physically)
TLOTA: WHAT? How much Pop Music is in the soundtrack (Cut to the Cover of "The Peanuts Movie" soundtrack as a ding is heard and the words "Two songs" is seen before cutting to James physically)
TLOTA: Okay, Celebrities being in this movie. There has to be pointless celebrity cameos. How many are there? (Cut to a Still of the movie as a ding is heard and the words Kristin Chenoweth as "Fifi" before cutting to James physically)
TLOTA: One? Just One? Okay how about the rating? It HAS to be rated PG in order for it to pass as "A Family Movie" (Cut to a Still of the movie as a Buzzer is heard before cutting to James physically)
TLOTA: WOW It's not rated PG? Then how could it succeed if it was rated G?(Cut to clips of the movie as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Simply put, it succeeded because it stayed true to everything Charles Schulz did! This is one of the few adaptations that was done correctly. Plus there are little nods and touches in this movie that made it more memorable. Like notice the names on the moving truck that the Little Red Haired Girl's Family stuff is in? "Melendez/Mendelson"? An Obvious nod to the Animation team that headed all the specials and the other movies Lee Mendelson & Bill Melendez. While I'm speaking about Bill Melendez archived recordings made by Melendez who voiced Snoopy & Woodstock are used as the voices of Snoopy & Woodstock in this movie. Then there is the plot of this movie. A Self-Discovery Journey in which being the best self you CAN be is Yourself and by staying true to yourself you can achieve greatness. That's a rare moral in a family film! If you haven't seen this movie then WHAT ARE YOU DOING SITTING CHECKING ME OUT? GET THIS MOVIE ON BLU-RAY, DVD & DIGITAL DOWNLOAD! (Cut to James calming down)
TLOTA: Sorry it's just that this movie has to be a part of everyone's movie collection as a matter of fact ALL of the movies starring Charlie Brown and The Peanuts Gang should be a part of everyone's movie collections. (Cut to clips of the Charlie Brown/Peanuts movies as "Linus & Lucy" play in the foreground and James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Because they're so incredible they shouldn't be forgotten. The Animation is amazing, The Music is amazing, the plots are so incredible anyone ages one to 101 can understand them. The voice acting by the kids are impeccable and there is literally nothing else I can say to give these movies the praise they've earned. Except Get them on DVD, Blu-Ray or Digital Download and give them a watch. It's worth all the Peanuts in the world! (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and (Waa-Waas sound are heard that sounds like "That's My Opinion!"with subtitles saying "That's My Opinon" then James looks around before looking down at the subtitles as James does more Waa-Waas and the subtitles say "This is gonna be something I'm going to have to get used to." as James walks away)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Simply put, it succeeded because it stayed true to everything Charles Schulz did! This is one of the few adaptations that was done correctly. Plus there are little nods and touches in this movie that made it more memorable. Like notice the names on the moving truck that the Little Red Haired Girl's Family stuff is in? "Melendez/Mendelson"? An Obvious nod to the Animation team that headed all the specials and the other movies Lee Mendelson & Bill Melendez. While I'm speaking about Bill Melendez archived recordings made by Melendez who voiced Snoopy & Woodstock are used as the voices of Snoopy & Woodstock in this movie. Then there is the plot of this movie. A Self-Discovery Journey in which being the best self you CAN be is Yourself and by staying true to yourself you can achieve greatness. That's a rare moral in a family film! If you haven't seen this movie then WHAT ARE YOU DOING SITTING CHECKING ME OUT? GET THIS MOVIE ON BLU-RAY, DVD & DIGITAL DOWNLOAD! (Cut to James calming down)
TLOTA: Sorry it's just that this movie has to be a part of everyone's movie collection as a matter of fact ALL of the movies starring Charlie Brown and The Peanuts Gang should be a part of everyone's movie collections. (Cut to clips of the Charlie Brown/Peanuts movies as "Linus & Lucy" play in the foreground and James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Because they're so incredible they shouldn't be forgotten. The Animation is amazing, The Music is amazing, the plots are so incredible anyone ages one to 101 can understand them. The voice acting by the kids are impeccable and there is literally nothing else I can say to give these movies the praise they've earned. Except Get them on DVD, Blu-Ray or Digital Download and give them a watch. It's worth all the Peanuts in the world! (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA: I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and (Waa-Waas sound are heard that sounds like "That's My Opinion!"with subtitles saying "That's My Opinon" then James looks around before looking down at the subtitles as James does more Waa-Waas and the subtitles say "This is gonna be something I'm going to have to get used to." as James walks away)
Thursday, November 10, 2016
The Different Cuts of "Highlander II"
(A Hand pulling a card designed by Stevie Swigart with the
statistics of James Faraci The Last Of The Americans while putting it into the
Robo Knight Robo Morpher and punching in the code 428 from the 0:00-0:03 mark
from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run. 0:04
mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators shows James
Faraci morphing into James Faraci The Last Of The Americans with his Long
sleeve Tee-Shirt with the American flag design on it, Blue cargo Jeans and Tan
Work boots until 0:07 mark from the theme from the final season of American
Gladiators original run as scene cuts to James stocking up on his arsenal from
the Classic Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers Morpher, a bandoleer stocked up with
Sonic Screwdrivers, Ammunition for a 303 British Rifle and said rifle, The Ring
Of Aeon, The Gem From the Gauntlet Malachite’s Hand, Emmalina’s amulet and the
Sword Of Caliverti from 0:08-0:15 mark from the theme from the final season of
American Gladiators. 0:15-0:29 mark from the theme from the final season of
American Gladiators original run shows James leaping and running through
moments from the 2015 calendar year of his reviews ranging from James landing
on Linkara, to James getting his nards smashed, To Josie & The Pussycats
running into James’ office, to James and Paulo dressed as the Mario Brothers on
a snow sled, to Everyone at team TLOTA running out of James’ office, to James
leading the charge against the Cullens and the vampires of The Twilight Saga,
to Rowdy turning his head to Paulo with a demented smile on his face as
everyone save for James looks scared as James has his right hand with defeat on
his face until the 0:30 mark from the theme from the final season of American
Gladiators shows when James pulls out a sonic screwdriver towards the Power
Rangers then cuts over to a slab of titanium where lasers cut out “The Last Of
The Americans” until 0:36 mark from the theme from the final season of American
Gladiators original run when James lands on top of the slab while doing a
heroic pose with Paulo Fonseca, John Santos, Eliza Dushku & Eric Kurtzke on
his right and Rebecca & Nick Yaun, Traci Hines, Renee Miller and Mike
Santos on his left doing their own heroic poses on a black background the 0:36-end
mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run
play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The
Last Of The Americans” on it before cutting to James talking to Olivia
Horvath.)
TLOTA: So, that’s the lay of the studio, what do you think?
Olivia Horvath: Well, it’s a nice place, that transport
reminds me of The TARDIS but it’s effective to help get things
TLOTA: And again, I feel I must thank you for helping me out the
past couple of months. You have been invaluable to everyone here.
Olivia Horvath: Well after getting slimed in your review of
“Ghostbusters: Answer the Call” and all the rest of the crazy stuff that
happened over the past few months, I figured it be worth some of my time to
help.
TLOTA: So, you’ll join our group full-time when you can? I
mean, you’ll be in skits, sketches and can help if we need make-up and
appliances placed on us and trust me we all do multiple roles here. Outside of
me hosting and writing all of this, Myself, Paulo, Nick, Eric, John & Mike
are great with making the Props, Renee is our go-to Costume maker, Rebecca
helps with keeping everything financially above the breakeven point and as for
Traci Hines and Eliza Dushku they correct something if I made like a mistake in
references and I feel they give us a sense of security and credibility. So,
what do you say? Want to join our troop of crazy characters?
Olivia Horvath: Absolutely, it might be fun for me!
TLOTA: Awesome. So, this month I have another episode of
“The Different Cuts” coming up and next month will be our annual Christmas
Reviewerverse get-together. You’ll be able to mingle and meet others in my
profession and… (The door to the utility closet off screen and Noah “Spoony”
Antwiler falls shocking both. James flips him over and uses his Tri-Corder to
check his vitals and rushes into ORAC’s Chamber)
TLOTA: ORAC! Give me an analysis from the readings. (ORAC
hums for a few seconds before cutting to everyone)
TLOTA (Off-Screen): Well ORAC let me know he’s been here
since Mid-July and he’ll be awake soon so… (James walks in.)
TLOTA: What’s going on?
Paulo Fonseca: We were just wondering who he is or was?
TLOTA: That’s Spoony and he’ll be awake soon!
Eliza Dushku: That’s Spoony?
TLOTA: That’s Spoony.
Eliza Dushku: And what did he say to Jacob Chapman who was
formally known as Hope Chapman also formally known as JesuOtaku? (James
whispers what Spoony said to JesuOtaku) Well, I know how I can help revive him!
(Eliza pulls out a switchblade knife as everyone else goes “Whoa!” and tries to
stop her as Spoony wakes up and sees the knife.)
Spoony: So, what’s happening? We having cake? (Cut to
Everyone else)
Eliza Dushku: Damn it, he’s an idiot to boot. (Eliza picks
up Spoony) Now you listen and listen good. Say one thing out of line and I will
gut you, you trout mouthed prick and play twister with your vitals! (Pulls out
the switchblade knife again) Got it? (Spoony nods yes in fear of her as she
walks away from Spoony and everyone else save for James walks with her leaving James and Spoony in the same room.)
Spoony: So, I take it you had to tell her? (Cut to James.)
TLOTA: Yep! So, do you realize how long you’ve been in
there? (Cut to Spoony)
Spoony: A couple of hours? (Cut to James)
TLOTA: It’s mid-November. (Cut to Spoony)
Spoony: AW DAMN IT! and I had “Highlander II” to riff on for
the party (Two copies of Highlander II drop out of Spoony’s right hand as James
picks them up.)
TLOTA: Well this is gonna be as mentally disturbing as
seeing “Turning Japanese” as performed by Kirsten Dunst.
Spoony (Audio only): What watching “Highlander II”? I
could’ve told you that!
TLOTA: No! I’m talking about watching The Different Cuts of
“Highlander II”
(Show James, Paulo & Rebecca dressed as butchers
grabbing the same reel of film and a diagram of the reel of film. James Paulo
& Rebecca look at both the three go to a meat slicer, all three slice
different thicknesses with Paulo’s cut saying “The” James’s cut saying
“Different” and Rebecca’s cut saying “Cuts” before cutting to the first
Highlander movie & Highlander II as James and Spoony do voiceovers.)
TLOTA (Voiceover): The First “Highlander” movie when it was released
in 1986 was a minor hit at the box office but has since gained a cult status
and has become a staple in the Sword and Sorcery Genre of filmmaking. It gave
Sean Connery a boost in his career he was surely needing and kick started
Christopher Lambert’s career.
Spoony (Voiceover): However, the problem I have with the
sequels and spin-offs is that it takes away from what should’ve been a
stand-alone movie. But in 1991 we got “Highlander II” and it was eviscerated by
everyone. Hell, I eviscerated it! But I also mentioned that it was one of the
first fan-made re-cut movies ever made.
TLOTA (Voiceover): But today we’ll be looking at The
Theatrical Cut and The Official Director’s cut or Renegade Version to see which
one is the better version. (Cut to James and Spoony on the couch in the main
lobby.)
Spoony: Well, hands down without a shadow of the doubt it is
The Renegade Version.
TLOTA: But for Giggles and Squats let’s just say for
arguments sake we find out if it is there is anything enjoyable in the
theatrical cut as well. Let’s start out with the plot. (Cut to images of the
covers of “Highlander II” as the last 26 seconds of “Princes of The Universe”
play in the background as two swords slice down before the words “The Plot” are
seen before cutting to James and Spoony doing voiceovers)
Spoony (Voiceover): Set in the far future of 2024.
TLOTA (Voiceover): So, AFTER Trump becomes President and
screws the pooch.
Spoony (Voiceover): Pretty much. But, as you say it best, I
digress. Connor MacLeod is an old man and discovers his Ozone layer replacement
shield is now causing more harm than it is good. So, he decides to team up with
a rebel who wants to shut the device down for good. Oh, we also discover how
Connor MacLeod was immortal in the first movie and this is something that must
be heard. I’m dead fricking serious. Take the magnification to its maximum,
listen to the voice of Ramirez. This must be seen AND heard to be believed.
(Cut to James and Spoony on the couch as Spoony forces James to be as close to
the camera as possible.)
Spoony: No, James, I’m serious, GET IN CLOSE! OKAY SEAN
CONNERY’S DISEMBODIED VOICE TELL US THE SOURCE OF IMMORTALITY PER THE WRITERS
OF THIS TURKEY! (Cut to the scenes of Ramirez talking about how they’re aliens
before cutting to James’ jaw hitting the ground!)
TLOTA: They… CAN’T… BE… SERIOUS WITH THIS, ARE THEY?!
(Spoony nods to say yes) ALIENS?! The reason Connor MacLeod and Ramirez is
immortal is because they’re Aliens from a faraway planet called Zeist and they
were going to be left to live forever banished from there! (Cut to the
entertainment center as a cartoonish slide whistle is heard and Georgio A.
Tsoukalos played by Paulo Fonseca pops up out of nowhere like a cartoon!)
Georgio A. Tsoukalos: You two don’t understand! (Cut to
James and Spoony jumping back and screams before cutting to Georgio A.
Tsoukalos.) Aliens are the reason we’re not living in caves. Because they used
their enhanced ways to teach us lesser beings and because of it every one of
our greatest accomplishments from Stonehenge to the Internet and after all of
that we’ve just begun to scratch the surface of what they have given us and
this movie is proof that Aliens are the reason we will find Immortality and how
we will survive beyond the Nuclear Holocaust… (Cut to James and Spoony on the couch)
Spoony: James… Do Something!
TLOTA: Okay. ORAC! Theta Level Defense! (James pulls out his
Sonic Screwdriver as Georgio A. Tsoukalos continues to ramble before a
battering ram hits him and is flung through the front door as everyone else
locks the door with everything including a kitchen sink before cutting to James
and Spoony on the couch)
TLOTA: Thanks, guys! (Cut to everyone else saying “No
Problem” or “You’re Welcome” before walking away except Eliza who gives Spoony
the “I’ll be watching you!” sign before walking away before cutting to the
movies as James and Spoony do voiceovers.)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Thankfully all the other versions have
cut that one detail out and say that they’re from a distant unspecified part of
the past on our planet. Probably after we gained human speech. So, it’s pretty
much a no brainer why the better one is The Renegade Cut. It doesn’t give guys
like Georgio and their ramblings on any validity. It focuses on what needs to
be done for Connor and his new love interest to take down the bad guy and
disable the Ozone shield.
Spoony (Voiceover): So, that means….? (Cut to James sitting
and sighing as Spoony looks on with a look of glee.)
TLOTA: The first point goes to The Renegade Cut. (Cut to
images of the covers of “Highlander II” as The Renegade version has Connor’s
sword over the cover of it while the Theatrical one remains untouched before
cutting to James and Spoony on the couch.)
Spoony: This has been fun. What’s next?
TLOTA: Well Spoony we find out which one was edited better.
(Cut to images of the covers of “Highlander II” as the last 26 seconds of
“Princes of The Universe” play in the background as two swords slice down
before the words “Editing” are seen before cutting to James and Spoony doing
voiceovers)
Spoony (Voiceover): Why would editing factor into what makes
a movie better or worse?
TLOTA (Voiceover): Well there is at least fifty tons of
footage shot when you make a movie. As much as the actors or the director should
be credited for their work the one who makes the movie either work or fail is
The Editor. But which one was edited
better. Well let’s break it down into categories. First off the action. There
is No Doubt that the action is well edited in the theatrical cut but it feels
much tighter in the Renegade Cut. Next up the effects. In the theatrical cut, yeah
the effects are pretty bad you could feel the eighties cheese oozing out while
trying to get into what the 1990’s was trying to offer. But with the Renegade
cut yeah they cleaned up a lot of the sloppiness from the theatrical cut. Finally,
how the story gets affected the editing and this is where the differences are
Night and Day. Again, editing out the most FAR-FETCHED Theory as to why MacLeod
and Ramirez are immortal! (Georgio A. Tsoukalos again comes in like a cartoon
again!)
Georgio A. Tsoukalos: It is NOT Far-Fetched it is scientific
fact that everything that enhanced our existence has been because of these
inter-dimensional aliens who somehow move faster than even we can imagine how
fast light can move because… (Cut to
James and Spoony on the couch)
Spoony: Every syllable out of his mouth is making my head
want to commit Seppuku!
TLOTA: On it! (James whips out his Sonic Screwdriver before
cutting to Georgio A. Tsoukalos as he falls through the floor and screams
incredibly like Goofy before hearing a faint “My Cabbages!” then the rest of
the team closing the trap door and sealing it shut even screwing down a piece
of solid oak before cutting to James and Spoony on the couch)
TLOTA: Thanks again! (Cut to everyone else)
Eric Kurtzke: Hey if we get paid well, it’s worth the work!
Eliza Dushku: And if he steps out of line, I’d be glad to
put him down like a rabid dog! (Cut to James and Spoony on the couch)
Spoony: I wasn’t even thinking of the ramifications of my actions;
do you know it’s taken me these past few years to get even this crossover! (Cut
to everyone else)
Rebecca Yaun: Well if you’re not careful, We WILL
let Eliza off the chain! (Everyone else walks away before cutting to James and
Spoony)
Spoony: Anyway, which cut in your opinion is better edited?
TLOTA: Well…. (Cut to both cuts of Highlander II as James
does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (Voiceover): To be honest, I can’t say. It’s too close
to call so I have no choice but to give both movies the point! (Cut to Spoony
and James on the couch)
Spoony: WHAT?! THEY BOTH GET A POINT?!
TLOTA: Take it easy or else I’ll leave you in a room with
Eliza! Besides the director’s cut is ahead 2 to 1 in total points. That is
how it works at the end, the total amount of points gathered. Capische?!
Spoony: Capische. (Cut to images of the covers of
“Highlander II” as The Renegade version has two of Connor’s swords over the
cover of it while the Theatrical one remains one of Connor’s swords over it
before cutting to James and Spoony on the couch.)
TLOTA: Well it’s two to one in favor of The Renegade version
but can the theatrical cut make up ground or should I be cutting the head off
it and claiming the prize myself. We’ll find out after the break!
Spoony: Do we have to?
TLOTA: I need Liquid I.Q. to finish getting through this!
(0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of
American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top
of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it act as the
commercial break intro and return to James & Spoony on the couch.)
Spoony: MMM! That’s some good Liquid I.Q.!
TLOTA: Yep and I think we have enough to finish up with the
last two qualifications so let’s get down to the second to last one.
(Cut to images of the covers of “Highlander II” as the last
26 seconds of “Princes Of The Universe” play in the background as two swords
slice down before the words “Cast and Characters” are seen before cutting to
James and Spoony doing voiceovers)
TLOTA (Voiceover): Getting the two main men back to reprise
their roles of Ramirez played by Sean Connery and of course the Highlander
himself Connor MacLeod played by Christopher Lambert was a good idea. John C.
McGinley and Virginia Madsen were also great cast choices even though the
performances range from decent to over the top goofy but WHAT WERE THEY
THINKING WITH MICHAEL IRONSIDE AS KATANA?!
Spoony (Voiceover): What was he over the top even for you?
TLOTA (Voiceover): No, but he wasn’t a good choice. I’ll say
that. In fact, I can imagine what it was like on set. (Cut to Noah “Spoony”
Antwiler dressed like Michael Ironside as Katana, James dressed like
Christopher Lambert as Connor and John Ross Santos dressed like Sean Connery as
Ramirez)
Sean Connery: Can you believe this script? I’ve crapped
better movies than this when I had the Squats!
Michael Ironside: I hear you but let’s face it, this is a
paycheck movie. I’ve got this great role in a Schwarzenegger movie “Total
Recall”. I think it’s gonna be a breakout role.
Sean Connery: Schwarzenegger, now there is a flash in the
pan for ya! I could do a movie with me having my way with Schwarzenegger and
it’d be more entertaining. Your eyes still bothering you Christopher?
Christopher Lambert: I think I’d rather be blind than read
this plot. I mean We’re Aliens?! Is the guy who wrote this a stoner?!
Michael Ironside: Listen, if we do this right no one will
remember this and we can go on to better things.
(A Voice by Mike Santos off screen says “Ten Minutes until
we’re rolling!” and the three groan.)
Michael Ironside: Well, let’s be so out there that people
will forget! (Michael walks away as Virginia Madsen played by Olivia Horvath
walks in)
Virginia Madsen: So, after this jerk cuts for the day we
kick his ass seven different ways from Sunday?
Christopher Lambert: Read my mind (The three walks away as
the sounds of punches are heard before cutting to the movie as James &
Spoony do voiceovers)
Spoony (Voiceover): Ultimately it does feel like the cast
were in one of the worst movies of their careers.
TLOTA (Voiceover): But even with all the crap they’ve taken
since and all of them doing some better work since it’s not a total loss but
with everything that they endured and I’m surprising myself by saying this it’s
tie in the cast and characters department. (Cut to Spoony and James
physically.)
TLOTA: And remember it’s total points that count! With that
said the Renegade cut is ahead three to two!
Spoony: Okay James, I get that The Renegade Cut is ahead
three to two but still I don’t like the fact the theatrical cut has any points.
(Cut to images of the covers of “Highlander II” as The
Renegade version has three of Connor’s swords over the cover of it while the
Theatrical one remains two of Connor’s swords over it before cutting to James
and Spoony on the couch.)
TLOTA: And now the main event! Brace yourself folks we’re
gonna see which of the two has in fact, The Re-Watch Factor!
Spoony: The What Factor?
TLOTA: The Re-Watch Factor is when after seeing it for a
couple hundred times in one sitting you get bored with it, then one day you
check it out after NOT seeing it for a while and you say to yourself “Hey, I
remember watching this and watching it now, I remember this being good.”
Spoony: Oh! Now I get it. The Re-Watch Factor!
(Cut to images of the covers of “Highlander II” as the last
26 seconds of “Princes of The Universe” play in the background as two swords
slice down before the words “Re-Watch Factor” are seen before cutting to James
and Spoony doing voiceovers)
TLOTA (Voiceover): As far as I’m concerned neither version
of this movie is good, but after seeing both it’s kind of hard to see them as
totally unwatchable. I mean yeah the theatrical cut is SO ridiculous it’s
laughable but after seeing the renegade cut and all those other cuts I understand
why this cut exists. To correct the broth that too many cooks ruined. Do they
correct everything? Not really.
Spoony (Voiceover): But they do correct the biggest problem
of it, The freakin’ aliens sub-plot! I mean yeah the whole O-Zone thing is
silly but under the right circumstances, you know what even if they got Douglas
Adams to write this pile of crap and had re-worded it, Highlander II will
always be known as one of the worst movies ever made. You and I could make a
movie of us taking a dump for an hour and a half and it’d be more entertaining.
Hell, listening to Georgio A. Tsoukalos for an hour and a half is more
entertaining (Cut to James and Spoony physically on the couch and there is a
knock on the door.)
TLOTA: I got it! (Cut to James opening the door as a team of
UPS deliverymen played by Eliza Dushku, Rebecca Yaun, Nick Yaun, Traci Hines,
Renee Miller, John & Mike Santos & Eric Kurtzke)
Delivery Man (Eric Kurtzke): Package for a James Faraci?
TLOTA: That’s me!
Delivery Man (Nick Yaun): Sign here if you’d please. (James
signs and slips the team a 20 Dollar Bill)
TLOTA: That ought to do it and you guys get yourself a warm
drink and a snack.
Delivery Team: Thank you! (The Delivery Team run into the
delivery van and bolt like hell out as the box explodes to see Georgio A.
Tsoukalos emerge from the box.)
Georgio A. Tsoukalos: The reason that you cannot fathom why
this movie is so true is because you choose to ignore the intelligent
thought processes that can emanated by a single watching because some time ago
your Alien Ancestors decided that the human part of your brain… (Cut to James
and Spoony crying on the couch)
TLOTA (Crying): What do we have to do to get rid of you once
and for all? (Cut to Georgio A. Tsoukalos continuing to Ramble about Aliens as
Dr. Insano arise and clocks Georgio A. Tsoukalos in the back of the head with a
lead pipe.)
Georgio A. Tsoukalos: Op! Down I go! (Georgio A. Tsoukalos
falls as Dr. Insano adjusts his lab coat.)
Dr. Insano: SCIENCE DAMN THAT MAN! His ramblings about
aliens is enough to make me go insane! (Cut to Spoony and James on the Couch.)
Spoony: Well thanks a ton Doc! (Cut to Dr. Insano)
Dr. Insano: Don’t mention it! Now I’ll take care of this
schmuck and you can get back to work. Oh, James could you call off your team? (Cut
to Spoony and James on the Couch.)
TLOTA: Sure thing, GUYS! (Cut to the other members of TLOTA
having rifles placed on Dr. Insano’s back.)
TLOTA (Audio only): You can leave him alone! (Cut to Spoony
and James on the Couch.)
TLOTA: He’s doing something to HELP this time. (Cut to the
other members of Team TLOTA as they back off and Dr. Insano walks out and the
others disperse save for Eliza.)
Eliza Dushku: Just remember! (In Military rhyme): This is my
rifle! That is your gun! Your gun messes with me and I’ll have some fun! (Cut to Spoony as he sits and sighs and James
tries to get him to relax before cutting back to the different cuts of
“Highlander II” as James and Spoony do voiceovers.)
TLOTA (Voiceover): But if I had to make the choice of which
one was the least bad and probably the more entertaining after several replays
I will suggest The Renegade Cut is better by a razorblade’s width!
Spoony (Voiceover): That’s thin! So, if I’m right that
means…. (Cut to Spoony and James on the Couch.)
TLOTA: Yes Spoony, The Renegade Cut of Highlander II is the
Superior Cut of Highlander II
(Cut to images of the covers of “Highlander II” as The
Renegade version has four of Connor’s swords over the cover of it while the
Theatrical one remains two of Connor’s swords over it before seeing the cover
of the theatrical cut being sliced and the quickening happening to the Renegade
cut cutting to James and Spoony on the couch.)
TLOTA: But you know something, it doesn’t matter because
after watching another Highlander movie, this one has been erased from Cannon!
Spoony: What?! Which one? As if I didn’t know the
answer. (Cut to clips of “Highlander: Endgame” as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (Voiceover): I’m surprised you figured that out quickly. Yes,
because of the movie “Highlander: Endgame” a movie you and “The NES
Punk” reviewed already. Because if the continuity is correct this movie re-wrote
the ending of Highlander. Instead of Connor claiming the prize it’s his
relative Duncan which erases Highlander II because if Connor had claimed the
prize then we would’ve wound up with the O-Zone Device, the Alien explanation as
to why Connor and Ramirez were immortal and then Highlander III wouldn’t have
happened and we wouldn’t be reviewing this turkey on any level. (Cut to Spoony
and James on the Couch.)
Spoony: Huh, never thought about it like that. You gave me a
lot to think about. And I want to thank you for reminding me and everyone else
that no matter how you slice or re-slice a movie If it stinks the first time,
it won’t smell like the botanical gardens anytime soon.
TLOTA: My pleasure Spoony, I’ll contact Rowdy to have his
Genie blink you back home.
Spoony: Why would you do that?
TLOTA: Because something tells me Eliza left a surprise for
you in your ride. If you step outside, you could potentially kiss your backside
goodbye.
Spoony: How could that happen?
TLOTA: Don’t Ask! I’m James Faraci The Last Of The Americans
and that’s my opinion! (James pulls out his cell phone.) Hey Rowdy, I need to
ask a favor… (Spoony just sits there for a second before disappearing via
Jeannie Blink)
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