Monday, May 31, 2021

The Summer Of Summer Spectaculars schedule/ Just Add Water: My Mako Adventure update

(Opening starts off with a Black background)

James Faraci (Audio only):
So yeah, it has been a while since I went here, hasn't it? ( The words "Four years" appear as a ding dong noise is heard.) I know, I know, Let's just do it, already!

(Cut to shots of three teenage girls from "H2O: Just Add Water" as they dive into the water as the scene changes to the Moon Pool on Mako Island as the three teenage girls come up as mermaids before cutting to three teenage mermaids and Zac Blakely falling into the Moon Pool from "Mako Mermaids" before cutting to Zac Blakely of "Mako Mermaids" in his merman form before cutting to an image of an island and a pod of mermaids outside of Mako Island as it cuts to a scene of James in a lounge chair and the words "Just Add Water: My Mako Adventure" above James all the while The Opening themes to both "H2O: Just Add Water" & "Mako Mermaids" intercut together before cutting to clips of both "H2O: Just Add Water", "Mako Mermaids",  Season 1 of "The Bureau Of Magical Things", and the Season 2 trailer of "The Bureau Of Magical Things" intercut together as James does a voiceover) 

James Faraci (V.O.):
Okay, I know it has been a few years and I did make a promise to eventually do a follow-up. However that was when I thought there was going to be a movie, however, a couple of months ago, I had heard that there would be another season would happen. As such if it does happen and when it does come to pass. I will sit through and if it does what I hope it will. Then I can end this with Evie's Screwjob rectified and things ending on the right note. Also before I forget, there was a reunion of sorts. You can find the reunion by clicking here. Several of the cast members were involved.  In addition, I got a surprising bit of information on Instagram. The actress Gemma Forsyth who played Evie in "Mako Mermaids" was waiting on a scheduled appointment to take care of her hair and had an Impromptu Q & A with her fans and I asked if or when there'd be more with "Mako Mermaids" and if so would Evie's Screwjob be rectified. Her response was that she wasn't sure and had not heard anything about anything new with "Mako Mermaids". But as for what happened to Evie in the last season of "Mako Mermaids" apparently Jonathan M. Schiff approved what happened to Evie in that final season which means he's as guilty as the writers who hated both Evie and Gemma Forsyth. This means that if this new season does happen, The rectification of Evie's Screwjob MUST happen. 

Also before I forget, I have checked out the first season of "The Bureau Of Magical Things" and while it did vaguely reference Mako Island in one episode and there was a photo of a human with a mermaid. While the first season was good and had some amazing episodes and I recommend it, I have to say it is a distant cousin series. Meaning they might reference another Schiff series like "H2O: Just Add Water" or "Mako Mermaids" or some far-off series like "The Elephant Princess" (Which was also a Series produced by Schiff.) it is not directly connected. Apparently, there has been a second season that just finished production which had to be shut down due to COVID and when it picked up everyone from the series was on board. Also, there are more hints about a connection between the Schiff-verse of Mermaids and this series. For example, some time in the series is actually set in the same area in China Weilan was from. Also, the actress who played Nerissa, Tasneem Roc, is going to be guest-starring in a few episodes. As well as one of the main characters being accidentally and temporarily becoming a mermaid which may mean they may be working towards the rectification of Evie's Screwjob.

Now I know what some of you are asking yourselves "If you know what's going on, Why haven't you updated things sooner?". The reason is simple, I did it, three years ago as a two-part sequel I did in my fifth anniversary year of doing "The Last Of The Americans" I talked about it in a mini editorial on the project what I wanted to see in any future projects involving the Schiff-verse of Mermaids, which you can find here. I also did what I called a shared top ten. For every episode of one series a secondary series that was so connected to another series that both had to share the list. The first time was my "Buffy The Vampire Slayer"/"Angel" top 13. But for both "H2O" & "Mako", it was your average top ten except for the fact that I cast "Mako Mermaids" star Chai Romruen or otherwise known as Chai Hansen on some series on the CW which I never saw and the final season of the series "Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments" which is NOT even remotely connected to the god awful movie starring Lily Collins which when released died on impact. But I digress. The mini editorial and the Top Ten, which you can find here, was meant to cap my involvement in the Schiff-verse of Mermaids until there was news to report on or another series that would connect to the other two series.

And now to answer the biggest question, Why am I talking about this now? Unlike a certain useless Tiki-headed mentor to the Power Rangers I will say that "There is a simple explanation for that." and unlike that worthless Tiki Head, I will explain. Last year was pretty much one of the worst for all of us, myself included. The same day that I had posted "The Different Cuts of Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings" was also the day the site I congregate on was shut down and it was also the day my dad died. Meaning the site where I had used for the shared home of "Just Add Water: My Mako Adventure" and my other summer specials I had done years ago was gone, momentarily. A few weeks later, Manic-Expression.com was restarted and I once again had to post my backlog, along with doing my monthly workload and that meant big gaps in what I could or would be able to post. This is why this update is sharing time with what I call "The Summer of Summer Spectaculars" and how I will be scheduling it.

Starting June 21st I will be starting off with my first big Summer Spectacular that I posted on the original Manic Expression. "The Big 3" during that week I will be posting the three reviews that I did originally on myspace (I'm ancient! I get it!) and the epilogue. Then after the fourth of July, I will post my first big Summer Spectacular that did which remains to this day the highest read special I did one of the three that I now have to disown professionally due to the fact that certain people involved in a site that has become a toxic waste site turned out to be assholes and sadly the sequels to said Summer Spectacular which also I have professionally disowned.  And throughout August time permitting, if I am not in the middle of other projects, one of them being, I hope, making my movie, I will be putting "Just Add Water: My Mako Adventure" back on Manic-Expression.com. 

Thanks for checking this out and whatever happens next in the Schiff-verse of Mermaids I will be there to update things further and have a nice day.

Friday, May 21, 2021

Hitting all the right & wrong "Scales"

    (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 in his office physically)

TLOTA:
I'm James Faraci, The Last Of The Americans, and the views I'm about to express are that of my own & some of yours. Let's talk about "Scales: Mermaids Are Real." (Cut to the opening credit of "Scales: Mermaids Are Real. Cut to clips of the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (V.O.):
No real build-up, no true reason why except maybe just for funsies, I'd check out a movie that got approved by The Dove Foundation and possibly something for fun and given the state of fear and anxiety I have right now due to circumstances beyond my control, I need something to relax me so I can get through the rest of this year. (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
And apparently, with time against me and other things (The sound of pounding and banging is heard as demonic ranting and raving is heard as the footage shakes.) THIS IS "SCALES: MERMAIDS ARE REAL!" (Cut to clips of "Scales: Mermaids Are Real. as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (V.O.):
As the movie begins we're shown that this movie is produced by Fromage Productions so you know it was gonna be cheesy! We soon are given images of Mermaids as we come exposition animation as the credits roll. We soon come upon a young girl named Siren played by Emmy Perry coming up for air as she gives us exposition about her dreams. (Show clip of Siren as she talks about her dreams. Cut to the movie as James does a voiceover) We're soon introduced to her foster mom Tiffany played by "Law & Order" alumni Elisabeth Röhm as she takes Siren off to school where she meets a kid with brittle bone disease amongst his other problems named Adam played by Jack Grazer and her long time friend Crystal played by Nikki Hahn. During science class in which the science teacher who may come off nice, needs to know when to be bubbly and when to be the disciplinarian of her class they talk about metamorphosis as Siren somehow is able to manipulate the water in a bottle. Running scared she decides on talking to her friend wonders what is going on with her? (Show clip of Crystal and Siren talking and certain things are talked about including certain girl/women things. Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
Give her a break, What she doesn't need is the Spanish Inquisition! (Cut to the entrance to James' Studio as the Monty Python "Spanish Inquisition" stinger plays and as a trio of performers dressed as Inquisitors scream "NOBODY EXPECTS THE SPANISH INQUISITION!" Scene cuts to James as the sounds of slaughter are being heard)

TLOTA:
Well, the funerals for those poor guys are gonna have to come out of my budget! (Cut to clips of "Scales: Mermaids Are Real. as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (V.O.):
Eventually Siren shows her abilities. The two talk as we see some truly strange things happening as Siren is scared by the people around her as if people are looking at her. Later on, Siren and her foster mother come in and the two talk about her birth mom and how much Siren's birth mom would love Siren. (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA: 
Which based on the title, yeah, this just reinforces a trope when it comes to Mermaids becoming moms, and sadly how they SUCK at motherhood! (1970's Gameshow music plays in the background of clips of mothers and different mermaids as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (V.O.):
I'm not knocking motherhood as easy, But let's face it when you give birth to a child, ninety-five percent of your free time now belongs to taking care of a child. This movie and movies like  "The Thirteenth Year",  and the Barbie "Mermaid Tale" movies show this trope, even the series "Mako Mermaids" & "Siren" has that trope that Mermaids aren't the best mothers though, in the latter's defense, it wasn't like Ryn played by Eline Powell was glad to give her up the daughter to her pod. Maybe that's something that needed to be addressed more those sort of feelings as to why this happened and how much it hurt the mermaid to give up their child and how much she wanted to be in her child's life. Mermaids becoming mothers and how it can be a good thing for the mother mermaid to teach the offspring about themselves and what to expect in the world. This is one problem I have with the Disney Animated "Little Mermaid" movies. The third one showed that Ariel did have a mom for the first few formative years, While yes Ariel's mom was killed because... makes it easy. There should've been more time dedicated to Ariel learning to explore because maybe her mom loved doing it and it would've led to Ariel being the way she was. Call me nuts but we need to see more movies when it comes to mermaids and motherhood, it needs to be handled better. (Cut to James as he sighs.)

TLOTA:
But I digress, on with the review. (Cut to clips of "Scales: Mermaids Are Real. as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (V.O.):
Later on, Adam and Siren have a brief conversation, quickly becoming friends as Adam tells Siren about himself more. The next day as Siren sports the present Crystal gave her the day before, glows which forces Crystal to stay away from Siren. That night Crystal and her mom played by Kim Hidalgo and it's at Dinner that with the subtlety this movie can afford, tells Siren she's becoming a mermaid and that Crystal is going to be a half-blooded mermaid just like her mom. Not handling the news well, Siren takes a bath which doesn't quell her fears as well... (Cut to clip of Siren's feet becoming more fin-like and passes out. Cut to the movie as James continues his voiceover)

TLOTA (V.O.):
That could've been worse! (Cut to clips of "Scales: Mermaids Are Real. as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (V.O.):
After a brief trip to the Hospital, Siren is invited to a meeting where other mermaids are. Siren heads to Adam's father's house as he and a friend of his named Brody meet Siren as she secretly tells Adam about what's happening to her. Adam supports her as Siren finds a book that reveals Adam's family and associates are Mermaid Hunters. Running back home Siren tells her foster mother about Adam's dad and her foster mom tells her to stay away from Adam and to give her an aerator to protect her newly developing gills. The next morning after having a dream about her birth mom, Siren decides to opt away from wearing it, leading to this somewhat comedic moment. (Cut to the moment in which Siren passes out and is taken to the Principal's office as James continues his voiceover.) It's here that the Principal played by Morgan Fairchild helps Siren with an aerator she has because The Principal is a mermaid as well. Yeah, that's the ticket! Later on, Adam discovers his dad and his friend Brody talk about killing Siren for her blood to heal Adam. Adam tells Siren about how bonkers his dad and Brody are. However Siren out of the kindness of her heart is willing to do whatever it takes to help her new friend, and I got to admit, it was a nice touch to show that even though the parents and adults are dead set in the old ways, kids are better at solving things than we give them credit for.  Later on, at a desalination plant, Land bound mermaids come together to welcome Siren into their group. While that's happening Adam spills he knows who the mermaid that's coming of age but won't spill on who she is. (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
Dude, you're in enough hot water to cook you alive! Oh did I forget to mention that as the movie has gone on Adam has been racking up the injuries? My bad so that doesn't make things better for Adam's dad or Siren. (Cut to clips of "Scales: Mermaids Are Real. as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (V.O.):
Adam's dad and Brody who for some reason is becoming a likable Mr. Crocker of sorts put two and two together and for the record, it's four! Not IFLYDACHOOCHOO! like how you're being taught! Adam's dad rightfully believes it to be Siren. When Adam's Dad, Brody, and their friends try to find her, they miss her as she makes it to a safe house. Adam's dad, Brody, and the other hunters find the other land-bound mermaids and take the Principal as a hostage and posting a spoiler as to what happens to the Principal, they forget about her and she decides to get out after the ending which I will talk about soon. But needless to say, everything that happens after a certain point in the ending is moot especially when I get to it. But I digress. Siren completes her transformation as Tiffany, the woman who raised Siren as her own daughter has a moment in which her heart is breaking because she has to let her go! And to be fair I know where she's coming from, as my two of my three nieces are eighteen and are moving on with their lives and it hurts because as the years have gone on, I've grown to think of my nieces as my own daughters! Anyway, Siren appears to be safe in the ocean, as she finds her birth mother Emerald played by... Excuse me for a moment. (Cut to James as he searches for the actress who plays "Emerald" in the movie and comes upon a name.)

TLOTA:
HOLY CARP! IT'S WORLD-RENOWNED MERMAID AND OCEAN ACTIVIST HANNAH FRASIER! THA... (Stumbles on the words as to how awesome Hannah Frasier is.) WOW! Congrats movie, You just jumped up quite a few notches in my book! (Cut to clips of "Scales: Mermaids Are Real. as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (V.O.):
As Adam continues to deteriorate, Adam's dad and the hunters' force Tiffany and the others to call out Siren and her mother Emerald which they do as everyone discovers that Siren is a Full Blooded Mermaid and not a half-blooded one as Siren and Emerald sing a song which heals everything even Adam's brittle bones! (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
And to be honest, it is cool to see how one thing actually means another so that a mermaid's blood is in fact their song that can heal! It's a harmless touch. But the harmlessness of the movie ends right about here as... (Show clip of Emerald creating a big and terrifying storm. Cut to James as he gets a call.)

TLOTA:
Hello! (Cut to Julia Alexa Miller.)

Julia Alexa Miller:
Uh, James, something demonic is happening. Let me put the phone on speaker. (The Gozer speech from "Ghostbusters" is heard as E-Rod opens the door where Alex is. The two lock eyes as Julia Alexa Miller asks E-Rod to return inside so she can tell him what's going on. Cut to clips of "Scales: Mermaids Are Real. as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (V.O.):
So yeah Emerald has summoned a storm that is ready to unleash Gozer and if that's what Mama can do, I am scared of what Siren is going to WHAT THE...?! (Show clip of Siren reducing Brody to a pile of water as James screams in terror, cut to the clip of Rob Zombie's "Halloween" as Dr. Loomis shouts "WHAT THE HELL?! JESUS CHRIST!" Cut to Brody now officially a pile of dust as it cuts to James.)

TLOTA:
"SCALES: MERMAIDS ARE REAL" YOU'RE SICK! YOU'RE A SICK MOVIE "SCALES: MERMAIDS ARE REAL" YOU'RE SICK! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! (Cut to the clip of Brody being reduced to water, intercut with James babbling incoherently about Brody and his fate. Cut to James.) YOU'RE SICK, MOVIE YOU! ARE! SICK! (Cut to clips of "Scales: Mermaids Are Real. as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (V.O.):
NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NOOOOOO! YOU DO NOT DESERVE THE CUTE AND HAPPINESS AFTER WHAT YOU PULLED MOVIE! YOU DON'T DESERVE TO GET THE MOMENT IN WHICH WE SEE ADAM FULLY HEALED AND ABLE TO PLAY SPORTS! YOU DON'T DESERVE THE MOMENTS OF TIFFANY COPING WITH THE LOSS OF SIREN AND YOU SURE AS ALL GET OUT DON'T DESERVE THE MOMENT IN WHICH SIREN HAS HER DREAMS COME TRUE AND SHE MEETS HER BIOLOGICAL FATHER IN A POST-CREDIT SCENE! (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
YOU DON'T DESERVE THAT ENDING BECAUSE YOU KILLED A GUY! AND THIS MOVIE GOT THE DOVE FOUNDATION'S SEAL OF APPROVAL!?! AY-YI-YI! (Cut to clips of "Scales: Mermaids Are Real. as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (V.O.):
So that was "Scales: Mermaids Are Real" and had that moment in the end not happened it would've been, for the most part, your basic every day, average, dollar store harmless fun family film with above better than average acting for a movie of this caliber, a fun plot with some fairly good morals and stunning visuals. However, as my friend Rowdy said best, "It's not how you start, it's how you finish!"  (Cut to the original ending of Dante being killed in "Clerks" as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (V.O.):
The best comparison I can make is the original version of "Clerks", In the nationwide released version, the movie ends with Dante and Randal closing up the Quick Stop. However, in the original version, Dante is gunned down as he closes up, which actually ended the movie on a down note and thus ruining any goodwill Kevin Smith had in the movie. Imagine instead of cutting that ending out he doubled down on it with Randal coming in, getting a bullet to the head, then Jay and Silent Bob buy the farm as well. (Cut to clips of "Scales: Mermaids Are Real. as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (V.O.):
This is supposedly a family film about friendship, finding yourself, and becoming who you have to be. This isn't an indie film done on the budget of a gallon of gas! And when you end with a guy being killed by being reduced to water, you forfeit every ounce of goodwill that you gave in the hour and a half proceeding that moment! I was going to say "I recommend it as a harmless Saturday Afternoon with nothing better on the tv type of movie and you should check it out!" But I cannot in good conscience do so after such a horrific moment! This needs to be sent to the depths of Mariana's Trench and left there for eternity! (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
And yes if you're wondering, Next time is my eighth anniversary! (The sound of a demonic voice shouts "IT WILL BE YOUR LAST! I WILL DESTROY YOU ONCE AND FOR ALL!") That might happen, even I'm afraid I won't make it and after watching this movie, I can tell you, that fear is reinforced! I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and... "SCALES: MERMAIDS ARE REAL" IS SIIIIIIIIIIIIIICK! (Cut to the clip of Brody being reduced to a puddle of water and James screaming in fear as he hides. Cut to black.)

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Fill my eyes with that "Double" Vision

 (Scene starts with a laser beam in the sky as the music of the 1994 American Gladiators opening theme plays the angle of the camera goes into the laser as three shadowed figures with a lasered outlines appear as the shadows reveal themselves to be James Faraci in the center, Paulo Fonseca on the right and Rebecca Yaun on the left as their names appear above the characters. As the three-run out of frame moving towards the camera, four more shadowed figures with lasered outlines appear and the shadows reveal themselves as Brenda Fonseca on the right, Nick Yaun on the left, and John and Mike Santos and their names appear above the characters. As they run out of frame moving forward moving towards the camera, five more shadowed figures with lasered outlines appear as they reveal themselves to be Renee Miller and Eric Kurtzke on the right, Andrew Beach and Ed Champion on the left, and Olivia Horvath appears in the center as their names appear above the characters. As they run out of frame credits of “Written and directed by James Faraci, Edited by Eric Kurtzke, Makeup by Olivia Horvath Produced by First Choice Productions” as it ends the Laser beam disappears and at the 0:28 mark of the theme song the laser beam cut out the words “The” “Last” “Of” “The” appears. At the 0:32-0:36 mark, the word “Americans” start to come forward as it pulls down, and James’ Morpher and Sonic Screwdriver is flung into the frame as James grabs both and morphs into The Last Of The Americans with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. Fade cut to James in the lobby as he decides to clean the studio while getting funky with some music from the S Club 7. As James continues to clean the studio a loud “JAMES” knocks James over his couch and stops the music. Cut to James as he gets up and looks over the couch to see an angry Julia Alexa Miller. Cut to James’ forehead, eyes, and hands peering over the couch.)

TLOTA:
Hi Alex, How have you been? (Cut to Julia Alexa Miller.)

Julia Alexa Miller:
Between listening to S Club 7 as you clean, the thudding of your feet, and having to hear Chad complaining about you breathing, let alone living, I can barely get any work done! It is pissing me off! (Cut to James as he jumps over the couch.)

TLOTA:
I’m sorry, look, I’ve been trying to crack through that hard head but he and I have that in common, however, I think he has more pleasure in tormenting me than he does, whatever he does in the office next to mine. Seriously it took me three times longer to get my Top ten on the “Fast and Furious” because I had to hear him banging and making so much noise. Why did you give him the office next to mine? (Cut to Julia Alexa Miller)

Julia Alexa Miller:
It was the only way to placate him. I just think the rest of the team needs to return to balance out both your alpha male egos. Look, try to relax, watch and enjoy something. (Julia Alexa Miller kisses James on the cheek. Cut to James as he gets ready to pop in “Seeing Double” in his player and James hits the play button as Static appears and Mathew “Film Brain” Buck pops in and says “Hi James!” Cut to James as he just sat down on the couch.)

TLOTA:
Mathew. (Cut to Mathew “Film Brain” Buck)

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck:
Oh come on, can’t you just stick with what I came up with? (Mathew pulls out the script) “James pops in “Seeing Double” the movie from the S Club.” (A movie I knew got a theatrical release but never saw) “Mathew (That’s me) comes in ready to torment James for not being able to review the god awful movie “Fishtales” starring Billy Zane with James and having been unable to stop James from reviewing “Spice World” The Movie”. (Mathew puts script down) It’s not that hard to follow an idea I came up with. (Cut to James on the couch)

TLOTA:
Mathew, I’m busy. Why don’t you pester Allison or Linkara or anyone else? (Static appears as it cuts to Todd In The Shadows at his electronic keyboard)

Todd In The Shadows:
DAMN IT MATHEW! YOU HAD ONE JOB! ONE GOD DAMNED JOB! (Cut to James)

TLOTA:
Todd. (Cut to Todd In The Shadows)

Todd In The Shadows:
Oh, Hi James, How are you… Yeah, I forgot. Sorry, So Mathew dragged you into this one as well? (Cut to Mathew “Film Brain” Buck)

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck:
I didn’t drag you in, you wanted to see the movie as much as I wanted to and since James knows as much history on the S Club/S Club 7, He’d want to check this movie out as well. (Cut to James)

TLOTA:
Well, whether I’d like to do this or not solo is irrelevant now! (Cut to the Title card of “Seeing Double” then clips of the movie as James, Mathew “Film Brain” Buck and Todd In The Shadows do voiceovers.)

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck (V.O.):
The first, last, and ONLY appearance of the S Club 7, or as they were known after 2002, S Club. This movie says to anyone who thought “Spice World” The Movie was one of the worst movies starring pop stars “Give us your beers and your time and you’ll be thanking whichever deity you believe in for “Spice World” The Movie”.

Todd In The Shadows (V.O.):
Okay, Mathew, that may be a bit too much of a stretch and I just referenced this movie when I talked about them in my “One Hit Wonderland” retrospective, just because I heard about the movie doesn’t mean I saw it or even thought of seeing this one. But you know maybe this won’t be as bad as I don’t know, a Madonna movie.

TLOTA (V.O.):
Well, I’m ready for whatever happens in this one being the only certified fan to have all their albums here in the United States. Will this movie be more coherent than “HEAD” starring The Monkees or will it make us Pine for “Spice World” the movie or will it be the break out vehicle for… (Show headline of “S Club” breaking up sometime after the movie is released as James shouts “NEVERMIND” then it cuts to James physically.)

TLOTA:
Let’s just get into it, this is… “Seeing Double” (Cut to “Seeing Double” as James, Mathew, and Todd do voiceovers.)

Todd In The Shadows (V.O.):
Okay, our movie starts as we see The Castle Of Fu Manchu! Why do I suddenly think of a man in space crying about the pointlessness of life with his robot pals? Anyway, we soon find this Sean Connery knockoff driving to a cave singing one of the songs from the S Club.

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck (V.O.):
Oh, and speaking of the S Club it appears they’re in stasis tubes as it appears they’re being pre-packaged for everyone to enjoy! (Cut to Mathew Buck as he shouts “SYMBOLISM!”. Cut to James as he tries to mute the noise only for Julia Alexa Miller to come into the lobby.)

Julia Alexa Miller:
What is going on? And who are you two? (Cut to Todd In The Shadows)

Todd In The Shadows:
Oh, you must be James’ lady friend. I’m Todd In The Shadows. (Cut to Mathew “Film Brain” Buck)

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck:
And I’m Mathew Buck. (Cut to Julia Alexa Miller)

Julia Alexa Miller:
And which one of you two chuckleheads shouted “Symbolism”? (Cut to Mathew Buck as he proudly says “That would be me!”. Cut to Julia Alexa Miller)

Julia Alexa Miller:
Okay, next time you’re in New York, remind me to scream something at you while you’re in the middle of something important! (Julia Alexa Miller walks away. Cut to Mathew “Film Brain” Buck)

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck:
I’m not in any big danger am I? (Cut to James)

TLOTA:
Allow me to share this little bit when Tommy Wiseau unsuccessfully tried to hide in a therapy session me and Alex and an associate of ours named Chad were in. (Cut to Mathew “Film Brain” Buck and Todd In The Shadows as they react to Julia Alexa Miller kicking Tommy Wiseau’s ass with her abilities. Cut to Todd In The Shadows)

Todd In The Shadows:
Excuse Me, I’ve got to shit myself then change my underwear! (Cut to “Seeing Double” as James, Mathew, and Todd do voiceovers.)

TLOTA (V.O.):
After our opening credits, we find the band having just finished performing at a concert in Barcelona, Spain. They seemed exhausted after the performance but thankfully management is allowing them a month off to recuperate, however, their Manager has other plans which has them doing promotions for their album which may be selling like hotcakes internationally but from what I’ve gathered, if their albums back in the day went gold Stateside would’ve been a miracle in itself. (Cut to Mathew “Film Brain” Buck)

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck:
Oh, come off it James! (Cut to James)

TLOTA:
NO! I won’t come off it, They were a great music band which got buried by their management, and the series they did and adding to the fact their manager, Simon Fuller was burned by the short-lived popularity of the “Spice Girls” basically gave S Club no chance to succeed musically here in the states. (Cut to Todd In The Shadows)

Todd In The Shadows:
Hey, I just came back from shitting to hear James’ rant to say Yes James, I agree with you that as a manager Simon Fuller sucks but didn’t he also go on to make “American Idol”? (Cut to James)

TLOTA:
Yep, and many of those artists have been on your radar as to how they suck, Right? (Cut to Todd In The Shadows)

Todd In The Shadows:
Got me there! (Cut to “Seeing Double” as James, Mathew, and Todd do voiceovers.)

Todd In The Shadows (V.O.):
As the S Club prepares to declare a mutiny on their manager, their manager foreshadows some of the stuff that will happen to them. But right now, it’s press conference time which goes as well as trying to convince us that a Jackass is a Stallion.

TLOTA (V.O.):
That night, their manager is captured after being lightly tapped on the shoulders by a girl in a catsuit without a back which I think doesn’t make it a Catsuit but eh, What do I know?

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck (V.O.):
The next morning, after missing their flight and their manager stiffing them on the Hotel Bill, The S Club discovers something else, themselves on stage, on LIVE television!

Todd In The Shadows (V.O.):
And just as things get nuttier, the band is arrested for not paying their bill. Also, when they’re getting their mugshots just look at the markers. “Christina”? “Britney”? “Elvis”? “Puffy”? & “Biggy”? Okay, that was kind of funny.

TLOTA (V.O.):
We soon discover Alistair captured at The Castle Of Fu Manchu at the hands of the apparent villain who reminds me of “The Master” from classic “Doctor Who” but not as menacing as Alistair comes face to face with his Doppelganger.

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck (V.O.):
Meanwhile, the S Club has to figure out how to break out of prison, clear their name, find Alistair, and figure out what the fuck is going on?

TLOTA (V.O.):
But how to get out? A musical number to a song that should’ve at least hit the top 20 here in the states and Yes I am still bitter over the failure musically of the band. (Cut to the band as they play “Don’t Stop Movin’”  Intercut with one moment of “Tommy Wiseau” dancing in “The Disaster Artist” and the letters WTF are seen over his dancing. Cut to “Seeing Double” as James, Mathew, and Todd do voiceovers.)

Todd In The Shadows (V.O.):
One musical number later, the band are now fugitives on the run trying to clear their name. Thankfully Natalie, their assistant, helps smuggle them out of Barcelona and into Dante’s five hundredth level of Hell, Los Angeles. Even though they should be worried that the Police from Barcelona would’ve put out an international All Points Bulletin for them, let’s not waste this moment of happiness with some logic or common sense! (Cut to Mathew “Film Brain” Buck physically)

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck:
Todd, What do you know about common sense? Seriously? (Cut to Todd In The Shadows)

Todd In The Shadows:
A lot more than some people like a guy who wants to look like Steve Rogers in his prime with Sam Wilson’s Captain America’s shirt on, but is looking more like Thor in “Avengers: Endgame” (Cut to James)

TLOTA:
Guys, We’re exhausted and we’re BARELY a third of the way. Let’s take a break and come at it with a clearer mind frame! (Cut to Todd and Mathew as they say “Sounds Good to me” in unison as it fades to black, it then cuts to the 0:36 Mark of the 1994 American Gladiators theme as it shows James fully morphed with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. Cut to the 0:36 Mark of the 1994 American Gladiators theme as it shows James fully morphed with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. Cut to “Seeing Double” as James, Mathew, and Todd do voiceovers.)

TLOTA (V.O.):
The S Club find themselves now having to hide in a trailer but soon decide that opening up cans of Whoop-Ass. Which is quickly nixed because…wait why is it nixed?

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck (V.O.):
Because they’re already on the run from the law, do you think it’s a good idea for them to confront their management and their doppelgangers?

TLOTA & Todd In The Shadows (In unison V.O.):
YES! (Cut to Mathew “Film Brain” Buck)

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck:
Well, you don’t have to be so strong about it. (Cut to “Seeing Double” as James, Mathew, and Todd do voiceovers.)

Todd In The Shadows (V.O.):
The band gets in and I think there were some tensions during a tour date and it got nasty between band members because there is no way that was rehearsed. Anyhow, The real S Club is thrown out of the off-screen concert because Tina got a little too excited trying to get their doppelgangers off the stage. Meanwhile, some of the others try to get to Alistair, however, security and common sense say to hold off and follow the bus to one very interesting building.

TLOTA (V.O.):
The band tries to get in closer, and fun fact Jo O’Meara the blond with the Goldberg-Esque barbed wire tattoo had to have stunt doubles and other doubles for a lot of work due to chronic back pains.

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck (V.O.):
Ouch! At this point the S Club finds their duplicates practicing and getting ready to film a music video.

Todd In The Shadows (V.O.):
Perfect time for three of the members to incognito as their duplicates. And to be fair this is where the movie becomes somewhat more fun as we some genuine hijinks that got a chuckle out of me as Hannah, Rachel, and Jon take their double’s parts.

TLOTA (V.O):
Though I have to admit while things do get better in the movie, If I had discovered my friend having been duplicated by a madman, I’d be interrogating him with every means possible. This is what Tina, Bradley, and Jo try to do with no success at all! That may be because they’re not all there mentally.

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck (V.O.):
Meanwhile, Jon, Hannah, and Rachel try to fit in but soon discover that things aren’t as normal, mentally speaking being around Tina, Bradley, and Jo’s duplicates either. But believe it or not, Jon tries to get the information but gets Jack and shit!

Todd In The Shadows (V.O.):
And Jack left town months ago! But we discover why all the doubles know are facts and trivia about themselves and the band! They sleep in pods that download everything about them up to that point into them and if things aren’t kosher, they have to deal with Alistair. That and the doubles have no belly buttons!

TLOTA (V.O.):
Well, if you were grown in a stasis tube, you’d be missing some popular parts of the anatomy. (Cut to a still of Todd In The Shadows with his jaw hitting the floor. Cut to Mathew “Film Brain” Buck with a concerned look on his face. Cut to James)

TLOTA:
I’ve seen Sci-Fi stories about clones and there is always something that isn’t kosher in one way or another. (Cut to “Seeing Double” as James, Mathew, and Todd do voiceovers.)

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck (V.O.):
Knowing the others may be in danger, Hannah, Rachel, and Jon decide to come up with an idea to warn the others. Meanwhile, we soon discover who the owner of “Fu Manchu’s Castle” is named Victor Gaghan and he plans to as it is with most scientists who’ve been wronged by a society of 2+2=4, to create clones of celebrities to that’s right TAKE OVER THE WORLD! (Cut to the clip of “Mind Of Mencia” as Punji says “Oh, Of Course!”. Cut to Todd In The Shadows)

Todd In The Shadows:
Maybe it’s me, but, this may just be the DUMBEST WAY TO TAKE OVER THE EARTH! WHAT IN THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THIS GUY? IS HE A COMPLETE MORON, IF YOU WANTED TO TAKE OVER THE PLANET, YOU SHOULD BE CLONING POLITICIANS, PEOPLE WHO CAN HAND YOU THE PLANET ON A SILVER PLATTER! (Todd In The Shadows decides to get a drink. Cut to Mathew “Film Brain” Buck”)

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck:
But according to this movie’s logic, pop stars have more power and influence on the youth than say a president or a prime minister. (Cut to James)

TLOTA:
Well, that isn’t wrong then as it is now, my youngest niece for example has been driving her mom nuts over… Oh my god! This movie was right! Society is so screwed! (Cut to “Seeing Double” as James, Mathew, and Todd do voiceovers.)

TLOTA (V.O.):
We get a moment in which the Rachel, Hannah, and Jon clones are enjoying boomerangs and we get another song, as a matter of fact, the only song that hit the charts here in the States and Worldwide for them that shows the clones as well harmless. The clones soon remember where they came from Eagle’s Peak.

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck & Todd In The Shadows (In Unison V.O.):
WHERE?

TLOTA (V.O):
The place where “The Castle Of Fu Manchu” is? But I digress, Alistair’s clone captures the real Jon, Rachel, and Hannah and it’s up to the clones of Jon, Hannah, and Rachel, with the real Tina, Jo, and Bradley to rescue. However, The Clone Trio of Jon, Rachel, and Hannah tells the other clones about their origins.

Todd In The Shadows (V.O.):
While that’s going down the true Jon, Rachel, and Hannah are surrounded by duplicates of so many big-name musicians, they even got Groucho Marx in there! At this point, the movie isn’t a train that’s going off the rails, it’s crashed and people are wondering if there are any survivors at this point.

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck (V.O.):
The S Club Clones convince the others to join in the rebellion against Gaghan. Gaghan decides to set the self-destruct and try again later that is if Michael Jackson’s clone didn’t stop Gaghan from escaping and the real S Club stopping the Self Destruct. The real Alistair takes out his duplicate, an entire group of pop star clones has been unleashed.

TLOTA (V.O):
Meaning that in 20 years, their music will be played primarily in a Supermarket for our generation to wonder what happened to our early days and how today’s music is crap. God getting old stinks!

Todd In The Shadows (V.O.):
The cops arrive to arrest Gaghan, the clone of Rachel, and the real Bradley kiss…WAIT, WHAT?!

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck (V.O.):
Yeah, that is something that deserves this clip. (Cut to “The Simpsons” clip of Krusty’s eyes bugging out of his head as he says “What in the hell was that?” Cut to “Seeing Double” as James, Mathew, and Todd do voiceovers.)

TLOTA (V.O.):
And this movie ends with the duplicate S Club performing and being paid in boomerangs and if they need a holiday the real ones would go in their place and vice versa, as the real ones take a rightfully deserved holiday. (Cut to James)

TLOTA:
So that was “Seeing Double” the last ride of the S Club. But it was a fun ride. (Cut to “Seeing Double” as James, Mathew, and Todd do voiceovers.)

Todd In The Shadows (V.O.):
Okay, James, I’ll admit it was good enough to get a chuckle out of me but a lot of it was wasted potential. Had the band been more successful here in the States, I could see this movie getting a bare-bones theatrical release, but in this case, I think this one of the few times that this harmless movie would be alright for a Saturday Afternoon with nothing better to do.

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck (V.O.):
I’ll concede the fact it’s not that bad as say “Spice World” or something like that. But it’s not a great movie I’d recommend to my friends or family.

TLOTA (V.O.):
Both of you guys make good points but honestly, I think, me personally, Its cardinal sin is that it feels like a finale to a series than it does a movie. Okay admittedly, I saw it years after the fact the band called it quits and their series ended. But overall, I agree that it’s a harmless movie but it’s not a good movie. While it does tell a good story and tells about how we’ve become so infatuated with pop culture, it does seem to get bogged down in a level of silliness that while fun distracts from what would’ve been a stand-out performance piece. While I think it’s a good movie, I can’t recommend anyone who isn’t like a hardcore fan to enjoy this movie. But if you find it entertaining and might be the best way to get into the S Club then I say, go for it. (Cut to Mathew “Film Brain” Buck)

Mathew “Film Brain” Buck:
Well James this was fun now I’m just gonna fade out! (Static cuts to Todd In The Shadows.)

Todd In The Shadows:
I’d like to head on out as well but I need to ask before I go, are you okay? Come on man, talk with me. (Cut to James)

TLOTA:
Well, between the deaths of my oldest brother, unborn nephew, and father over the past two years and now an annoyance by the name of Chad Narducci making it impossible for me to do my reviews in my office. (Thudding noises emanate from Chad’s Office.) And I swear, I’m going to do some time for what I’m about to do! CHAD! (Cut to Todd In The Shadows)

Todd In The Shadows:
I should do something but oh well, time for me to do some Trainwreckords! (Cut to James as he opens the door to Chad’s office.)

TLOTA:
OKAY, ASS…hole? What the…? (Camera turns to see the rest of Team TLOTA suspended in mid-air by magical chains. Cut to Chad as James turns around.)

Chad Narducci:
Well, I guess the cat is out of the bag now, I now will finish what should’ve happened years ago, when I heard your name! (Chad’s eyes turn black as flames come shooting out of his eyes and his voice becomes demonic.)

Chad Narducci (Sounding demonic):
YOUR TOTAL DESTRUCTION! (Cut to a “Munsters” theme sound alike that sounds like “Agatha All Along” from “WandaVision” plays as Chad becomes engulfed by a dark entity and smiles as the two causes chaos in James’ life.)

Male Chorus:
Whose been causing chaos in James’ life?

Female Singer:
It’s been Chad All Along!

Male Chorus:
Who has driven James to the breaking point?

Female Singer:
It’s been Chad All Along!

Male Chorus:
He’s so disgusting!, Making all of us Sing! About how Jim will be! How he’ll be! He’ll be! He’ll be! He’ll be! Be dead! (two-second break from singing) It’s too late to save anything because it’s all wrong. Thanks to Chad! Asshole Chad!

Female Singer:
It’s been Chad All Along! (The camera is now on Chad’s face)

Chad Narducci:
And now for us to kill James Faraci The Last Of The Americans. Huh? (The ending sting shows James having disappeared.) SON OF A BITCH! (Cut to James in his office.)

TLOTA:
ORAC, Where’s Alex right now? (James’ Cell phone goes off.) Hello? (Cut to Julia Alexa Miller who is standing outside the office.)

Julia Alexa Miller:
Hi, James, What’s happening?

TLOTA (Audio only):
Uh Currently Chad is possessed by a demonic entity, I’m engaging Theta Level Lockdown, meaning the only way anyone can get in is when I step out of my office, for that I apologize, the rest of the team is being held in suspension, and… (Cut to James in his office.)

TLOTA:
I need you to take care of something, I am having ORAC text you an address I need you to go and find the person at the address. Hopefully, he can save my ass, otherwise, everything we have been trying to accomplish, it’ll end with my demise! (Cut to Julia Alexa Miller standing outside of the studio as she sees the address and the name.)

Julia Alexa Miller:
How long can you last? (Cut to James physically.)

TLOTA:
After Last year, I can do a month, in my sleep and underwater! (James shuts the phone off. Fade to Black.)