Double Feature Movie Review!

1/17/2019

THE TEAM still has book news under strict embargo for the next few weeks, but I can guarantee that we have something in the pipeline. There's news coming, I swear. News.

...but the members of THE TEAM are slashing their fingers across their throats, so I'm going to have to move on. Here's a quick review for two animated movies I saw recently! I liked them both!

Dragon Ball Super: The Broly Movie, You Know, The One With Broly

I'm a simple guy. I go into a DBZ movie to see Goku power up until he beats the bad guy. Usually, there's nothing else to them, and that's fine with me.

The Broly movie takes it to the next level. There is an actual story, with real character development and world-building that adds to the existing universe and complements the canon. They spend a weirdly long amount of time showing you the cultural impact of scouters and the political shift as Frieza took over his galactic empire from his father, King Cold. They get into Saiyan culture, both its pros and cons. They develop minor members of the Frieza Force into characters with their own quirks, backgrounds, desires, and goals.

...if that makes you say "Ew, no, get all that out of my Dragon Ball. I just want to see Goku punching an oiled-up dude into the moon," then don't worry. The meat of the movie is classic DBZ. But they still fit more character and world development into the first half of this story than into the entire Buu Saga.

Part of the movie's foundation is the parallel relationship between the three surviving full-blooded Saiyans (Goku, Vegeta, and Broly) and their respective fathers.

I didn't know I wanted that until I got it.

All this story is in the first half, and the second half is basically a 45-minute anime music video. So whatever you wanted out of a DBZ movie, it's here.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: Why Are There So Many Spider-Men: The Movie

Continuing in the theme of "animated movies I expected very little out of," here's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. It's fantastic, and it's not making enough money.

Go see it.

I basically can't recommend it highly enough. I enjoyed the Broly movie, but I'm an unapologetic DBZ shill. I would have walked out happy from an hour and a half of Goku punching some dude. If you're not into DBZ, then sure, don't watch Broly. It's definitely for fans.

But Spider-Man...I can't imagine the person who wouldn't enjoy Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Do you like Spider-Man? Do you like superheroes? Do you like innovative animation? Do you like fast-paced, engaging stories? Do you like humor? Do you like good movies? Do you have a beating human heart?

This is a good movie to see before it's out of theaters, because the music and animation are so cool, but if it's too late for you, watch it on Netflix or however you can get it.

I wouldn't say it's my favorite movie of all time or anything, but it's one of the few that I recommend without reservation to basically everybody. So if you haven't seen it, see it.

Anyway, let me know in the comments what you thought of these movies! Or tell me how I deserve to die because this post isn't about OKAK or Underlord!

-Will

P.S. I also saw Aquaman. Yep. That was also a movie that I saw.

52 Comments

Kidpen

1/17/2019 04:46:22 pm

Didn't like Aquaman? Most people I've talked to said it was on par with Wonder Woman.
Can confirm that Spiderverse is wonderful.

Riley

1/17/2019 05:01:54 pm

Can confirm, it was not like Wonder Woman. They lied. Haha. At least for me.

1/17/2019 06:23:55 pm

Dang.

Lord of The Tower

1/18/2019 08:46:47 am

Yea it was ... not trash but almost Garbage

LostAtSea

1/17/2019 04:48:55 pm

Thanks for the update, Will! Keep up the hard work and remember video games and vacation are right around the corner! Keep that dithering simian off your back!

Shaun

1/17/2019 04:50:03 pm

Ugh! I have been reduced to checking your website EVERY DAY! Usually I am pretty patient and am able to either wait or lose interest and move on between books, but I have got to say that cradle is so good that I am having a hard time! Good job on the books, they are great.... to great.... now please hurry...

Will link

1/20/2019 04:58:38 pm

I'm sorry, Shaun. The gag will be taken from my mouth in about three weeks, they assure me.

Dave

1/23/2019 05:14:28 am

February 10th release date for Underlord CONFIRMED

Justin

1/17/2019 04:54:12 pm

Will, keep your chin up. You can't die! We need you to write more books!!!!!

Puppet Master is getting to be a recognizable name in the community at this point which makes me feel like an actual person except Reddit screw Reddit

1/17/2019 04:54:56 pm

THE TEAM

Kapritonic

1/17/2019 05:14:30 pm

Great movies yes yes yes...few weeks?! Noooo..Dont know if I can..make it.. Tantrum commencing in 3..2..

ConniptionConroy

1/17/2019 05:39:58 pm

*scratches neck and rubs nose* Ey man, y’all got some of that Underlord I keep hearing bout?

Jarthon

1/17/2019 08:57:49 pm

*perks up and scrambles to stand. Tries frantically to look over conniptionConroy's sholder* You got underlord?! Please man I'm desperate, I need a fix!

Oliver

1/17/2019 05:43:12 pm

Hey Will, good to hear from you.

I do think Spider-Man was one of my favorite movies of all time. There was a lot of character development and a lot of new ideas, but they also stayed so true to the Spider-Man universe. (*cough multiverse sorry)

1/20/2019 04:57:50 pm

Probably my favorite moment in the film is when they need someone to go on a probably-suicidal mission and every version of Spider-Man from across the multiverse says at the same time, "I'll do it."

Because that's who Spider-Man is.

Rachael Crutchfield

4/11/2020 09:56:10 am

Miles is also completely adorable. Like Tom Holland. There is just something appealing of about that crossroads of childhood and adulthood. When you have children this age, it’s amazing to observe.

Finn

1/17/2019 06:04:24 pm

Haven’t seen the DBZ movie, but this perfectly encapsulates my feelings on Spider Man and Aquaman.

1/17/2019 06:05:57 pm

From your frame of reference define "soon" in a term of days??

1/17/2019 08:51:46 pm

And please include a fully filled out form detailing the hours, minutes, seconds and micro-seconds, date in all known calendars and precise Amazon url.

In all seriousness though I am super excited to see more of my favorite characters exploring the most interesting wuxia style world I know of and I am happy to wait as long as it takes for you and THE TEAM to work your magic. May cthulu fear your fearsome frame and ferocity forevermore.

PS: I'm glad everyone seemed to share my opinion on Spiderman, truly a great animated film

1/20/2019 04:56:57 pm

I was very surprised by how great Spider-Man was.

I don't know if I said "soon" in the post, but I can define "in the pipeline:" I will have news coming in about three weeks.

TheLastReader

1/17/2019 07:01:37 pm

Spiderman was really good can confirm

Sancus

1/17/2019 11:36:06 pm

I heard the word 'Underlord' from across the cosmos and came running as fast as I... dammit Will. Baited again!!!!!

Judge, Jury, and Executioner

1/18/2019 02:02:08 am

You deserve to die for your crimes, but that would be too lenient. You are hereby sentenced to intense guilt and shame for the crimes of inflicting insomnia on the innocent readers waiting for Underlord, and for 3rd degree intentional book release baiting.

KNOW that all this could have been avoided if YOU JUST TOLD US UNDERLORD'S RELEASE DATE!!!!!!!

(That being said, keep up the good writing Will!)

1/20/2019 04:53:40 pm

(Are you crazy? What if THE TEAM caught me talking to you? Do you know what would happen to me?)

1/20/2019 08:21:24 pm

Two demerits. You want to go for three? Don't make us cut off your access to sweet tea and Reddit. Again.

Michael Haedt

1/21/2019 07:56:41 pm

Would you be forced to eat nothing but mint oreos until it was actually released. Also Will, it is what it is and it takes what it takes. I love you work and have minimal doubt i will read underlord twice in the first 24 hours it is out then be itching for whatever comes next for the cradle series.

Advocate

1/18/2019 02:13:41 am

Clearly it's the teams fault... Whatever that means.

R. Usirius

1/18/2019 02:53:11 am

I've been to see Spider-Man three times and am planning on going a fourth before it leaves theaters. I've done my part. A co-worker went to see it though and... hated the animation. Said it put him off of the movie entirely. Said he would have enjoyed the story a lot better with different animation. And he's a huge comics fan. Blew my mind because the animation is practically a comic come to life!

Anyway, I've seen this a lot of the internet and while I get "different strokes," the animation is one of the best parts of the movie IMHO.

Keep up the good work Double Dubs.

bill

1/18/2019 04:51:20 am

spiderman into the spiderverse is a superb film, with probably the best animation (artistically and technically) I have ever seen. Genuinely blew me away!

Aquaman was a hoot - a bizarre love child of Avatar, Indiana Jones and Thor:Ragnarok that just HAS to be seen in 3D. Whilst it was enormously silly, it was nevertheless tremendous fun to watch Jason Momoa thoroughly enjoy being a superhero! If you were a serious DC fan, then at least you can be comforted it wasnt the steaming pile of dingo's kidneys that was Green Lantern (sorry, Ryan Reynolds, it really was/is and appalling film).

i am champing at the bit to read Underlord, so hope that you will be giving us good news on that front soon!

:^)

1/20/2019 04:54:43 pm

To be serious, I thought Aquaman was okay. I hated the dialogue, but it LOOKED amazing, I like Jason Momoa, and the actual story would have been fine with an overhaul of the dialogue.

Your Benevolent Dictator

1/20/2019 05:04:35 pm

There was quite a bit of bad acting, Especially in the submarine with a torpedo

random

1/18/2019 08:32:39 am

Everyone here only mentioned underlord....yes cradle is good, but where the hell is OKAK??? Feel like it keeps getting skipped for cradle...and since noone has siad it yes you desrve that for this post not being about OKAK or underlord T.T!!!

How many more monkeys must I ship to Will?!?

1/18/2019 03:30:33 pm

Agreed. Less with the Wuxia and more with the Whatthef@#$isthat! Where my eldritch horrors at?

Nicol Bolas

1/18/2019 05:22:50 pm

OKAK is good, but cradle is ADDICTING, and therefore the top priority for all the junkies (such as myself). I'll sick Tezzeret and Ral on "THE TEAM" if they give you any trouble Will. Keep up the good work!

1/20/2019 04:55:29 pm

I understand. I accept my fate. But THE TEAM silences me. I cannot speak further, for their ears are sharp.

Zach

1/20/2019 08:18:53 pm

THE TEAM has a certain set of skills...

1/18/2019 09:15:03 am

Will, I've been waiting for Blackflame in audiobook to become discounted for owners of the Ebook. Usually this is done by now and on your previous novel only took a week. This also enables Whispersync. Do you have any updates on why this is taking so long on Blackflame?

1/21/2019 10:09:51 am

CB - I enthusiastically picked up Unsouled and Soulsmith on whispersync as add-ons to my kindle purchases - but Blackflame is stuck on Audible without whispersync and I suspect this is a ploy by Audible to encourage series purchasers to buy into the audible membership scheme. its been a while since the blackflame audobook came out, so I suspect its not going to be "whispersynced" at all.

disappointing, because I am relucant to spend £20 on the audibook when I will also be wanting to pick up skysworn and ghostwater when they come out in audio format.

Bill Warrilow

1/25/2019 02:00:25 pm

This is what I got from audible:
Thank you for contacting Audible!

Blackflame is currently not available as a Whispersync for Voice or Immersion Reading-ready audiobook. While there may be several editions of both the Audible audiobook or Kindle eBook, these editions have not been precisely paired and therefore will not sync across devices or work together in any way.

In order for a title to become Whispersync for Voice or Immersion Reading ready, both pieces of content must be paired together and extensively tested to make sure they sync properly.

We are working hard to make all Audible audiobook and Kindle eBook titles eligible for this feature, so please check back later for Whispersync/Immersion Reading eligibility.

We're sorry for the inconvenience.

Your request to add Blackflame to our Whispersync for Voice library has been forwarded to our content team, who will take your request into consideration.

Jay

1/18/2019 09:35:28 am

Ouuuu salty Will! My man, do you need a hug? What’s behind the snipe of you deserving to die? Please don’t let all the comments about “when is the next book out” which are mostly in jest get to you.
And if you say you’re joking as well, well, this is an asymmetric relationship and we expect better jokes. Punching above and down and all that.

Spider movie was great and I’ve recommended to everyone, didn’t see the other two. Will probably never see the DBZ, waiting for aquaman to come out on streaming.

Paden

1/18/2019 03:55:08 pm

The book news is obviously a preview of remastered high definition cover art for Simon

Drew F

1/19/2019 06:24:01 am

Please hurry and release Underlord so we can begin hounding you for the next book!

This group you mention called "THE TEAM" sounds evil. Break free!

* Gripes and Complaints - People have already started rating Underlord on Goodreads before it is even out... That site needs a way to prevent that.

Keep on with the good work Will!

1/20/2019 04:52:48 pm

Rating Goodreads early is always funny to me. I have an easy defense: I could not possibly care any less about Goodreads. I never check it, I never read it. As far as I'm concerned, Goodreads doesn't exist.

Nitin Shekhar

1/19/2019 11:38:21 am

March 1 release means 10 months since launch of Ghostwater..

Underlord better be good;)

Vishal

1/21/2019 08:51:02 am

I’m beginning to believe (hope!) that we’re going to be getting BOTH underlord and OKAK this next release. Only reason for THE TEAM to muzzle Will and Will to allow it!

BEWARE

1/22/2019 04:52:57 pm

THE TEAM is dark and full of terror

stephen

1/23/2019 07:00:39 pm

There's a series of short stories in there somewhere

Banks

1/23/2019 02:29:37 pm

Will, you can't die....not yet mwahahahaha
UNDERLORD!!!

Joey Redflame McGatorFace

1/23/2019 03:35:48 pm

Really enjoyed the Spidermenwomanpigz movie. Was tasty for all its aspects and was great seeing a second time as well.

Will, Wrote out a virtual card in real crayon for you:

"This Valentines, Will you be my UNDERLORD?"

Brendan

1/24/2019 02:24:26 am

I wasnt going to see the spiderman movie but I read your recommendation. WOW. I'm glad I went. It was awesome. Best movie I've seen in ages. Thanks.

As with everyone else I am waiting with great anticipation for underlord. I love the series. You've done great.keep up the great work.

Ian

1/24/2019 08:27:06 am

If you enjoyed Into the Spiderverse, you should also check out Young Justice, if for no other reason than to marvel (:D) at the bizarre disparity in quality between DC's live action and animated offerings.

Craig

1/24/2019 09:49:26 am

Thanks for all the great hours of entertainment so far. Thanks also for these posts to let us know that you know that people like me are waiting hungrily for more.

In which we ramble on.
And by we, I mean me.