The more I watch this, the more I think To Boldly Flee is a jarring combination of two films. The first is in the vein of Kickassia, filled with slapstick and silly humour and irreverence towards everything and anything. You know, the kind of film that's a bit of a hoot to watch, but doesn't really stick with you.
The second film - the one I find far more interesting, I should note - is the sci-fi dramedy loaded with hit-and-miss meta commentary on science fiction tropes and ideas. It's a film that might be flawed, but it's certainly thought-provoking and worthy of greater consideration. It gives your better actors, like you and Brad and Spoony, and even Doug to some extent a chance to try a very different format than they're used to, and one they adapt to surprisingly well.
The second is a film that the majority of the plot supports - but the script doesn't, not to the same degree, instead sticking to the first concept. This is a problem I'll also attribute to Suburban Knights, but to a different extent (I think the script and the acting were both significantly weaker there), and it's a problem that's both perplexing and annoying.
So when you have an episode that favours the dramedy style instead of the slap-stick comedy, I think the movie gets significantly more interesting and enjoyable, partially because it gives the actors a chance to give a slightly more nuanced performance. I'd ultimately say that Part 5 is easily one of my favourite segments along with Part 1, simply because you pay so much attention to the more dramatic bits, with the comedy providing some welcome levity (any time JesuOtaku is on screen and destroying Paw is fucking comedy gold, mostly because the two of them throw themselves into it - and to my surprise, SadPanda's monotone offbeat weirdness is turning out to be surprisingly enjoyable).
Overall, I'd prefer more episodes in the vein of this, rather than the last one (which I won't comment on because it was silly slap-stick, albeit better executed). Looking forward to seeing if Brad does a full face-heel turn and sells out, and when Mechakara's schemes come to fruition - I'm very curious to see how dark Doug makes this.
What really made me laugh, besides crazy JesuOtaku, was Mechakara going "He sounds worse than that... erm... I mean... I DON't sound like that... aaaaagh"... That totally killed me....
Plus: When the critic sayd "What, if that one (who must make that one decision) is me" I thought "If that is the case, we are screwed... thoroughly."
I am shocked (SHOCKED!) that we've got this far without an MST3K reference. I even wrote a parody song. (Sung by the Critic, of course.)
By Jupiter’s moon Europa, Out looking for Ma-ti, Nostalgia Critic and his reluctant pals Have found some new insanity They try to escape the hordes of Zod, A Kryptionian jerk who thinks that he’s the new god, They turned Critic’s house into a killer space ship, And try to work together to give ol’ Zod the slip (“You! Will! Kneel!”) Zod: “I don’t understand these critics, They’re obnoxious, dull, and weird, The Executor demands that I bring them all in, Or else he’ll shave my beard.” Now keep in mind, there’s many more critics Than the ones listed in this song, But to name the entire all-star cast, Would make this parody too long! CRITIC COUNT DOWN! Phallus! (“That’s ‘Phelous’!”) Lupa! (“Durpdee doo!”) Link-ara! (“Not really.”) Snooooob! (“Sexy voice!”) Now, for those of you watching continuity, And these events are causing you strife, Just remember, it’s just a comedy show And you should really get a life And watch the That Guy With the Glasses.Com 4th Year Special! Twang!
Okay I've got to admit when I saw Linkara getting out of the closet, I immediately thought of Batman from the Justice League Doom: Movie. Where his arch nemesis Bane puts Bruce Wayne in his family's coffin and Bruce Wayne punches his way out of the grave with his bare fist.
I don't know, Linkara just reminded me of that seeing him with such determination as he got out of Mechakara's make-shift prison. That and I'm hoping we see more of you because as much as I like MechaKara I want to see you acting.
Also I'd like to say I really think one of the strong points in the movie is the Cinema Snob sub-plot, it's very well acted and I like the nods to Star Wars it gives.
Linkara's free. Alright, this is about to get good! I missed Terl(turrel? Spelling?) this time, and the Borg thing was actually funny, especially Tod in the Shadow's outfit(Robocop, right?).
I think this is my favourite part so far. It was just to funny. Mechakara´s line "He sounds far more annyoing than that" was just hilarious.
But really Spoony in Speedos did we have to see that?
Also great acting from Rob. I didn´t even recognize him at first.
So Linkara´s finally out of the closet. I guess since you have your own spaceship you´ll be able to reach them.
I have a question: This Zod guy (also played by doug) did we ever seen him before? In the last part it seems like the critic knew him but i can´t remember seeing this character in any of dougs videos. Many someone could tell me ^^.
"I have a question: This Zod guy (also played by doug) did we ever seen him before? In the last part it seems like the critic knew him but i can´t remember seeing this character in any of dougs videos. Many someone could tell me ^^."
Zod was originally in the first two Superman movies, but within Channel Awesome continuity, Doug did a series of videos called "Merry Zodmas" wherein General Zod critiqued aspects of Christmas form a Kryptonian point of view.
Linkara: Able to defeat robots duplicates, universe-conquerors, demonic videogame horrors and even gods... but a Chinese Finger Trap? No escaping one of those.
Gotta say, I wasn't expecting Mechakara and Seven of Eleven to do what they did as quickly as they did. Especially with how extensive the... modifications they made were.
Nice to see you've mostly gotten out of Mechakara's trap too.
Ok it's kinda getting really weird now! Like the Snob stuff. Rob is the evil guy right in those scenes? I like the RoboCop costume where or who did ya'll get that from? Ok that part with Spoony's Super ego was that a parody of Dune or Prometheus? I can't quite tell! He's pale enough he reminds me of the engineers! I'm glad to see that Linkara's main character is still in this!
Who else wants to bet that Linkara took so long to escape because he was reviewing a comic in there? My guess is he finally broke down (again) and agreed to do one more day (again) but we will see it (because his closet lacks camera equipment.
You convinced a Lovecraft Demon to commit suicide and it took you THIS LONG to open the door. Not even to un-cuff yourself, but OPEN THE DOOR.
Also, you'd think MECHAKARA with MALECHITE'S HAND would be the focus of the movie and not just a sub-plot. Am I seriously the only one who thinks that was major wasted potential.
"I am shocked (SHOCKED!) that we've got this far without an MST3K reference."
You're shocked about that, I'm shocked there has been no Red Dwarf refrenence yet. Especially considering Doug himself said it is one of his favorite shows.
10 bucks says when Linkara finally catches up they mistake him for mechakara and attack. Either that or they continue to have absolutely no idea who mechakara is.
Y'know, I'm a little disappointed that, so far, Mechakara having Malachite's Hand and trying to understand it hasn't really been addressed about from that bit in Part 1.
Also, Plot Hole or not, the Critic can be a real idiot sometimes. Though I didn't entirely understand Lupa's comment about JewWario being "the only one dumb enough to believe her."
Now, I know you've said before that the purpose of History of Power Rangers is not to compare it to its Sentai source material, but I'm curious: have you ever SEEN any of the Sentai versions? I know you mentioned Gokaiger in the Ninja Storm review (I think), but I'm curious if you've seen any other Sentai beyond the first episode of that show.
I reserving judgement on this till I have seen all the parts (And this time I MEAN IT. I just have one thing to comment on: SPOONY'S SUPEREGO!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KILL IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHERE'S THE BRAIN BLEACH??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ unknown 10 bucks says when Linkara finally catches up they mistake him for mechakara and attack. Either that or they continue to have absolutely no idea who mechakara is.
Given how stupid the Critic is in this installment, I think, it would indeed be like this... I imagine, Linkara and Mechakara being in an epic battle, then comes the critic, in his hand a frying pan and hits the real Linkara with it, knocking him out in the process. Then, he looks at his crewmates, who facepalm, looks at Mechakara, 7-11, and Robo-Todd, who applaud (like the Joker in Batman - the dark knight - rather loudly and cynical), then point their assimilation-devices at him... and all the Critic has to say to this is a loud, high-pitched "Oops!"
"I also haven´t seen "merry zodmas" i think i have to check that out."
They're on one of the 'Best of That Guy With The Glasses' DVDs, which they sell through Doug's site. (I think it's first, but I'm a little too cat-lapped right now to go and check my copies.)
I kept forgetting to say this, and this is the only place where I don't need an account to say it, but I really like those Jack Vettriano prints in the background.
I remember you said once before that you hated the assimilation scene because it seemed like a metaphor for raped. As uncomfortable a subject it is to you I just gotta ask. By that logic did Seven of 11 in a way Rape Todd?
"I remember you said once before that you hated the assimilation scene because it seemed like a metaphor for raped. As uncomfortable a subject it is to you I just gotta ask. By that logic did Seven of 11 in a way Rape Todd?"
Yes, but it wasn't shot or written the same way as badly as the Nostalgia Chick one, nor was there a scene afterwards of Film Brain mistaking it for two people consensually screwing.
Sandman! Woot!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what bold adventures in space Mechakara has in store this week!
I was wondering if you're still struggling with that Chinese finger trap. Those things get stuck for hours!
ReplyDeleteHmmm...
ReplyDeleteThe more I watch this, the more I think To Boldly Flee is a jarring combination of two films. The first is in the vein of Kickassia, filled with slapstick and silly humour and irreverence towards everything and anything. You know, the kind of film that's a bit of a hoot to watch, but doesn't really stick with you.
The second film - the one I find far more interesting, I should note - is the sci-fi dramedy loaded with hit-and-miss meta commentary on science fiction tropes and ideas. It's a film that might be flawed, but it's certainly thought-provoking and worthy of greater consideration. It gives your better actors, like you and Brad and Spoony, and even Doug to some extent a chance to try a very different format than they're used to, and one they adapt to surprisingly well.
The second is a film that the majority of the plot supports - but the script doesn't, not to the same degree, instead sticking to the first concept. This is a problem I'll also attribute to Suburban Knights, but to a different extent (I think the script and the acting were both significantly weaker there), and it's a problem that's both perplexing and annoying.
So when you have an episode that favours the dramedy style instead of the slap-stick comedy, I think the movie gets significantly more interesting and enjoyable, partially because it gives the actors a chance to give a slightly more nuanced performance. I'd ultimately say that Part 5 is easily one of my favourite segments along with Part 1, simply because you pay so much attention to the more dramatic bits, with the comedy providing some welcome levity (any time JesuOtaku is on screen and destroying Paw is fucking comedy gold, mostly because the two of them throw themselves into it - and to my surprise, SadPanda's monotone offbeat weirdness is turning out to be surprisingly enjoyable).
Overall, I'd prefer more episodes in the vein of this, rather than the last one (which I won't comment on because it was silly slap-stick, albeit better executed). Looking forward to seeing if Brad does a full face-heel turn and sells out, and when Mechakara's schemes come to fruition - I'm very curious to see how dark Doug makes this.
My thoughts (in no particular order):
ReplyDeleteJust when I think it can't get any better, in comes SpeedoSpoony. All is right with the universe.
Film Brain really can't cheer anybody up properly, can he?
Oh, Jew Wario...
Poor Paw. That's all I have to say about that.
The acting continues to impress. Brad's scene with Robphistopheles were especially great. Speaking of Rob: he really should be on camera more often.
What really made me laugh, besides crazy JesuOtaku, was Mechakara going "He sounds worse than that... erm... I mean... I DON't sound like that... aaaaagh"...
ReplyDeleteThat totally killed me....
Plus: When the critic sayd "What, if that one (who must make that one decision) is me" I thought "If that is the case, we are screwed... thoroughly."
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am shocked (SHOCKED!) that we've got this far without an MST3K reference. I even wrote a parody song. (Sung by the Critic, of course.)
ReplyDeleteBy Jupiter’s moon Europa,
Out looking for Ma-ti,
Nostalgia Critic and his reluctant pals
Have found some new insanity
They try to escape the hordes of Zod,
A Kryptionian jerk who thinks that he’s the new god,
They turned Critic’s house into a killer space ship,
And try to work together to give ol’ Zod the slip (“You! Will! Kneel!”)
Zod: “I don’t understand these critics,
They’re obnoxious, dull, and weird,
The Executor demands that I bring them all in,
Or else he’ll shave my beard.”
Now keep in mind, there’s many more critics
Than the ones listed in this song,
But to name the entire all-star cast,
Would make this parody too long!
CRITIC COUNT DOWN!
Phallus! (“That’s ‘Phelous’!”)
Lupa! (“Durpdee doo!”)
Link-ara! (“Not really.”)
Snooooob! (“Sexy voice!”)
Now, for those of you watching continuity,
And these events are causing you strife,
Just remember, it’s just a comedy show
And you should really get a life
And watch the That Guy With the Glasses.Com 4th Year Special!
Twang!
Yay, Linkara's finally out of the closet.... Wait...
ReplyDeleteOkay I've got to admit when I saw Linkara getting out of the closet, I immediately thought of Batman from the Justice League Doom: Movie. Where his arch nemesis Bane puts Bruce Wayne in his family's coffin and Bruce Wayne punches his way out of the grave with his bare fist.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, Linkara just reminded me of that seeing him with such determination as he got out of Mechakara's make-shift prison. That and I'm hoping we see more of you because as much as I like MechaKara I want to see you acting.
Also I'd like to say I really think one of the strong points in the movie is the Cinema Snob sub-plot, it's very well acted and I like the nods to Star Wars it gives.
Linkara's free. Alright, this is about to get good! I missed Terl(turrel? Spelling?) this time, and the Borg thing was actually funny, especially Tod in the Shadow's outfit(Robocop, right?).
ReplyDeleteI think this is my favourite part so far. It was just to funny. Mechakara´s line "He sounds far more annyoing than that" was just hilarious.
ReplyDeleteBut really Spoony in Speedos did we have to see that?
Also great acting from Rob. I didn´t even recognize him at first.
So Linkara´s finally out of the closet. I guess since you have your own spaceship you´ll be able to reach them.
I have a question: This Zod guy (also played by doug) did we ever seen him before? In the last part it seems like the critic knew him but i can´t remember seeing this character in any of dougs videos. Many someone could tell me ^^.
"I have a question: This Zod guy (also played by doug) did we ever seen him before? In the last part it seems like the critic knew him but i can´t remember seeing this character in any of dougs videos. Many someone could tell me ^^."
ReplyDeleteZod was originally in the first two Superman movies, but within Channel Awesome continuity, Doug did a series of videos called "Merry Zodmas" wherein General Zod critiqued aspects of Christmas form a Kryptonian point of view.
Linkara: Able to defeat robots duplicates, universe-conquerors, demonic videogame horrors and even gods... but a Chinese Finger Trap? No escaping one of those.
ReplyDeleteGotta love this show.
Gotta say, I wasn't expecting Mechakara and Seven of Eleven to do what they did as quickly as they did. Especially with how extensive the... modifications they made were.
ReplyDeleteNice to see you've mostly gotten out of Mechakara's trap too.
Fiery Little One
Thank you Linkara. Since i´m not a fan of superman no wonder i don´t know the character.
ReplyDeleteI also haven´t seen "merry zodmas" i think i have to check that out.
Sad Panda's part was so glorious.
ReplyDeleteSpoony's part was so..uh.
Oh, and I forgot to add:
ReplyDeleteDid Doug and Rob really just compare you to a vampire from Twilight? You're not going to take that lying down, are you? XD
Finally stumped on a description...
ReplyDeleteEtrigan?
Ok it's kinda getting really weird now!
ReplyDeleteLike the Snob stuff. Rob is the evil guy right in those scenes?
I like the RoboCop costume where or who did ya'll get that from?
Ok that part with Spoony's Super ego was that a parody of Dune or Prometheus? I can't quite tell! He's pale enough he reminds me of the engineers!
I'm glad to see that Linkara's main character is still in this!
Next part is going to completely kick ass.
ReplyDeleteWe got: The reveal to the cast of Mechakara, 7 of 11, and RoboTodd.
Cinema Snob turning to the dark side
And......
LINKARA! Our universes champion riding in to KICK SOME ROBOT CHASSY!!
What do YOU think Rainbow Dash?!
Dash: It's gonna be *so awesome!*
Who else wants to bet that Linkara took so long to escape because he was reviewing a comic in there? My guess is he finally broke down (again) and agreed to do one more day (again) but we will see it (because his closet lacks camera equipment.
ReplyDeleteYou convinced a Lovecraft Demon to commit suicide and it took you THIS LONG to open the door. Not even to un-cuff yourself, but OPEN THE DOOR.
ReplyDeleteAlso, you'd think MECHAKARA with MALECHITE'S HAND would be the focus of the movie and not just a sub-plot. Am I seriously the only one who thinks that was major wasted potential.
"I am shocked (SHOCKED!) that we've got this far without an MST3K reference."
ReplyDeleteYou're shocked about that, I'm shocked there has been no Red Dwarf refrenence yet. Especially considering Doug himself said it is one of his favorite shows.
10 bucks says when Linkara finally catches up they mistake him for mechakara and attack. Either that or they continue to have absolutely no idea who mechakara is.
ReplyDeleteY'know, I'm a little disappointed that, so far, Mechakara having Malachite's Hand and trying to understand it hasn't really been addressed about from that bit in Part 1.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Plot Hole or not, the Critic can be a real idiot sometimes. Though I didn't entirely understand Lupa's comment about JewWario being "the only one dumb enough to believe her."
Now, I know you've said before that the purpose of History of Power Rangers is not to compare it to its Sentai source material, but I'm curious: have you ever SEEN any of the Sentai versions? I know you mentioned Gokaiger in the Ninja Storm review (I think), but I'm curious if you've seen any other Sentai beyond the first episode of that show.
ReplyDeleteI reserving judgement on this till I have seen all the parts (And this time I MEAN IT. I just have one thing to comment on: SPOONY'S SUPEREGO!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KILL IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHERE'S THE BRAIN BLEACH??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDamn, can't wait to see the battle between Linkara and Mechakara. RoboTodd made me alugh out loud this part.
ReplyDeleteLinkara, off topic, but someone posted a link to this video they made on a forum I frequent, thought it might be kinda neat for you to see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-VjGJuWJPE&list=UU5wexc7Ylb_jWSHhD5UiYnQ&index=1&feature=plcp
@ unknown 10 bucks says when Linkara finally catches up they mistake him for mechakara and attack. Either that or they continue to have absolutely no idea who mechakara is.
ReplyDeleteGiven how stupid the Critic is in this installment, I think, it would indeed be like this... I imagine, Linkara and Mechakara being in an epic battle, then comes the critic, in his hand a frying pan and hits the real Linkara with it, knocking him out in the process. Then, he looks at his crewmates, who facepalm, looks at Mechakara, 7-11, and Robo-Todd, who applaud (like the Joker in Batman - the dark knight - rather loudly and cynical), then point their assimilation-devices at him... and all the Critic has to say to this is a loud, high-pitched "Oops!"
Just my thoughts, how that scene could play out.
Greets
Cal
@ Linkara, am I right in thinking that the description is a reference to Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes?
ReplyDeleteThis comment is off-topic, but I need to get this out
ReplyDeletego check Stormwatch #0
It contains a scene where the Demon Knights are defending feudal China against an army of giant robots piloted by evil dolphins!
"I also haven´t seen "merry zodmas" i think i have to check that out."
ReplyDeleteThey're on one of the 'Best of That Guy With The Glasses' DVDs, which they sell through Doug's site.
(I think it's first, but I'm a little too cat-lapped right now to go and check my copies.)
I kept forgetting to say this, and this is the only place where I don't need an account to say it, but I really like those Jack Vettriano prints in the background.
ReplyDeleteI remember you said once before that you hated the assimilation scene because it seemed like a metaphor for raped. As uncomfortable a subject it is to you I just gotta ask. By that logic did Seven of 11 in a way Rape Todd?
ReplyDelete"I remember you said once before that you hated the assimilation scene because it seemed like a metaphor for raped. As uncomfortable a subject it is to you I just gotta ask. By that logic did Seven of 11 in a way Rape Todd?"
ReplyDeleteYes, but it wasn't shot or written the same way as badly as the Nostalgia Chick one, nor was there a scene afterwards of Film Brain mistaking it for two people consensually screwing.