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Reviews
The Powerpuff Girls: The Boys Are Back in Town (2003)
Return of Fan Favorites
I loved this episode from beginning to end! It was the very first twist I saw as a kid and I still get goosebumps when the Powerpuff Girls see the Rowdyruff Boys return! As a die-hard Rob Paulsen fan, it was awesome seeing him return as Brick and Boomer as well as Roger L. Jackson returning to the role of Butch!
The Rowdyruff Boys are not only fantastic foils to the Powerpuff Girls, but the best villains in the series and top tier level characters. Even though we didn't get much of them even after their return, they still have fans wanting more all these years later. And I can't blame them! I would love to see and learn more about them, see the trio grow and develop character wise, and who knows, maybe even team up with the Powerpuff Girls. Probably to take down the Powerpunk Girls should they debut in the new series in 2026. I mean, we already learned from this single episode that Brick, Butch, and Boomer love hockey. There's bound to be more from them that we don't know! And I cannot wait to see them again!
SpongeBob SquarePants: Pressure/The Smoking Peanut (2001)
Golden Episodes & Valuable Lessons
I found both episodes fantastic but in my eyes, "Pressure" was the better episode. However, I'm going to review "The Smoking Peanut" first.
The Smoking Peanut
This episode was a great lesson on telling the truth. SpongeBob thinks he caused an oyster to cry nonstop when he wakes her up with a peanut. By not saying anything due to fear, he makes the problem worse and it nearly leads to Patrick being prosecuted. He learns that he must face the consequences of his actions even when he's scared of what they will due to him. Fortunately, the incident was really caused by Mr. Krabs stealing Clamu's egg thinking it was a pearl because it was Free Day. It's a good episode about honesty with some great jokes mixed in between. But hearing Clamu's crying throughout the episode was bothersome for me and was hard to watch but that was the main point as we were supposed to feel bad.
7.5/10
Pressure
This episode had one of my favorite lessons from SpongeBob. Sandy claims that land crew are better than sea creatures like Mr. Krabs, Squidward, SpongeBob and Patrick but the latter 4 think it's the other way around. Races and bets ensue that nearly put everyone's lives in danger and they all come to the conclusion that while some people are good at certain things, no one is the best at everything. The episode ends with them celebrating the newly learned lesson. I love this simply because the cast learns a valuable lesson on being the best at everything isn't possible and shouldn't try to do something they cannot do just because others are able to do it. I am aware of numerous other lessons the show taught us like the dangers of self-medicating and racism, but this episode was the first one I saw that taught me a lesson I would never forget!
10/10.
Courage the Cowardly Dog: The Mask (2002)
The Best Courage the Cowardly Dog episode
Unlike most Courage the Cowardly Dog episodes, this one is by far the most realistic. I didn't get it as a child but as an adult, I found it groundbreaking.
The fact that it dove into such heavy topics that no one ever expected a children's TV show to do at the time was incredible! It showed the dangers of abusive relationships, a great lesson on not stereotyping people simply because of bad experiences, and the hidden message on how homosexual relationships are both a beautiful sight but dangerous due to how little they were known about back in the 2000s. Even the B-Story with Eustace and Muriel states that nobody's perfect and it's important to accept flaws and work to correct them.
It's a powerful episode and everyone learns something along with the viewers.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Lone Rat and Cubs (2017)
Adorable
I've always wanted to see this version of the TMNT as kids/infants as well as see moments taking place before the show. This episode was well worth the wait as we see the first adventures Splinter and the turtles have after their mutation.
Viewers will go awww throughout the episode as they see the growing relationship between Splinter and his sons all while trying to find a place safe from a world that both doesn't understand them and is out to get them.
I personally wish we got to see more of this in the show and the only downside is that this is the only episode of the series showing Splinter and the turtles before the turtles ventured to the surface and became heroes. There are many opportunities the writers missed regarding such a topic; such as how Raph found Spike, how the young turtles handled cold weather, Leo discovering Space Heroes, etc. If this version of the turtles ever came back, I would love to see more of these pre-teen/pre-surface adventures.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: In Dreams (2014)
The Worst Episode of the Series
It's hard to dislike this version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles but I'm afraid that this episode is basically the equivalent to "Choir Boys" from "SpongeBob SquarePants". While it is more fast-pace than said episode, how it was executed made me as frustrated as Squidward was with SpongeBob.
The turtles get stuck in their dreams by these weird beaver dream demons and that part is okay. What wasn't okay was once the turtles realized that they were trapped in their dreams, they failed to use their newfound knowledge to their advantage and defeat the enemy. When you compare this to the "Gravity Falls" episode "Dreamscapers", you can understand how frustrating this episode is.
"Dreamscapers" showed the advantage of fighting within the mind as you can conjure up anything as long as you think it. "In Dreams", however, just seems like a TMNT torture episode that doesn't have a point to the story aside from Leo's leg injury. And even THAT doesn't play as much of a role as it could've.
Personally, this episode really should go back to the drawing board and maybe instead focus less on shoehorning in bad guys and focus more on Leo's recovery. Or replace it with the turtles sharing stories from when they were kids. It would still be better than this episode that's weaker than tea made from a teabag used 10 times before!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012)
These Turtles Rule!!!
This is the incarnation of the TMNT that I grew up with. I loved nearly every second of this show with a few exceptions. I feel like that this show really captured the true nature of the turtles.
Leonardo is someone you see struggling to find his voice as a leader and goes through a lot living up to what people expect from him. I also enjoyed how Leo saw the good in Karai as she ends up playing a huge role here. In short, Leo isn't perfect but like a true leader, he learns from his mistakes.
Raphael has a lot more to explore in this show beyond his temper. He's a tough guy looking out for his family but struggles to say it. I love the relationships he has throughout the show and how he becomes more open as the show progresses.
Donatello shows how even when you're a genius, he doesn't know everything. While Donnie is a master with machines and chemistry, he struggles socially and that makes him more entertaining to watch. People who are smart intellectually do struggle to understand others at times. However, Donnie is passionate for those he cares about and never gives up on them even when it seems hopeless. Plus he's voiced by my favorite voice actor, Rob Paulsen.
Michelangelo is still the silliest member of the team but he shows the viewers that you can't stereotype him. Sure he might not focus as well as his brothers, but he is very skilled in ways his brothers aren't and is much smarter than he lets on. His high emotional intuition is not to be disregarded as that gives him the ability to help those in need and sense trouble where others cannot. Mikey is a voice to hear out, even when his voice is simply talking about dreams he thought were real!
I wish the show didn't end at 5 seasons because this show deserves more adventures than it gave us.
Ninjago: The Council of the Crystal King (2022)
Jaw dropping
This episode has one of the biggest twists in cartoon history, in my opinion. The episode was good but what really cemented it as great was the ending. Watching the Kabuki Guy sing and slowly reveal themselves as the presumed deceased Harumi left me in such shock! I first watched this secretly during the final meeting of a club I was in and the revelation at the end led me to talking about it to a complete stranger just because it was a must-talk moment and I didn't have anyone else to share this with at the time.
I'm aware that important NINJAGO characters don't stay dead forever, but considering the fact that Tommy Andreasen confirmed that Harumi was deceased was a complete 180 that still has me processing what happened all these years later. Props to the creators for giving such a shocking moment in NINJAGO history.
The Powerpuff Girls: 'Twas the Fight Before Christmas (2003)
A Christmas Must Watch
This Christmas special is one that stands out from all the rest. While it is the typical "see Santa at the North Pole" special, it stands out because it doesn't give off that vibe until the climax. The beginning is basically the PowerPuff Girls getting ready for the holiday while Princess Morbucks does some major evil that tricks Santa into thinking she's good so she can get superpowers. Once the PowerPuff Girls find out, it becomes a race to the North Pole to set things right.
But what I think is the best part of the special was Mike Bell as Santa and the moment Santa realizes that he was duped. Not spoiling it, but let's say it's a poetic ending and gives a good moral. Never mess with St. Nick!
SpongeBob SquarePants: Sammy Suckerfish/Big League Bob (2024)
Big League Bob
This episode is one of the best episodes of season 14! I enjoyed the episode from beginning to end. SpongeBob proves to be a successful chef in the kitchen but is revealed why he prefers to work at the Krusty Krab despite being the best chef in all of Bikini Bottom. He can't handle the pressure of gourmet cooking. Especially when it's timed. I relate. If playing Diner Dash for hours on end taught me anything, the restaurant world is very chaotic and I get why SpongeBob likes the Krusty Krab the best. It's less chaotic and he likes the routine established there even if the pay is mediocre to nonexistent.
Other parts of the episode I loved was how supportive Patrick was in this episode. It gave me flashbacks to Help Wanted when Patrick gave SpongeBob the pep talk he needed before applying for a job at the Krusty Krab. Plus, the added explanation to Patrick being able to disappear was a nice touch. Finally, there's the mean turtle chef who was out to sabotage SpongeBob throughout the episode. I loved this guy even though he was a villain. He acts as the perfect folly to SpongeBob and I can see him becoming a reoccurring character and working to get SpongeBob fired from the Krusty Krab as revenge for costing him his career at the Cooking Stadium. Sort of like how Sideshow Bob is Bart's enemy, the turtle chef can become SpongeBob's enemy!
Total Drama Island (2007)
Great Show but Some Characters Needed More Screentime
I have loved Total Drama ever since I first saw it when I was eight years old. However, some characters that didn't get as much time on the show are well-liked by fans but never got the chance to grow, develop, or get a second chance to compete.
Two of my favorite characters that I've grown up with, Katie and Sadie, only competed in one season of Total Drama and never even made it to the merge! Other popular fan favorites like Dawn and Samey/Sammy also never returned for a second season by the time the original airing of the show came to a close. I think there should've been one last season that gave contestants like them a second chance at the million dollars and show the world that they are capable of competition as much as contestants like Heather, Duncan, and Zoey.
Total Drama Island: Reboot (2023)
Great revival but one character deserves development
Overall, Total Drama (2023) is a fantastic remake as there is tons of diversity, creativity, throwbacks, and lessons learned. I am really, really, REALLY hoping for a 3rd season of the show.
However, there is one thing I wish we have gotten more of and that is the character Lauren, a.k.a. Scary Girl. I see tons of potential in this character as there needs to be a reason why she is so scary and intimidating to the other contestants. She clearly stated in her audition tape that she wanted to make new friends but her scary appeal makes such a thing impossible. If we get a third season, I want to see new contestants and some of those contestants befriend Lauren and have her open up on why she acts the way she does. It's clear that there's more to Lauren/Scary Girl than she's letting on and a third season will give her the development she clearly deserves!
Inside Out 2 (2024)
Relatable and Enjoyable. Thanks Pixar
Now most sequels aren't exactly home runs, especially when compared to their first successful film. Sequels can evidently be a warning that they are about to milk a franchise for all its worth until there's no real plot left.
Inside Out 2 was not the case. It did a fantastic job reintroducing us to Riley and her emotions as well as welcoming the new ones that make Inside Out 2 just as relatable to the first Inside Out movie, if not more.
As a girl on the autism spectrum, anxiety is something that I regularly deal with and Inside Out 2 shows how dangerous it can be and how it's important to realize and control.
I was able to relate to how Riley felt throughout the movie even more so than the first. Mostly because I never dealt with the moving experience she had in the first movie but all the thoughts that keep you awake at night is very understandable and I loved how much people who grew up with the first movie can relate to the second because it grows up with you.
The only thing I wish we got a little bit more of was Embarrassment speaking but that did make the moment where he spoke for the first time all the more eager to see. Also, I loved the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse reference in the film. As a die-hard fan of Toodles, Pouchy made me smile a very huge smile.
I'd give it a 9.5/10 but half stars aren't allowed. So a 9/10 will have to do.
The Menu (2022)
Fantastic and Memorable
Now, the movie itself was great. Ralph Fiennes was outstanding in his role as Chef Slowik as was Hong Chau as Elsa. But what I found made this movie so memorable to me was that scene where Anya Taylor-Joy's character, Margot, was able to escape by ordering a cheeseburger and savoring the flavorful bite she took.
It was impactful because, a few weeks after seeing the movie, I had the exact same feelings she had upon eating a double cheeseburger made by my father. When I took that first bite, it sent me back to the moment where Margot ate the cheeseburger Slowik gave her. The look on her face as she had that first tasty bite, the love and flavor that danced her taste buds after dealing with so many courses lacking such importance when it comes to cooking...it made me really appreciate both the movie and my dad's cooking.
It wound up being the best cheeseburger I ever ate. And the fact that I was able to connect that experience to The Menu makes it all the more special.
This movie really shows that cooking is all about enjoying the passion and giving love to what you make and Margot and Slowik delivered that message with flying colors.
Steven Universe Future: Volleyball (2019)
The Importance of Mental Healing
Steven Universe Future is a masterpiece following a masterpiece and this episode is a great reason why. Even though we seem to heal physically, the scars can still be visible mentally. Or in Pink Pearl's case the mental scars surface despite the physical wounds healing.
Another message this episode gives is the importance of the whole picture. Both Pearls only knew a part of the gem they served but only got half of the picture. Through their newfound bond, they understood exactly what Pink Diamond wanted and it led to Pink Pearl beginning her mental healing. Steven Universe shows that their are more enemies up in the mind than actual villains and it's important to tackle them rather than suppress them!
Thank you Rebecca Sugar for this 10/10 episode and stating the importance of mental healing.
Steven Universe: A Single Pale Rose (2018)
One of the Most Unexpected Twists in Animation History
When I first started watching Steven Universe, I had my suspicions that Pink Diamond wasn't shattered. However, I initially believed that she was bubbled in the Crystal Temple. Seeing Rose Quartz transform into Pink Diamond and reveal that they are one and the same shattered my world just like Homeworld shattering a gem!
So many things didn't add up before that finally made sense here. Most noticeably was when Blue Diamond mentioned Pink was shattered by a sword despite a sword being incapable of shattering a gem! Now I get how they pulled it off! And the music that played during the whole scene was hauntingly beautiful.
I hope if the show ever returns, we see how the other gems that made up Pink Diamond's original court felt upon learning the truth. This show has so much to continue and I wish Cartoon Network would enable such.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Patrick's Staycation/Walking the Plankton (2011)
A truly good vacation episode and a bad Patrick Episode
Walking the Plankton was pretty good. Plankton tries to steal the formula while Mr. Krabs and SpongeBob go on a cruise. The catch is that Plankton takes Karen on their "second honeymoon" on the same cruise because Mr. Krabs was smart enough to take the formula with him. Honestly, the whole premise is great as Plankton is trying to enjoy some time with his wife all while hiding his formula chase. Its good and while you know Plankton will get caught in the end, it's still leaves you wondering how Karen will punish Plankton. It's worth the watch.
Then we got Patrick's Staycation. Which is nothing but Patrick being a jerk to SpongeBob when the latter gives him a staycation at his rock. Patrick was burned out from doing nothing, you can't blame him here. But the whole episode is Patrick barking orders at SpongeBob and not being grateful about it! He even abandons his home, steals Squidward's meal, and commandeers SpongeBob's bed. That's not a staycation, that taking advantage of others!
I would much rather see SpongeBob and Squidward give Sandy a staycation after her vacation plans fall flat. That's a good concept for an episode! Just think about it.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Truth or Square (2009)
What is this supposed to be
Truth or Square is supposed to celebrate SpongeBob's 10th anniversary. It's supposed to highlight all the great moments from the show's first 10 years and celebrate it.
But instead, we get unnecessary flashbacks from adventures that weren't even from the previous episodes or shorts, sandbagging, and ridiculous concepts/parodies of the show that led me to change the channel!
Not even Patchy the Pirate could save this special from tanking. The only flashbacka I enjoyed was when Krabs broke the fourth wall and stopped Plankton from hearing the secret formula but why would SpongeBob even tell Plankton about it anyway? The montage showing Plankton getting launched back to the Chum Bucket was also funny. Especially that last one where he launched himself. And Pink's "We Got Scurvy" song was very memorable. But that's it.
This special needed less reminiscing on things the fans never saw and more on celebrating the anniversary.
Teen Titans Go! (2013)
Can I give it negative stars?
Where to start? Everything about this show screams cringe and awful! Everyone has been flanderized to the point of no return!
Robin is a psychotic perfectionist, Raven is too emotional, Beast Boy is a moron, Starfire is plain ignorant, and Cyborg is just too immature. Cyborg is probably the only tolerable character if he wasn't surrounded by bad influences.
Also, isn't the point of superhero shows supposed to display action and character growth? Nothing happens and it gets to the point where you wish Control Freak would cancel them by going graphic and giving the characters a horrible death just to traumatize kids into no longer watching the show. Even the crossovers are bad! The only one that's tolerable is the PowerPuff Girls 2016 series cartoon because it was two bad shows highlighting one as superior (PPG).
Can Cartoon Network just end this decade long nightmare already? The series finale of this horrible show would be the only way to give this one star.
Danger Force (2020)
Is 0 stars an option
This whole show is bad! It's cringe, low brow, and just plain terrible!
The CGI effects shown in some episodes looked like a middle schooler was assigned to do it in 1999! It's so unrealistic compared to CGI today.
The acting was bad! All the characters except Mika and maybe Chapa act as if they took stupid pills prescribed by the biggest idiots in animation history! They also act so unrealistically as well as deal with unrealistic scenarios. The whole town once falling apart because every single mom was kidnapped? How old are the adults in this town!? 2?
There are just too many things to complain about and I'm glad it's finally over.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
This Got Snubbed
I do not know what the Academy was thinking! Everything about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem was fantastic! We got an original story that deviated from the original source material, a fantastic cast that made the movie feel real and relatable, fantastic animation, fun references, and all other things that make movies spectacular!
I rarely go watch a movie twice while it's in theaters, but I did! Once alone and the other with a friend and it did not disappoint either time. It was even better the second time too. Why the academy chose Elemental over this cinematic gem, I'll never know. But at least I'm not the only one who wanted the Academy to reconsider this movie for any Oscar nomination.
10/10 for its story and pacing
But 1/10 goes to the Academy for not recognizing true cinematic genius right in front of them!
SpongeBob SquarePants: Tango Tangle/Necro-Nom-Nom-Nom-I-Con (2024)
Tango Tangle Review
Unfortunately, I am unable to write a review for Necro-Nom-Nom-Nom-I-Con because it hasn't aired yet. But here's what I have to say regarding Tango Tangle.
It was fantastic. It's a rare episode where Plankton doesn't obsess over the Formula and instead focuses on giving Karen, his wife, the best birthday she's ever had. Even causing himself extreme pain just so the two can dance together without Plankton getting trampled on. The two take Tango lessons taught by Suzie Groove, who is voiced by guest star Rosie Perez. And she nailed the fierceness of the role as well as the comedy SpongeBob provides.
Karen and Plankton don't even start out as the best but soon show how amazing they are at one they embrace the aggression Tango is associated with. Tango is usually the dance of evil for that reason and I love how Plankton and Karen use their evil nature to their advantage here.
I love the tango and every scene in this episode made me want to find a partner and join in on the scene. While I can't say this is the best Plankton episode, it is definitely the best Karen episode
10/10.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (2006)
A Great Show With an Even Greater Character
I loved watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as a kid! It was cute, adorable, and kept me watching to the end. But the one thing that made this show such a staple of my childhood that makes me return to it almost everyday, the tool distributor himself...Toodles!
I really loved Toodles' character. Especially when he got his character growth in season 3 following his face and voice upgrades. He's sweet, kind, caring, adorable, and is always there to lend a hand. The fact that he started out as a plot device and how he evolved into a friend and member of the group. Every time there was a new episode, I was on my knees praying that Toodles would appear with his face and voice because when he did, he basically stole the show in my eyes.
I was devastated when the show canceled in 2016 and even more heartbroken when Toodles didn't return in any sequel series. Especially since the Sensational Six saw Toodles as one of the best friends anyone can ask for. I'm hoping Toodles will return in the revival airing in 2025 because it is not Mickey Mouse Clubhouse without Toodles and his tools.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Space Adventure (2011)
A Great Episode with an even Greater Subplot
This episode hails as one of the greats in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. We get a fun adventure with a great treasure at the end. But the truly great part of the episode is what happens while everyone is searching for the treasure.
In this episode, we are introduced to Quoodles. She's a tool distributor just like Toodles who is just as adorable and sweet albeit slightly ditzy compared to him. She's assisting the baddie of the episode, Space Pirate Pete. While I wasn't a fan of Quoodles at first, basically seeing of her as a copycat version of Toodles, I was proven to not jump to conclusions so quickly. In fact, when Quoodles and Toodles meet, it leads to the episode's subplot.
Toodles and Quoodles zing a.k.a. Fall in love with each other at first sight. And it's the sweetest thing I've ever seen. I was expecting some sort of conflict between the two. Instead, they see each other as the same and get along extremely well. And in what I consider one of the best moments in the whole series, Toodles tries to give Quoodles flowers at one point only for Space Pirate Pete to ruin the moment, force the two apart, and leave them heartbroken. It was the first time I ever truly empathized and sympathized with fictional characters.
The two clearly love each other but being on opposing sides in hunting the treasure puts them at odds. Luckily, there love brings both treasure hunting parties together. Towards the end of the episode, Quoodles gets stuck in Space Pirate Pete's sticky web. Toodles does try to rescue her, only to get stuck as well. But the two of them getting stuck ends up resulting in Mickey and Pete putting differences aside and teaming up! That was great writing and it led to the creation of the most underrated couple in animation history, in my opinion.
Once again, I'm hoping Disney brings Toodles and Quoodles back in the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse revival and other Mickey Mouse related projects as the two make such a great couple and whenever both are together, it makes me happy times infinity to the power of 10,000!
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Oh, Toodles! (2016)
What Would We Do Without Toodles?
As a diehard Toodles fan, I loved seeing him as the star character in this episode. Toodles is the kindest, sweetest, most helpful, and adorable character anyone can ever imagine. I'd basically call him a human in a robot suit at this point.
In the episode, Toodles is helping his friends out in multiple ways beyond just giving them Mouseketools. Everyone shows true appreciation for him and states that Toodles is always there wherever and whenever there's a problem. And I love that Toodles gets his own special room in the Clubhouse at the end of the episode.
The only issue with this episode is that, after basically welcoming Toodles into the group, Disney has swept this adorable guy under the rug after Mickey Mouse Clubhouse ended! Toodles is clearly a special friend that everyone loves but Disney only saw him as a plot device for the series. That breaks my heart and I hope Disney realizes how much the fans care for Toodles as they care even more than the Sensational Six does.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Road Rally (2010)
Fantastic Episode and Great Character Growth for Toodles
I loved this episode a whole lot because it further showed that Toodles is more than just an extension of the Mousekedoer. Toodles shows that he is a friend who is literally built to help others and the inadvertent conflict Goofy causes with the new Rescue Truck results in Toodles being challenged by something that seems superior.
Toodles proves right here that he is more than a simple invention! He has feelings and wants to do what he was programmed to do. And I felt extremely bad for Toodles when he thought everyone forgot him. I just wanted to give him a hug and tell him that his friends do care. Toodles is sensitive and passionate for helping his friends. He proves that he is the best friend anyone can ask for and even a hero during the climatic river rescue scene.
Disney clearly wanted to show everyone that Toodles is something special! The only down-side is that, after Clubhouse ended, they overlooked and basically forgotten Toodles. Sadly making his worst fears come true. I really hope Disney rectifies their mistake and brings Toodles back in the revival! He's the one friend that nobody should be without.