Magazine by

Jared Jacoby

Stream
-a-
zine
A Magazine Covering
Streaming Content
 Stream-A-Zine April 2021 1

Editor's Note
Email: jared.k.jacoby@email.shc.edu
Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Jaro235/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
shcstreamazine/

Before even coming to Spring Hill College, one of my passions was movies. I love going to the theater

and getting that feeling of escaping the world for a few hours to enter a new one. I started reviewing films

on a website called Letterboxd in May of 2016, before I even came to Spring Hill College. However, since

the COVID-19 pandemic, theaters have closed down. During the summer of 2020, I used several streaming

services to catch up on television shows and movies that I have never watched before. I also watched a few

new releases exclusive to certain streaming platforms. This magazine, Stream-A-Zine, is for college students

and anyone else looking for movies and television to view during their free time.

I learned my skills in analyzing media and graphic design at Spring Hill College. Here I had the

opportunity to write stories about media, design graphics and logos, report on stories on campus and

even reviewing movies as an assignment. Most of all, I learned how to analyze my favorite types of media

effectively which made me a better reviewer and a better writer. This magazine is to show how my skills

advanced over the years in college.

The purpose of Stream-A-Zine is to critique movies and television shows on streaming services to help the

viewers decide if the movie is right for them. It is also to look at some streaming content that escaped the

public eye along with heavy-hitting blockbuster movies or shows. It is also to cover films of multiple genres

to appeal to a wider audience so there is something for everyone who reads this magazine. It also provides

news on streaming content and services. This is a magazine that specializes in streaming service content

because it is still not completely safe to go to public places and there are so many streaming services, it could

be hard to decide which service to use. The links in the table of contents take you straight to the desired

page. Movie and show titles beneath the pictures have links to their IMDB pages or websites.
Table of Contents
Movie Reviews
Zack Snyder’s Justice League  4

Judas and the Black Messiah  5

Tom and Jerry  6

Godzilla vs. Kong  7

Bad Trip  8

Nomadland  9

Cherry  10

Raya and the Last Dragon  11

Willy’s Wonderland  12

Television Reviews

Pacific Rim: The Black  14

WandaVision  15

News for Streaming Services

HBO Max upcoming dual releases  17

CBS All Access to Paramount+  18

STREAM-A-ZINE
SECTION ONE

Movie
Reviews
 Stream-A-Zine April 2021 4
A Superhero Epic
he believes what he is doing is the right
thing for his kind. He serves his nephew
Darkseid. Steppenwolf ’s loyalty to him
and the Parademons is admirable. He is
even given more emotion in his facial
expressions. There is one scene where he
looks scared. They made Steppenwolf into
an effective villain here.
The tone is completely different as
well. Most of the humor in the original
cut is gone, but there are still some
comedic moments from Barry Allen.
Otherwise, this film is bleak. Despite
the bleak moments, the movie does have
optimism and teamwork involved. Each
hero is striving to become a better person
Zack Snyder’s Justice League Review By Jared Jacoby Credit to Warner Bros and they always have hope. This is a dark
and serious film, but it is not completely
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is rated R
HBO Max announced that Zack Snyder’s bleak.
for bloody violence and some profanity.
version of Justice League would be released This movie probably has some of my
Viewer discretion is advised. in 2021. This version is four hours favorite battle sequences in a comic book
Zack Snyder’s Justice League openslong and it is split into six parts and an movie. The first action scene with Wonder
with the death of Superman in greater epilogue, making it a comic book movie Woman showed me that this film was
detail. His death triggers a reaction from
epic. Watching it made me realize how going to have some epic extended fights.
the three mother boxes and Steppenwolf,
different two visions of a film can be. The scene where Wonder Woman explains
one of Darkseid’s servants, appears. After From the opening scene, Zack Snyder’s the war against the Parademons and the
Steppenwolf retrieved the mother box Justice League goes into a completely alliance of the Olympian Gods, Amazons,
from the Amazons, Queen Hippolyta different direction from the theatrical cut. Atlanteans, has the battle play out without
sends a signal to Diana that he has We are treated to a harsher perspective on any interruption. Every single action scene
returned. Diana and Bruce meet up Superman’s death. It is a heartbreaking is beautifully shot and edited. They flow so
to round up Barry Allen(The Flash), scene and it sets the tone for the film. This well and the camera work is dynamic.
Victor Stone(Cyborg) and Arthur was going to be a much darker, grittier With all of the positives, not
Curry(Aquaman) to form the Justice Justice League compared to the 2017 cut. everything about this version worked. I
League. However, the other three have Zack Snyder’s Justice League not only am not a fan of the epilogue. It introduces
their own problems to deal with beforesucceeds at creating a darker atmosphere an alternate universe, but it throws too
they can join. for this group of heroes, but it also much at the viewer. The runtime is fine,
Warner Bros released the theatrical
succeeds at being an engaging film despite but the ending drags for too long. As cool
cut of Justice League over three yearsits long runtime. The Justice League as Jared Leto’s Joker scene was here, he
ago. Before the movie could complete gets fleshed out so much more here. The only gets one scene. J.K. Simmons also
production, Zack Snyder had to leave two biggest examples are The Flash and only gets one scene as Commissioner
due to a family tragedy and Joss Whedon
Cyborg. The Flash is still a comic relief, Gordon before disappearing into the
stepped in his place. On May 20, 2020,but he is giving a scene that establishes his background.
character and why he is Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a
Director: Zack Snyder struggling to get his father great comic book movie. It is such
out of jail. We see how an interesting take on the crew that
Stars: Ben Affleck, Ray Fisher, Gal Gadot, Cyborg lost his mom on a tackles themes like confronting trauma,
night that was supposed to relationship with parents and war. It has
Jason Mamoa, Erza Miller and Henry Cavil be special and we see him the perfect balance of dark and serious
help a poor family out of with optimism and hope. Seeing what
Genre: Action/Adventure poverty. Cyborg might be Zack Snyder could have brought to the
the most heroic character DC films is bittersweet, but at least there
Release Date: 3/18/21 in the Justice League. is a live-action version of Justice League
The character with the that I can firmly say that I love now.
Streaming Service: HBO Max
biggest improvement is
Runtime: 4 hour, 5 minutes Steppenwolf. Here, he is
given villainous virtues as

A Beautifully Acted but Sad Biopic
Judas and the Black Messiah Review By Jared Jacoby Credit to Warner Bros
Judas and the Black Messiah is rated R
for constant explicit language and brief
strong violence involving gunfire and
clubbing. The movie also deals with topics
of racism and police brutality in a strong
way.
Judas and the Black Messiah is based
on a true story that took place in Chicago
during the late 1960s. Bill O’Neal
is threatened with being arrested for
impersonating a police officer, but he is
offered to have his charges dropped if he
infiltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black
Panther Party and Fred Hampton, the
leader. However, as O’Neal grows close to
Hampton, he finds himself
conflicted where his loyalty “I am a
lies.
Instead of building Revolutionary!”
the drama off fights and
beatings, the tension builds with the
sharp dialogue. Each scene builds tension
between Hampton and the people they
confront. An example would be a scene
where Hampton is looking to recruit other
people who see Hampton’s mission as too
dangerous. The two go back and forth as if
it seems like a major fight is about to take
place, but the leader of the other group
joins Hampton instead. The dialogue also
had witty moments with Hampton and his
friends cracking jokes to show how close
Hampton was with those he worked with.
Fred Hampton is portrayed as not a
hero or a criminal, but as a regular person
with admiration and respect fighting
against racial injustice. Outside of his role
as the leader of the Black Panther Party,
Stream-A-Zine April 2021 5
they were. Not only do they take every
opportunity here to violently arrest
members even after they surrender, but
they manipulate a young black man into
spying on Hampton. One scene even has
them kill a man who was already unable to
fight back. The cops are clearly not meant
to be liked or sympathized with, aside
from William O’Neal. The movie does a
great job showing the darker side of the
police abusing their power. Movies often
show police being heroes or allies and this
portrayal feels fresh compared to other
movies.
Judas and the Black Messiah is a
powerful film. It explores uncomfortable
topics with depth and dignity. The
performances from Kaluuya and Stanfield
steal the show. They give Hampton and
Hampton is a loving husband, a seemingly O’Neal so much depth. This is a film that
fun person to hang out with and a loyal is worth watching, but it might be hard
friend. Everyone who follows him likes watching a second time because of the
him because of his affable personality, not subject material.
just his political views. The scene that best
represents this is when he leaves prison, he
is just happy to see his wife and his friends
who are equally happy to see him. This
portrayal shows him as a person and not
just a controversial figure.
It helps that Daniel Kaluuya delivers an
incredible performance as Hampton. He
plays as the character so naturally. Every Director: Shaka King
time that he is on the screen, Kaluuya
dominates the film with his charisma and Stars: Daniel Kuluuya and
emotions. Kaluuya’s dialogue
delivery felt completely LaKeith Stanfield
authentic to the point where
he embodied this humanistic Genre: Biographical
portrayal of Hampton. I
look at him and I see Fred Hampton as a Drama
person who wanted to make life better for
his comrades. Release Date: 2/12/21
LaKeith Stanfield also stands out as
William O’Neal. He brings the conflicted Streaming Service: HBO Max
energy and personality of the character
with his expressions of guilt and fear. I Runtime: 2 hr 6 min
could tell that O’Neal wanted to work
with Hampton more than the FBI just
from the looks on Stanfield’s face when
attending some of the speeches and getting
confronted about his loyalty. His guilt
about his task is heartbreaking. Steinfield
embodied a man with feelings of guilt and
fear.
No punches are pulled for the portrayal
of the police and FBI. This movie shows
how corrupt and how antagonistic
 Stream-A-Zine April 2021 6
Iconic Duo Trapped in Unfunny Family Flick
The new Tom and Jerry is set in New
York City where the titular cat and mouse
duo chases around the city until they find
themselves at a fancy hotel. There, a young
woman gets a job as a wedding planner
for a couple. When Jerry gets in the hotel,
she hires Tom to get rid of Jerry. Mayhem
ensues.
The Tom and Jerry franchise is over 80
years old. The series is known for its hyper-
violent comedy and expressions. Growing
up, I was a huge fan of Tom and Jerry and
I still am. The series of shorts is hilarious
and they provide a quick distraction from
reality. With this movie however, they
missed the mark on nearly every level.
The first problem in this movie is that
Tom and Jerry themselves are background Credit to Warner Bros Tom and Jerry Review By Jared Jacoby
characters in their own movie. Yes, they
are in the film and there are chase scenes
unremarkable. The cast includes Chloe Jerry. These jokes feel desperate to get the
with them, but the movie is really about
Grace Moretz, Micheal Pena, Rob Delaney weakest of laughs.
a new employee at the Royal Gate Hotel
and several other talented people. Moretz The animation is a mixed bag. When
setting up a high-profile wedding. Kayla
and Pena look embarrassed to deliver the the cartoon characters are just standing
has multiple conversations with the couple
dialogue they have. The only scene with around with the humans, they look
while dealing with Tom and Jerry. Kayla
good acting is a scene with Pena talking unconvincing and low quality. That is
herself is quite unlikable as she stole a
with Tom and Jerry separately. It plays because they try to make the 3D models
resume from another person to get a out like a comic book and Pena’s delivery look 2D. While the designs themselves
job. This is our protagonist that we are
is precise. Other than that, the acting is would probably look fine in another
supposed to root for. sub-par. setting, it looks jarring in the real world,
The plot has a dull concept already, but
The comedic scenes with Tom and especially the elephants.
it seems like the movie goes out of its way
Jerry are better, but even they made me On the other hand, the characters
to be as dull as possible. There are long,
wish I was watching the show instead of look exactly like the characters in the
drawn out scenes of conversations about
this movie. They recycle a lot of gags from original cartoon. Tom and Jerry are given
the wedding with no humor or wit. They
the old series of shorts such as Tom fixing cartoony looks that are faithful to their
just exist as exposition to drive the plot
Spike’s bump and Jerry cartoon counterparts.
forward. Any attempts at humor with surprising Tom with a “I’m Sorry. He’s A The movement is crisp
them fall flat. One of the worst lines in the
punch in the eye. Tom and fluid. The cartoon
movie is when the couple says, “I’m sorry.
and Jerry was a show Little Animated” characters move at
He’s a little animated.” This is in regard to
that went the distance such a brisk pace that
Spike, their animated dog. The jokes are
to provide bloodless the chases come off as
so corny that they feel more insulting than
carnage in the funniest way possible. The energetic. The first chase scene between the
funny. slapstick here is tame thanks to the sound titular duo is a lot of fun to watch because
Even the performances are effects. They lack the punch compared to it revolves around their usual antics, only
the loud crashing noises in faster and not quite as brutal.
Director: Tim Story the cartoons. Tom and Jerry is the kind of family
Another problem with movie would not appeal to anybody. Kids
Stars: Chloe Grace Moretz, Michael this movie is the attempts would be bored because of the slow pace
at being modern. For and uninteresting wedding scenes, Tom
Pena example, there is a scene and Jerry fans would be disappointed with
where Tom flosses in the the way Tom and Jerry spend more time
Genre: Slapstick Comedy film and there is a poop with humans than with each other and
emoji joke. There is even a adults will just find the film unfunny.
Release Date: 2/26/21 drawn-out dog poop joke.
All of these gags fall flat
Streaming Service: HBO Max mainly because the fact
that they do not resemble
Runtime: 1 hr 41 min the spirit of Tom and
 Stream-A-Zine April 2021 7
Godzilla vs. Kong takes place after the
events of Kong: Skull Island and Godzilla:
King of the Monsters. Kong is kept in
captivity inside a dome on Skull Island.
Meanwhile, Godzilla attacks the Pensacola
facility of Apex Cybernetics where Bernie
Hayes who hosts a podcast about Titan
conspiracy theories is extracting data.
To combat the fire-breathing lizard, the
humans use Kong as a weapon in case
Godzilla shows up again and to go to the
Hollow Earth and find the power source
for Kong.
This is the fourth movie in Legendary’s
MonsterVerse which began with Gareth
Edwards’ Godzilla in 2014. It was
originally supposed to come out last
year, but it was pushed back due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. Released in both
theaters and on HBO Max, this movie
gained a lot of attention when the trailer
was released. In fact, the trailer for
Godzilla vs. Kong broke the record for
becoming the biggest trailer debut ever for
Warner Bros (Outlaw, January 2021). This
movie had some hype to live up to. After
seeing this film, I thought it did quite a
good job.
When coming to a action-packed
blockbuster, it is expected to see the titular
characters duking out with other monsters.
The problem with the first two American
Godzilla films is that there was too much
focus on the human characters and not
enough on the monsters. Kong: Skull Island
was better in this regard, but it still had its
problems. In Godzilla vs Kong, they duke it
out.
While the first 20 or 30 minutes might
be a little slow, once Godzilla and King
Kong fight on the aircraft carrier, the
movie becomes a non-stop, action-packed
thrill ride. The two titans are going at it.
They are biting, punching and using the
environment around them to smash each
other. The action is stunning in the film
from the way the sequences are shot and
edited. The battle at the aircraft carrier is
one of the best action scenes I have seen
from a blockbuster in a while. The fight
is relentless and the focus is mostly on
Godzilla and Kong. Neither of them let
the other breathe for even a minute. It
actually got quite intense. The climactic
battle in Hong Kong is also stunning. It is
beautifully lit as it is energetic.
A Fun Summer Movie in the Spring
Credit to Warner Bros Godzilla vs. Kong Review By Jared Jacoby
As for the visuals, they improved than Godzilla did which was a bit
from the last few films. There are so disappointing. There are a couple of twists
many shots that just show the scale of and surprises for fans and the introduction
not just monsters, but the environments of a new monster in the second act.
around them. Even Kong looks like an ant However, there is no end-credit scene to
compared to the Hollow indicate what direction the
Earth, despite getting a size “There can’t MonsterVerse will head to next.
upgrade. The colors look While Godzilla vs. Kong is
beautiful and the neon city be two Alpha not without its faults, it makes
sticks out. The effects on for one heck of an action film.
the two monsters are as Titans.” It delivers on its title and
impressive as ever and they it features some bombastic
have vivid expressions. There is one scene action scenes and visuals. However, the
where Godzilla glares down Kong with story is not that great and the characters
what looks like pure hatred in his eyes. It are forgettable. Not everyone will enjoy
gives them more weight than just being the this film because of the problems with the
two monsters that fight. Details like this story. However, I got exactly what I wanted
make the fights more engaging and intense. here. I felt the intensity and scale of the
I have been praising this film a lot, but monsters while watching this film and I
the story is its weakness. It is mostly used was never bored for even a minute.
as an excuse to get two monsters to battle Godzilla vs. Kong is rated PG-13, but
each other. The movie moves at such a it does contain some strong violence that
fast pace that it does not slow down for might be a bit too much for younger
that much character development. Aside children.
from the young child who has an adorable
relationship with Kong and her mother,
I did not care too
much about the human Director: Adam Wingard
characters.
Luckily, they are Stars: Alexander Skarsgard, Milly Bobbie
not the focus of the
movie. The monsters Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry
are the focus. King
Kong is the most Genre: Action/Adventure
interesting character
of the film, especially Release Date: 3/31/21
with his friendship
with the deaf little girl. Streaming Service: HBO Max
However, Kong got
much more development Runtime: 1 hr 53 min
 Stream-A-Zine April 2021 8
More Cringes Than Laughs

“I Saw a Girl Today and Her

Name Was Maria”

Bad Trip Review By Jared Jacoby Credit to Netflix

Bad Trip is rated R for crude sexual There are many problems with Kitao wants, two friends breaking up and getting
content, graphic nudity, profanity andSakurai’s Bad Trip but it commits the back together and typical shenanigans
some bloody violence. biggest sin that a comedy movie could do. that the two main characters face. This
In Florida, Chris Carey decides that he
For the most part, this movie is not funny. would not be that big of a detractor if
wants to declare his love to his high school
The dialogue consists of awkward banter I found the movie funny or if the main
crush. He bounces from job to job as he
between Andre and Howery. They have characters were likable, but barring a few
gets himself into sticky situations. When
okay chemistry and I can see how they are scenes, I just wanted to sink in my chair of
he learns that his crush Maria is heading to
friends, but the material they are given is embarrassment.
New York City to return to her job to run
lame. A lot of jokes drag on for too long. Despite all of the shortcomings, there
an art gallery, she invites Chris to come
There is this one sexually explicit joke were three scenes that I like. There was
check it out. Chris does whatever he can
about Chris and this gorilla that repeats a musical number that ended up being
to reach NYC and that includes getting his
and it was gross, but never funny. Maybe a hilarious parody of musicals. Not only
best friend to take his sister’s car. His sister
I have no sense of humor, but overly long was it funny, but it was surprisingly well
finds out and she is not happy about it…
sexual jokes are not funny. choreographed. There is also this scene
On paper, Bad Trip sounds like it Tiffany Haddish plays Howery’s sister. where Chris and Bud are on drugs and
would make for a hilarious road trip film.
Her character is the most worst one by far. they walk into a grocery store and it leads
It stars Eric Andre who is capable of being
They try way too hard with her. She drags to some funny random moments. Finally,
hilarious, it has other formidable actors
out a scene for so long like repeatedly there is a specific movie parody at the end
such as Tiffany Haddish and Milton “Lil
thanking a witness for not snitching on her of the film that made me smile. Also, the
Rel” Howery Jr and it has the director of
while escaping and telling another police outtakes in the credits made me laugh
the Eric Andre Show behind the camera. I
officer how handsome they are. She keeps more than the film itself. We even get some
did not expect this movie to be great, but
telling the same joke again and again and behind the scenes action on how certain
I wanted a good laugh out of it. Instead,
it gets old. I know that Haddish is also scenes were filmed.
this raunchy comedy might be the most I
capable of being funny because she was in I love a good laugh as much as
cringed at a film in a long time. other projects and in the outtakes for this anybody, but Bad Trip stays true to its title.
film, she is charismatic This is a bad trip to take for an hour and a
and playful with the cast. half. Eric Andre is fine in the film, but his
Director: Kitao Sakurai Her character is not really character is so unlikable that it took me
her fault as she tries her out of it. The movie offers very little new
Stars: Eric Andre, Lil Rel Howery, Tiffany best, but the script is material that has not been done better in
what makes it so bad. other raunchy comedies. For every time
Haddish Speaking of which, I laughed, there were about three times I
the script is generally lazy facepalmed. Maybe Eric Andre fans might
Genre: Raunchy Comedy with the road trip plot get a kick out of this, but it is a misfire
being used again, just otherwise.
Release Date: 3/26/21 for a raunchy comedy.
Many familiar tropes
Streaming Service: Netflix play out such as one of
the friends being a toxic
Runtime: 1 hr 24 min influencer to do what he
A Powerful Drama With A Terrific Lead
Nomadland Review By Jared Jacoby
Nomadland is rated R for one scene of
full frontal nudity.
Nomadland follows the story of a
woman who lives in her vehicle as a
nomad, a traveler without a permanent
place to stay, after the death of her
husband. She leaves her hometown in
Nevada to go travel around the country in
search for work. She gets several jobs and
meets many people along the way that she
bonds with. Along the way, she learns how
to live a better life as a nomad. She even
says that she is not homeless but houseless.
This movie got nominated for Best
Picture at the Academy Awards this year.
The director of this movie, Chloe Zhao,
is also working on the upcoming Marvel
movie Eternals. Zhao herself is nominated
for Best Director. The movie is based
on the non-fiction novel Nomadland:
Surviving America in the Twenty-First
Century. There is a lot going for the movie
right off the bat and if this movie is a sign
of Zhao’s talents as a director, I cannot
wait to see what she brings to the table in
her future films.
Nomadland takes the approach of a
Director: Chloe Zhao
Stars: Frances McDormand
Genre: Drama
Release Date: 2/19/21
Streaming Service: Hulu
Runtime: 1 hr 50 min
Stream-A-Zine April 2021 9
at her expressions when looking through
some of the photos of her husband. When
she snaps, I feel it from McDormand.
McDormand’s performance is one big
reason why this film feels so lively.
Another realistic part of the film
is the visual style of the film. The sets
make the film look like it was shot on
location. In fact, it might have been. The
cinematography uses distinct contrasts
during the night time scenes. The shades
of the humans are dark while the sky is
glowing. There are several campfire scenes
where the people tell their stories about
Credit to Searchlight Pictures their loved ones or lives. It is quite a
beautiful scene that is reflective on families
realistic drama. Fern is a woman who lost and loved ones. The natural coloring
her husband and she is out on the road and the cinematography all add to the
looking for a job while living in her van. cautiously optimistic but sad tone and the
The whole movie and everything around realistic feel for the movie.
her plays off the neorealism approach to The tone of the film is hard to describe.
film. While the tone is nowhere near as Like any film with realistic elements,
depressing as some films in that area, the it does have some depressing elements
story feels real. Fern feels like a real person such as Fern’s deceased husband and
and not a character. her struggles as a nomad. On the other
To elaborate, Fern is a likable person hand, the film is never outright bleak.
who is snappy but nice, but we can see that Fern’s friendly nature towards the people
she is not as happy as she looks. She clearly she meets makes most of the people she
misses her husband and she tears up when encounters supportive of her or give her
reflecting on him. She also gets a bit more useful advice. She also never gives up living
agitated as she continues to have bad luck the way she wants to live. Still, a movie
with her journey. She freaks out whenever about a nomad who is struggling to find a
she has engine troubles because not only is permanent home is always going to be sad
the vehicle her car, it is her home too. Fern no matter what the tone is like.
is relatable and easy to root for because Nomadland is a terrific nonfiction
she is just a normal person choosing this drama from Chloe Zhao. It operates as
lifestyle such an effective
Frances “No, I’m Not Homeless. character study as
McDormand plays we see a woman
as Fern and she does I’m Just Houseless. Not who tries to make
an amazing job as the the best of what
nomad. She plays the the Same Thing Right?” she has, but slowly
character as if she is loses her cool. It is a
a real person. She talks sad story, but it is not outright bleak. The
in such a sincere and narrative encourages the audience to keep
honest way, that she could searching for what they are looking for
easily be talking with the and to keep fighting, despite the difficult
audience. This shows in circumstances. The realistic nature of the
her conversations with film makes it relatable, especially for those
some of the friendly who have been in a similar situation to
people she comes across. Fern. After this gem, it will be exciting
Her expressions when she to see what Chloe Zhao does next in her
is alone working on her directing career.
vehicle or reflecting on
her past are so effective.
I could tell what she was
thinking just from looking
Starts Slow, but Finishes Strong Stream-A-Zine April 2021 10

monochromatic colors to demonstrate the

dark tone of the film. It uses many shots
on the mirrors to reflect what is happening
in the cars or in other areas. There is one
creepy shot where Cherry is by himself
and everything around him is dark. It
represents his loneliness and descent to
madness. The visual style is not only great,
but it tells the audience a lot about the
main character and his mental state.
The movie is a crime drama with some
romance in it, but the romantic part is a
bit morbid. An innocent woman becomes
just as messed up as her husband, but they
stay together. It is depressing to watch
how this plays out because it shows what
happens if one person in the family or in a
relationship does a certain drug. Another
person could get addicted out of curiosity
Cherry Review By Jared Jacoby Credit to Apple TV+ or frustration.
Cherry is not a revolutionary movie,
Cherry is rated R for excessive drug very well. He plays as a man who lost his but it makes for a gripping crime drama.
abuse, some graphic gore content involving mind after his experience in the army. His It has a message on drug abuse and how
war violence, profanity and some sexual facial expressions as he is thinking about the army is not as cool as it seems. Tom
content and nudity. the war he suffered through are horrifying. Holland delivers an excellent performance
A young man named Cherry is about He looks so fearful each time. When his as Cherry himself. This movie is pretty sad
to rob a bank, but he recalls how he got character is doing drugs, Tom Holland acts as well. It is hard to not feel bad for the
to that point. He started out as a college like someone who actually took drugs. His main characters even with their faults. I
student with a crush on his classmate, appearance and actions represent that. Tom do not know if I would watch this movie
Emily. They get together, but Emily is Holland scored with this performance. He again, but I am glad I did.
about to leave for college in Montreal carries this film on his back. I want to see
and Cherry decides to leave to go to the him in more mature content now.
US Army. The experience becomes so As for the story itself, it is a mixed bag.
traumatizing for Cherry that he leaves the On one hand, the army portions of the
army a completely story did not stand out that
changed man. He “Sometimes, I much. They kind of dragged
Director: Joe Russo and
resorts to drugs and on and they are nowhere
that need for drugs wonder if Life was near as interesting as the
Anthony Russo
expands to his closest second half of the film. On
friend and his wife. Wasted on Me.” the other hand, I understand Stars: Tom Holland and Ciara
The movie Cherry that this is supposed to build
is based on the auto-fictional novel character for Cherry. Once he comes back, Bravo
by Nico Walker, who based the main he has to deal with the mental horrors of
character in the novel on him. So this is a war afterwards. Also, this movie does not Genre: Crime Drama
movie that is based on the experience of shy away from showing how cruel army
the author of the book it is based on. What training can be. The recruiters in this Release Date: 3/12/21
makes this movie stick out as well is that movie treat Cherry and the other recruits
this is one of Tom Holland’s darkest roles. poorly by demeaning everything they do. Streaming Service: Apple TV+
He is known for being Spider-Man in the The movie is about the trauma and how it
Marvel Cinematic Universe, but here, he is can change a relatively normal person to Runtime: 2 hr 21 min
playing as a traumatized man who loses his someone who can barely function properly.
as the years pass by. This movie shows that When Cherry starts taking the drugs, his
he is more than up to the task to tackle situation only gets worse.
more difficult roles. The film has a great sense of visual
Tom Holland’s performance as the style. The cinematography is clever
titular character is terrific. He sells the role and gorgeous. They use plenty of
Solid Animation, but Is It Worth $30? Stream-A-Zine April 2021 11

Raya and the Last Dragon Review By Jared Jacoby Credit to Disney

Raya and the Last Dragon takes place

with a chilling effect. The action scenes are stories, they are well developed and they
in Kumandra, a land which is taken over
animated so fluidly and at such a fast pace, have a great dynamic with Raya. The one
by evil spirits called the Drunn which
especially the one-on-one duel with Raya character that could have been better
can turn people into stone. An orb was
and Namaari. This movie also has a couple was Namaari. She had the potential to
created by the dragons to save the humans,
other animation styles shown briefly that be an interesting anti-villain, but they
but they remain as stone statues. There is
make the movie more visually interesting. did not give her enough screen time or
a power struggle for the orb that dividesAs for the story, has some originality development.
Kumandra into five tribes. The destruction
in that it makes the characters’ motives a Another problem with the show is
of the orb causes the Drunn to come back
lot more unpredictable. However, it is a the lack of representation of Southeast
as it wipes out a good portion of humanity,
standard animated fantasy adventure movie Asia. This movie was marketed as one that
including Raya’s entire tribe. It is up to
where the main character and her friends would represent Southeast Asian culture,
her and the dragon she comes across to
find pieces of the orb to restore it. There but most of the voice cast comprised
find the other pieces of the orb and restore
are some other cliches such as the funny East Asians. While they deliver solid
Kumandra. talking animal companion and lost father voice work, the cast is one of the biggest
This is the second film Disney has
figure, but there are also some interesting missed opportunities of the film. For those
released on their streaming service with a
plot points as well such looking for complete
$30 price tag. Unlike Mulan, the audience
as Namaari betraying “The World is representation of
does have the option to see Raya and Raya immediately as a Southeast Asia, they will
the Last Dragon in theaters. Every other
child rather than later in Broken, You can’t be disappointed.
film on Disney+ is free to watch with the
the story. Moments like Overall, Raya and the
subscription, so this movie needs to excel
this help the story stay Trust Anyone” Last Dragon is a beautiful
in order to justify the price. I will say that
unpredictable. spectacle of an animated
it has a lot going for it. More than the story, fantasy. It has several
First of all, the animation is gorgeous
cast of characters shine. Sisu the dragon flaws holding it back from being a truly
and detailed. The Drunn are terrifying
started out as kind of annoying, but she terrific film, but it is a blast to watch. The
dark creatures that turn others into stone
grew on me quickly with her backstory characters are memorable and the story
and antics. Raya is colder matches its fast-paced action scenes. People
Director: Carlos Lopez Estrada and Don Hall than her allies, but she has of all ages could get a kick out of this film.
a good reason not to trust However, it is hard to recommend this film
Stars: Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina and anyone after Namaari’s right now because of the price.
betrayal. It is nice to see a Raya and the Last Dragon will not be
Gemma Chan protagonist from a Disney available for free on Disney+ until June 4.
film who is a little bit
Genre: Fantasy Adventure more cynical.
The other supporting
Release Date: 3/04/21 characters are not
brushed to the side.
Streaming Service: Disney+ These characters are
goofy, but they have
Runtime: 1 hr 57 min some surprisingly deep
 Stream-A-Zine April 2021 12
According to IMDB, Willy’s Wonderland
is rated TV-MA for strong bloody violence,
some sexual content and some profanity.
Viewer discretion is advised.
A silent man played by Nicolas Cage
drives around a small town when his tires
get flattened by a spike trap. A gentleman
offers the driver some help by bringing him
back to his place. He then offers the driver
to fix his car, but not without a price.
Instead of money, the mechanic brings him
to Tex Macadoo who gives him the job as
a night janitor at a family entertainment
center called Willy’s Wonderland. The
driver soon discovers that the animatronics
not only move, but they are murderous.
Willy’s Wonderland was released in
select theaters and on Vudu for $20. Just
the premise of Nicolas Cage fighting off
creepy animatronics from an abandoned
entertainment center for children is
enough to get me interested. It reminds me
of the video game Five Nights at Freddy’s
where the player works in night shifts at
a similar place, but they have to deal with
haunted animatronics. The result is mixed.
Nicolas Cage is easily the standout.
Despite not having a line of dialogue in
the entire movie, he manages to give a
strong and entertaining performance as the
silent janitor. He gives off the impression
of a man that is fed up with the world.
His character develops some habits while
trapped in the building such as drinking
several cans of Punch and playing pinball,
even stopping mid battle to play a round.
These little habits lead to an entertaining
pinball machine where Nicolas Cage chews
the scenery without talking.
The biggest problem with this movie is
the script itself. It has an interesting story
and some cool elements, but they are not
well executed. One example is how Liv, the
town sheriff’s adopted daughter, explains
how Willy’s Wonderland was created and
the super happy fun room. The room is
where families would get murdered by
the animatronics. These are all interesting
ideas, but they are told mostly through
exposition. The opening scene could have
been a family inside the room celebrating
the son’s birthday and then getting killed.
That would have been disturbing, but it
would have set up the tone for the movie.
It does not help that all of Liv’s friends
are completely flat characters. They are
just there to be cannon fodder for the
Fun but Flawed Slasher Flick
Credit to Screen Media Films Willy’s Wonderland Review By Jared Jacoby
animatronics. I know that this is a slasher are edited well enough to make out what
movie which is a horror subgenre, but it is going on. Seeing Nicolas Cage use a
the less invested I am in the characters, the plunger to defeat an animatronic gorilla
less engaged in the movie. is always a fun time. There is even a fight
The scares are a mixed bag. There are scene while the song “Head, Shoulders,
some obnoxious jump scares and some Knees and Toes” is playing. This movie
overly graphic scenes, but it does have takes full advantage of its wacky premise.
some frightening scenes. The animatronics Some of the cuts are a little too abrupt, but
themselves are terrifying. They move in these moments are few and far between.
the creepiest manner, the designs are These fights can get pretty bloody at times.
freaky and they have scary voices and Willy’s Wonderland is a flawed film, but
dialogue. There is one scene where one I enjoyed it. The story is fun, the action
of Liv’s friends is trapped in a room is solid, Nicolas Cage gives it his all and
flickering the lights on and off and he the climax is cathartic. However, it suffers
spots an animatronic on the ceiling ready from a flat supporting cast and some
to pounce. This scene scared me quite a bit storytelling problems. Still, I admire the
for the scenario alone. However, that scene amount of passion and work put into the
is hard to watch because it hurt my eyes film. I would be curious to see if anything
while watching it. I was not having a good else comes from this film.
time during that scene because it felt like it
was straining my vision.
One aspect I admire about this film
is the world-building. There are eight
unique animal characters created for the
movie with the freakiest
animatronics possible. Director: Kevin Lewis
They created a song for
the birthday customers Stars: Nicholas Cage, Beth Grant and
that is frighteningly
Emily Tosta
adorable. There is even a
custom pinball machine Genre: Horror/Comedy
created for this movie!
The movie also has a Release Date: 2/12/21
brief animated sequence
featuring a cartoony Streaming Service: Vudu
Willy Weasel.
The action scenes are Runtime: 1 hr 28 min
fun to watch and they
 STREAM-A-ZINE
sECTION TWO

TELEVISION
Reviews
 Stream-A-Zine April 2021 14
Entertaining, but Forgettable
While the environments surrounding
the characters are beautiful and lush,
the character movement is stiff. It seems
like the 2D characters move so slowly,
especially in close-ups. They also stick out
poorly against the CGI environment.
The story itself is fine, but nothing
special. It has several cliches like the two
siblings missing their parents, a lonely
woman who has a hidden heart of gold
and a weird child that they need to protect
called Boy. The villain has an interesting
backstory with the lonely woman that
Credit to Legendary Television could be expanded upon in the next
season, but he is otherwise generic. This
Pacific Rim: The Black Review by Jared Jacoby show takes itself a lot more seriously than
the two films. It mostly works because the
Pacific Rim: The Black takes places aspects, there are others it could improve world in the film is an empty continent
after the events of Pacific Rim: Uprising on. devastated by the Kaiju, but at times, it
in Australia, overrun by the Kaiju arising The biggest strength for Pacific Rim: got a little too melodramatic. There is one
from the Pacific Rim. The continent looks The Black is the way it expands on the argument between Taylor and Hayley at
completely abandoned and only a handful Pacific Rim universe. Instead of an the beginning that was just too sappy to be
of survivors are left. Siblings Taylor and apocalypse that is happening, it has already effective. It does not help that the dialogue
Hayley Travis wait for their mom and dad happened here, at least in Australia. The is cliched. While it is necessary for this
to come back after they leave to fight the continent is completely empty and food show to be darker than its predecessors, a
Kaiju in their Jaeger, but they never return. sources are scarce. The two main characters little humor could have helped.
After five years, Hayley finds a training have the choice of risking their lives to Pacific Rim: The Black is not a great
Jaeger and she and her brother activate it look for their parents in their new Jaeger or show, but I did enjoy it. It is a fun
to begin the quest to find their parents. they sit around in the island and wait for time-waster for anyone who is into mecha
They will encounter other Kaiju and other death. Naturally, they take the Jaegar, but anime or sci-fi action animation. It does
survivors who want to take their Jaeger for not before battling a Kaiju which results in what it is supposed to do and it never gets
themselves. the deaths of everyone they know. I felt the too boring. Still there are probably better
Pacific Rim is a franchise about giant emptiness and devastation of the world. animated mecha shows on Netflix. This
robots called Jaegers fending off giant It is interesting to see how the world in show is only worth watching if you are
monsters known as the Kaiju. The premise Pacific Rim became apocalyptic. a die hard fan of the franchise, but there
is simple yet it has the potential to be a As an action show, there are plenty of are worse shows to get into. It is perfectly
blast of a sci-fi adventure. The first film was battle scenes. Several of them are pretty serviceable entertainment.
that, but the sequel, Pacific Rim: Uprising, fun to watch such as the opening scene
was not. This animated series is only seven with the siblings parents fighting off Kaiju
episodes long. While it delivers on some and the fight with Atlas Destroyer and
other Kaiju in episode
4, but nothing comes “Titanic Monsters
Developers: Greg Johnson, Craig Kyke close to the quality
of the 2013 film. Known the World Over
Stars: Calum Worthy, Gideon Adlon, Erica While the fights here
are better than the
as Kaiju. Our only
Lindbeck ones in Uprising, Defense? Homebuilt
they still lack the
Genre: Mecha Sci-Fi Action weight and energy Monsters of Our Own,
Release: 3/4/2021
of the original film.
The Kaiju and Jaegers Jaegers.”
feel floaty at times
Streaming Service: Netflix which was a problem
with Uprising. The
Episodes: 7 (Season 1) animation itself is
also questionable.

A Marvelous Show
WandaVision Review by Jared Jacoby
WandaVision takes place after the
events of Avengers: Endgame. In Westview
where Wanda Maximoff and Vision live
as a relatively normal married couple.
The first few episodes operate as a normal
sitcom where the couple are trying to
impress their boss with a home dinner and Wanda Maximoff here. She acts like the
raising money with a magic show. Wanda
notices strange things popping up in her
world that break the pace. From there,
mysteries start to unravel about this sitcom Vision is a delight. His antics as the goofy
world.
WandaVision is a show that combines
multiple genres. It starts out as a comedic expressions. Kathryn Hahn plays as the
sitcom having Wanda and Vision go
through several funny scenarios. However,
it is ultimately a sci-fi show where
characters inside the world makeup a
sitcom world while outside of the world,
S.H.I.E.L.D agents are trying to figure
out how to enter the world. This show
combines comedy, drama, sci-fi and action. commercial for most of the episodes which addition to the MCU, but it is a fantastic
Creator: Jac Schaffer
Stars: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Kathryn
Hahn, Teyonah Parris, Randall Park
Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy, Drama
Release: 1/15/21-3/5/2021
Streaming Service: Disney+
Episodes: 9
Stream-A-Zine April 2021 15
story goes on further, the tone gets much
more sinister. It reveals a lot about the
world that Wanda is living in. She wants
to forget about what happened in several
events, but she is reminded about her
brother’s death at the hands of Ultron. She
snaps and goes out of her sitcom character
to send the person away. There are other
hints to reveal that this world is not what
it seems. It becomes horrifying in episode
five with the reveals of what happened to
the townspeople of Westview and what
Wanda is doing.
Despite the misdeeds she does, I cannot
help but feel bad for Wanda. She lost
everything by of Avengers: Infinity War.
She lost her brother, she had to watch
Credit to Marvel Studios Vision die twice and she has virtually no
one left that she is close to. Even though it
Each episode feels fresh while staying is hard to root for her sometimes because
true to the premise. While the first two of her extreme methods to have a happy
episodes are a little slow, the show instantly life, it is equally hard not to feel bad for
becomes more interesting by the third. her because of her rotten luck throughout
What makes this show so fun to the Marvel series. She is one of the most
watch is the cast. Elizabeth Olsen nails interesting marvel characters and the show
does a great job developing her story and
adoring wife to vision while showing backstory further.
fear and anger of the character when the The cinematography is not completely
world starts to collapse. Paul Bettany as original, but it does capture the tone of
each era of sitcoms. The first two episodes
husband and worker are adorable. Bettany have black and white cinematography
clearly has a lot of fun in this role with his representing the days how stations aired
television programs. There is also a shot of
over-the-top neighbor and she is a blast. red blood in the black and white sitcom
With the premise of having a show world to indicate that something is wrong
within a show, WandaVision does not waste with the world. There is a lot of attention
this premise for even a minute. Not only to detail put in this show’s visuals to
does each episode represents a different capture the tone and story, especially with
era of sitcom humor, but they even the scenes in Westview.
have their own commercials. There is a WandaVision is not only a great
again, represent the show on its own right. It is funny,
eras and what was emotional and scary. It takes a very original
popular around the concept and utilizes it in every episode.
time. The first ad While I highly recommend it, try to watch
made me think of it knowing as little as possible because each
the ‘60s with the episode brings something new to the table.
way it was shot and Also, this show spoils the other MCU
filmed. These ads are movies so beware of that.
clever and humorous
with how they nail
their respective eras. “Wanda, Welcome
I felt like I was in
the ‘60s or ‘80s Home”
when watching the
commercials.
However, once the
 STREAM-A-ZINE
SECTION Three

STREAMING
NEWS
 Stream-A-Zine April 2021 17
HBO MAX Dual Release Line-Up
killed the Dune franchise” (Holmes,
2021). With the success of Godzilla vs.
Kong, Legendary could argue to WB that
Dune is a film should only play in theaters
in its initial release.
As of now, WB continues to release
their films on HBO Max and in theaters
for the rest of 2021. The service has a free
trial for a week and then it costs $14.99 a
month. For more information about the
line-up and movies, visit https://www.
hbomax.com/same-day-premieres.

HBO Max Dual

Release Timeline
Story by Jared Jacoby Photo from The Verge Credit to HBO Max According to Website:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it installment to The Matrix. There is also The
is recommended for people to stay home Many Saints of Newark, a prequel to the
April:
and watch movies instead of going to the HBO original series, The Sopranos.
Mortal Kombat
theaters. With few major releases coming Not all of the films that will be released
out, HBO Max had a solution for this this year will be films based on popular
May:
problem. franchises. Other films include a musical
Those Who Wish Me
In late 2020, HBO Max announced drama by Jon M. Chu called In the Heights,
Dead
that all movies created by Warner Bros Those Who Wish Me Dead starring Angelina
that were intended to be theatrical would Jolie, a Sci-fi Drama called Reminisce
June:
get released in theaters and on HBO starring Hugh Jackman, an original horror
The Conjuring: The Devil
Max starting with Wonder Woman 1984. movie by James Wan called Malignant,
Made Me Do It
According to the HBO Max website, the Clint Eastwood’s Cry Macho and King
movies are only on the service for a month Richard which follows the story of Richard
In the Heights
before they leave. Four movies have already Williams, an American tennis coach.
been On
July:
released October 1,
Space Jam: A New Legacy
and left WB plans to
including release Denis
August:
Tom and Villeneuve’s
The Suicide Squad
Jerry, Dune on
Judas and HBO Max
Reminiscence
the Black and in
Messiah theaters.
September:
and However,
Maligant
Wonder Dune Directed by Denis Villeneuve Credit to WB that could change
Woman soon with some
The Many Saints of
1984. As of April of 2021, Godzilla vs. revelations. Godzilla vs. Kong was released
Newark
Kong is currently on HBO Max and in on March 31 and has since then grossed
theaters. $280 million according to Box Office
October:
According to the website, There Mojo. Also, the production company for
Dune
are still 13 films from WB to be released both films, Legendary Entertainment, was
this year in theaters and on HBO Max. not happy with the news of their movies
Cry Macho
The next dual release is the upcoming going to streaming services according to
Mortal Kombat movie which comes out Adam Holmes (2021) of Cinemablend.
November:
on April 23. Other franchise releases this Also, director Villeneuve expressed
King Richard
year include Space Jam: A New Legacy with disappointment in the dual release plan in
Lebron James the Looney Tunes, DC’s The an Op-ed stating that Dune was designed
December:
Suicide Squad, The Conjuring: The Devil to be seen in the cinema. Villeneuve even
Untitled Matrix Sequel
Made Me Do It and an untitled fourth added that WB allegedly “might have
 Stream-A-Zine April 2021 18
CBS All Access to Paramount Plus

TO
Photo from CBS.com Photo from Business Insider
Story by Jared Jacoby
Streaming services can sometimes SpongeBob Movie:
change their brand or upgrade it after a Sponge on the Run and
few years, but CBS All Access not only a new CGI animated
changed its name, but also the streaming series called Kamp Koral:
service as a whole. SpongeBob Under the
On March 4, CBS All Access was Years (Maruya, 2021).
rebranded into Paramount+. The rebrand The latter acts as a
was featured in a Super Bowl ad which prequel to the 21-year-
had characters from various Paramount old franchise. Other
franchises standing on the mountain releases on Paramount+
wondering what they were doing there. include a reboot of
Even animated characters such as Beavis iCarly, MTV’s Behind Stars of Paramount+ in Super Bowl Ad,
and Butthead and Dora the Explorer were the Music, The Real Credit to Paramount+
included. World: Homecoming in
According to Sakushi Maurya, New York and many
Paramount+ has been in development more original content and content based
since 2019 with the mega media merger on existing franchises.
of Viacom and CBS (February 21, 2021). Paramount+ acts as an expansion of
The ViacomCBS empire includes many CBS All Access. The price remains the
brands from both sides. Some of these same as a subscription of Paramount+ costs
brands include Comedy Central, MTV, $5.99 a month without ads and $9.99
Nickelodeon, CBS Television, BET and without ads (Maurya, 2021). For more
Paramount Pictures. There are more information about the service, visit here:
brands as well that come from this merger https://help.paramountplus.com/s/.
(Maurya, 2021).
The main difference between CBS All
Access and Paramount+ is in the variety
of the content. The latter service utilizes
the brands from ViacomCBS rather than
just CBS shows (Prosser, 2021). All of the
brands listed have both their new and old
content on Paramount+ along with the
shows on CBS. There is also a rotating
library of old and new Paramount films
as well as exclusive films to the streaming
service.
Speaking of which, Paramount+
released some exclusive content which
relates to ViacomCBS’s brands. For
Nickelodeon, the SpongeBob SquarePants Kamp Koral: SpongeBob Under the Years, created by
franchise had two new releases on Stephen Hillenberg, Credit to Nickelodeon.
launch day. Those two releases were The
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