Scooby Doo on Zombie Island Review

Happy Halloween everyone!  To celebrate, I am going to review one of the scariest cartoons I remember watching when I was younger.  That honor goes to the direct to video movie Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.  This movie came out in 1998 and is credited for renewing interest in the Scooby-Doo franchise.  It paved the way for several new Scooby-Doo series, some live action movies, and a TV movie every year since.

This was the first Scooby-Doo production to not have Casey Kasem as the voice of Shaggy.  Kasem refused to voice Shaggy unless Shaggy was characterized as a vegetarian like he was.  In fact, Frank Welker was the only actor from the original series to reprise his role for this movie.  The original voice actor for Scooby, Don Messick, died nearly a year before the movie's release.  A dedication to Messick appears in the credits.

The movie is meant as a follow up to the original 1969 TV series.  The gang is slightly older, and they have gone their separate ways.  Fred and Daphne have their own television series, Velma owns a mystery bookstore, and Shaggy and Scooby bounce from job to job.  To celebrate Daphne's birthday, Fred organizes the gang to reunite and accompany him and Daphne while they are filming new haunted house segments for their show. 

The gang eventually arrives in New Orleans after a series of disappointing adventures where the monsters they encounter always end up being people in costumes.  They receive an invitation by a young woman named Lena to accompany her to her employer's mansion on Moonscar Island, which she says is haunted by the ghost of the pirate, Morgan Moonscar.  Soon, ghosts and zombies appear all over the place.  Everyone tries to come up with a logical explanation for what they are seeing based on their previous experiences with supposed supernatural beings.  However, as the movie goes on, they are forced to accept the horrifying truth: these monsters are real.

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island is a significant departure from the original series.  It is much darker, which is due in part to the fact that the zombies are depicted as being real.  Scenes of death also appear throughout the movie.  The animators and sound designers didn't try to make the zombies less frightening either.  One terrifying scene in particular shows Scooby and Shaggy encountering a skeleton which grows skin, hair, and clothes to become a zombie.  A supernatural light causes other zombies to emerge from the depths of the bayou.  While trying to "unmask" one of the zombies, Fred accidentally pulls its entire head off, and the gang toss it around in terror.

Rotten Tomatoes gave Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island a rating of 88%.  Critics and viewers praised the voice acting, the animation, and the story's originality.  I remember when I first saw this movie, I was still scared for over a week afterwards.  Now that I am older, I can appreciate the good aspects of this movie.  It still ranks among the best Scooby-Doo movies I've seen.  Characterization is strong, and the surprise twist in the story is expertly done.

Scary imagery aside, the music for this movie totally rocks.  Two songs that play during the movie, "The Ghost is Here" and "It's Terror Time Again," were performed by the Los Angeles based rock band Skycycle.  The "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!" title track was performed by Third Eye Blind. 

I would recommend this movie to children aged 10 and up.  Anyone younger might get too scared while watching it.  Please believe me when I say that I can attest to this.  For those who can handle the terrifying imagery, it is a great movie to watch with family and friends during Halloween.

Say Hello to Genesis

We all saw this coming.  Hyundai has finally realized its desire to offer a full line of luxury vehicles with the introduction of the Genesis brand.  It is pleasing to see how Hyundai has marched forward with this plan over the better part of the last decade to the point where most people do not raise their eyebrows at a Korean luxury car.  Anyone can throw some leather and wood in a car and call it luxurious, but it takes more than that to win over the opinion of the public who will ultimately purchase and support the product.  To that end, some major credit must be given to the marketing team, management, and engineers who made this possible.
 
 Hyundai began its climb up the luxury ladder in 2009 with the Genesis sedan.  It was positioned as more luxurious and sporting than the ho-hum Azera.  With rear wheel drive and an available V8 engine, plus Hyundai’s excellent warranty, the Genesis offered buyers a cheaper alternative to other entry level luxury sedans.  It scored favorably in comparison tests, and stayed in production until 2015 when it was replaced with a second generation model.

 The next Genesis featured noticeable improvements in design and performance.  Although the interior was still not quite up to the level of fit and finish seen in Audi, Lexus, or Mercedes, it was attractive and befitting of a $40,000 car.  More importantly, Hyundai worked diligently to address criticisms of the first car’s ride and handling.  To do this, Hyundai partnered with Lotus to sort out deficiencies with the car’s anti-roll bars, springs, dampers, steering calibration, and engine mounts.  A stiffer structure also helped contribute to a better sorted suspension.  Initial tests praised the 2015 Genesis’s steering as attentive and well-weighted; and its ride comfortable over rough roads.

 The second model of Hyundai’s luxury product assault was the Equus, a full size luxury limo.  It debuted in 2010 as a 2011 model.  Using the same platform as the Genesis, the Equus was sized and equipped to compete with the venerable Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, and Audi A8.  To differentiate itself from other cars, the Equus came with a unique ownership experience known as “Your Time, Your Place.”  An industry first interactive owner’s manual app provides a convenient and simple way for owners to become familiar with the vehicle’s capabilities.  Maintenance is completely free for three years or 36,000 miles.  When service is required, owners can schedule an appointment online, and can even have their vehicle picked up for them with a complementary loaner left in its place.  Once maintenance is completed, the owner chooses the time and place for their vehicle to be delivered.  Hyundai has introduced this program to all Genesis models, and it is likely other luxury brands will offer similar programs. 

Now in 2016, the Hyundai Genesis has become the 2017 Genesis G80, andis essentially the same as last year's model.  A few more optional equipment items are now standard such as lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, and blind spot detection.  Prices start around $40,000 for a V6 car and $54,000 for the V8. 

 The Genesis G90 is the successor to the Equus and benefits from a comprehensive refresh.  Much like the second generation Genesis, the new G90’s ride, build quality, and technology have been improved upon.  Pricing for the G90 should undercut the competition at around $70,000.  The G90 also has standard equipment items that are pricey options on German cars, further enhancing its value.

 For the time being, Genesis cars will be sold out of Hyundai dealerships, although the plan is for them to eventually have their own showrooms.  More models will be added to the lineup in due time, including a couple SUVs, a smaller sedan, and a coupe.  The big question remains though whether Hyundai's multibillion dollar investment in the Genesis brand will be worth it.

Hyundai likens Genesis as a Lexus for a new era.  Remember, Lexus was created by Toyota to take on the best of Europe at a more affordable price.  However, Lexus's real advantage was its superior build quality compared to its competitors.  The original Lexus LS shook the luxury market to the core with its hair thin panel gaps and bullet proof Toyota reliability.

 It will take years to see how much market share Genesis gains, but it can be expected that the new brand will build a healthy following for its value proposition and personalized ownership experience.  Hyundai has also demonstrated that it learns from past errors and continually works to improve its cars to stay in line with customer expectations.  Such diligence is admirable and can only be rewarded with success.

The Importance of Value

This blog post is going to cover a variety of topics, including cars, cards, and something else.  What I am going to do is share my thoughts on what it means to ascribe value to something.  How much is something truly worth?  Can the monetary value of something completely encapsulate its real value?

The thing that got me thinking about all this was a Lego magazine I received in the mail.  In addition to cars, cards, and cartoons, I am a big Lego fan.  The Star Wars line is undoubtedly my favorite.  When I was younger I enjoyed reenacting scenes from the movies and coming up with my own stories.  For example, what if the Empire decided to conquer the Throwbots?  Would the Insectoids align with the Separatists?  I used to play Legos with my sister, who has a lot of Harry Potter sets.  I would send my AT-ST to attack her Hogwarts, and things like that.

I haven't bought a Lego Star Wars set for some time now.  Part of the reason is that the sets and the figures have become so intricately detailed, they would clash horribly with the sets I already have.  The other reason is because Lego sets have become so darn expensive.  The magazine I just got features an X-Wing Starfighter for $79.99.  I have the original 1999 X-Wing, which retailed for only $30.  True, my X-Wing looks pretty flimsy compared to the new one, but it still gets the job done.

I know that Lego bleats continuously that they strive to maintain a 10 cent price per part ratio for all their products, and have been doing so even for the older sets.  I guess that makes sense on some level, but at the same time I can't help thinking that the finished product should have some factor in determining the value of the set.  For example, one of my most prized Lego Star Wars sets is the Ultimate Space Battle set #7283.  It includes a total of five ships and retailed for a price of $50 back in 2005.  I don't think Lego is capable of making something like that today.  To build the modern equivalent of this set, you would have to spend at least twice that. 

Today the Ultimate Space Battle sells online for around $300.  For the amount of enjoyment I got from it, I would go so far to call it a bargain in its day.  I truly feel sorry for kids nowadays.  I couldn't possibly buy all my Lego sets again if I had to.  My birthday and Christmas lists would have to be nickel and dimed to make sure everything on it is worth it.

The same value argument applies for cars.  Spending more money on a car used to mean that you were getting convenience and luxury items unavailable in cheaper cars.  August 2016 average car transaction prices were at a record high as consumers chose larger vehicles with more safety and convenience features.  However, there are still some cars whose lists of standard equipment have some glaring shortcomings considering the price.  In a comparison test between a $46,000 Chevrolet Camaro and a $81,000 BMW M4, Motor Trend concluded that the Camaro is not only a performance equal to the M4, it trumps the BMW in features and amenities.  The Camaro came equipped with features such as a backup camera, heated seats, and satellite radio.  To add those options on the BMW would lift its MSRP even higher. 

A new Audi A8 which starts at around $81,000 doesn't have a single USB port.  My mom's $15,000 Honda Fit has a USB port.  Another example of not getting what you pay for is the Rolls-Royce Dawn.  One model tested by Car and Driver lacked onboard WiFi and Apple CarPlay capabilities.  I understand that not everyone needs WiFi wherever they go, but you would think something like that would be standard equipment for a car that costs over $400,000.

At the end of the day, an object's value is determined more by how much it means to you than it does the monetary number assigned to it.  Whether it be a car, a trading card, or a toy, your connection to the object can overcome the number following the dollar sign attached to it.  Big purchases should not be taken lightly, and people should not assume that just because something is more expensive means it is that much better.  The feel good factor you receive from the object of your desire goes a long way in determining your long term satisfaction with owning it.

The End of the Ute

On July 29, the last Ford Falcon Ute left Ford's Broadmeadow plant outside of Melbourne, Australia.  Ford is scheduled to end all vehicle production in Australia by September of this year.  General Motors and Toyota have also made plans to end Australian production by the end of 2017.  Henceforth, all vehicles sold by these brands in Australia will be imported from elsewhere.  The strength of the Australian dollar and increasing production costs are major factors behind the decision to cease local production of automobiles.  Other factors include changing consumer tastes toward cheaper imported vehicles.  Ford has seen sales of its Falcon dwindle from a high of 81,000 in 1995 to around 14,036 in 2013, and has observed customers looking for a practical workhorse purchase its Thailand-built Ranger pickup truck.

The history of the ute dates back to 1932, when a wife of a farmer in Victoria, Australia wrote a letter to Ford asking them to build a vehicle "to go to church in on Sunday, and which can carry our pigs to market on Mondays."  Ford obliged the woman's request, and it was the beginning of a long standing tradition of Australian-designed and built coupe utility vehicles.  The current Ford Falcon Ute can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, and has a payload of up to one ton.  All the while, it offers its passengers a smooth car-like ride.  General Motors' Holden division developed its first ute in 1951, and continues to build one based off the Holden Commodore sedan.

Ford and General Motors brought the ute to America in the late 1950s.  The Ford Ranchero was derived from different Ford sedans over the course of its lifetime, and stayed in production until 1979.  The Chevrolet El Camino was born in response to the Ranchero and outlasted its competitor until 1987.  Government restrictions and increasing production costs made car-based utility vehicles more unattractive from a manufacturing standpoint.  While American utes faded into obscurity, they thrived in Australia.  Each generation brought increases in refinement and capability.  High performance variants generated numbers to embarrass many a sports car, including the 435 horsepower Holden HSV Maloo and the 422 horsepower Ford FPV Pursuit. 

The end of Australian manufacturing and the ute are sad news for many in the automotive community.  Much like Australia is a refuge for unique indigenous wildlife, so it has become a bastion of cars that have, for the most part, gone extinct elsewhere around the world.  The Ford Falcon and the Holden Commodore are among the last mainstream family sedans and coupe utility vehicles to offer rear wheel drive and a V8 powertrain as an option.  They are also as important cultural icons to Australia as are kangaroos and koalas.  The emotional connection and overwhelming passion Ford and Holden fans felt for these homegrown cars is unlikely to be replicated with any imported models from either company's portfolio. 

It is difficult for car manufacturers today to distribute their resources between cars they want to build and cars they need to build.  Does Acura really need the NSX?  Does Chevrolet need the Corvette?  Some would say yes to those questions.  These cars serve as showpieces for their brand that cast their aura across the rest of the lineup.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.  The Dodge Viper is about to end production after failing spectacularly with the buying public.  Cars brimming with passion still need to make some contribution to the bottom line in addition to creating a halo for the brand.  It is unfortunate that the Australian ute will soon be leaving us.  Australia and the rest of the world will not be the same without it.

Cars: 2017 Honda Ridgeline

After a two year hiatus, the Honda Ridgeline is back and better than ever.  The second generation Ridgeline rides on a completely new platform and has been redesigned inside and out to do battle with established heavyweights such as the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon. 

Honda positions the Ridgeline as a utility vehicle for those who do not need the capabilities of a full size pickup, and would like a comfortable ride.  To that end, the new Ridgeline continues to share its unit body underpinnings with the Honda Pilot crossover.  The original Ridgeline received criticism from some truck buyers for not being a real truck.  They say real trucks are built using body on frame construction to maximize towing ability. 

Although the Ridgeline lags its competitors in terms of towing capability, it offers a much better ride for its passengers and gets superior fuel mileage.  Honda quotes fuel economy at 18 mpg city, 25 highway, and a combined rating of 21 mpg for all wheel drive models.  Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds for front wheel drive Ridgelines and 5,000 pounds for all wheel drive Ridgelines.  For comparison, the base four cylinder Tacoma can pull 3,500 pounds and is capable of towing as much as 6,800 pounds with the optional tow package.  The bed of the Ridgeline has grown four inches longer and can comfortably hold 4x8 sheets of plywood or a couple of motorcycles.  Payload is quoted at 1,584 pounds, among the best in the segment.     

Novel features include a tailgate that can swing out as well as down for versatility while loading the bed.  There is also a handy in bed storage compartment capable of carrying an additional 7.3 cubic feet of cargo.  Inside, the rear seats split 60/40, and can lift up to make room for groceries and even a bike.  A new feature for this generation is an in-bed audio system that uses speakers mounted behind the bed lining to play music.  An outlet in the bed allows hookup for a television or power tools. 

Of course, the Ridgeline comes equipped with Honda's latest safety and convenience technology.  Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on higher tier models, as is HondaLink, which can stream music, access social media, and even make it easy to schedule service appointments.  A rearview camera is standard on all models, and other driving aids such as blind spot monitoring systems and lane keeping assist are part of the Honda Sensing package.

The Ridgeline does start on the expensive side of midsize pickups with an MSRP of around $29,475.  However, keep in mind that the Ridgeline is only offered with a 280 hp V6 engine.  Apples to apples, the Ridgeline is priced competitively with comparable models, and offers several class exclusive features that should entice prospective buyers.  Honda did its research when developing the Ridgeline, and built a truck that will suit the majority of people's lifestyles.

Back in 2005 when the first Ridgeline debuted, it was heralded as the right truck at the right time as gas prices started to climb.  Prices are lower now, but fuel economy remains a priority in the truck industry.  Ford has already made strides in weight reduction and fuel efficiency by offering a turbocharged V6 and aluminum bodywork on its best selling F-150.  With the innovative new Ridgeline, Honda stands to gain a healthy market share of those looking for a fuel efficient, comfortable riding, and versatile midsize pickup. 

First Speculations for Transformers: The Last Knight

Looks like Optimus had a rough flight

Finally we have our first idea of what to expect from the latest Transformers movie, now known as The Last Knight.  A pair of brief 20 second videos have been released showing what appears to be Optimus Prime and Megatron.  In addition, filming has begun this week and several new cars have been spotted on site.  I was planning to offer my thoughts on the latest installment of the Transformers film franchise, as well as what I was hoping to see.  Now seems as good a time as any, so let's get started.

I will admit that I generally like the Transformers movies.  The first one was a lot of fun, Revenge of the Fallen is passable, and Dark of the Moon is hindered only by the convoluted Sentinel Prime plot twist.  I will be going into The Last Knight on a sour note, as Age of Extinction was my least favorite movie.  It could have been good, but there are numerous problems.  The tone is way too somber, the product placement is annoying, the story makes no sense, and there are so many filming errors that it's hard to take this film seriously.  I still have yet to buy it on DVD, and probably won't unless The Last Knight blows my mind and I need Age of Extinction to fill in the story. 

As we know, Age of Extinction ended with Optimus Prime flying into space in search of his creators.  From the looks of this image, the trip didn't go too well.  Optimus's face is all faded and dirty.  I'm curious about the red on his left cheek, since he didn't have any red markings on his face when he left.  The most interesting aspect of this image is his eyes.  Instead of their usual blue, Optimus's eyes are purple.  The last time I saw a transformer with purple eyes was Megatron in the Transformers: Prime TV series.  Megatron was under the influence of dark energon at the time.  Dark energon is said to be the emanation of Unicron and can be used to increase one's power, revive the dead, and corrupt Transformers. 

Speaking of Megatron, his image also shows him with purple tinged eyes and a red stain on his face.  I'm still not sure if this is indeed Megatron, because Megatron became Galvatron in Age of Extinction.  Also, this looks nothing like any previous depiction of Megatron.  There will be some heavy duty explaining to do if Megatron returns and changes his appearance so comprehensively.  Although Michael Bay insists that this is Megatron, I am going to assume that this is misinformation and will continue my speculation as if Megatron's conscience remains in Galvatron.

It is possible that somehow, Megatron is able to extract his conscience from Galvatron's body, but I would hope that the writers don't go for something as crazy as that.  Ideally, The Last Knight should focus primarily on Optimus Prime's search for his creators.  A story about Optimus Prime travelling the universe would be quite entertaining.  He could encounter all kinds of alien species and have a Star Wars style adventure.  For that matter, he could meet other characters from the Transformers universe who have yet to make an appearance on screen.  Imagine if Optimus found Ultra Magnus as an obedient slave for the creators and is able to show him a greater calling as an Autobot.   

The Transformers still on Earth may go back to working for the government.  However, I find it more plausible that after everything from the last movie, they would just like to be left alone.  Bumblebee and the other Autobots could become the guardians of the Yeager family, as Optimus instructed.  They may be drawn into conflict as Galvatron, who survived the battle of Hong Kong, rallies all remaining Decepticons on Earth in a bid for revenge.  He would likely chase down the humans and Autobots until a final encounter where Optimus arrives with reinforcements from the creators' homeworld to drive off Galvatron.

The details can change and some character subplots could be introduced to spice things up, but I feel this is a logical story based on the events of the last film.  But, if I have learned anything, it's that the logical route is rarely followed in these films.  We'll probably end up with yet another poorly written, explosion-filled, product-saturated headache.  Only time will tell.  Until then, I anxiously await confirmation on new Transformers and will pour over all the new vehicles as more information becomes available.        

Redline Review

Hello readers.  Sorry for the delay in new posts.  I've had a lot going on this month such as moving to a new house and starting a new full time job.  I haven't had much time to sit and write in a while, but now that things are settling down, I'm going to get this blog up and running again.  Thank you very much for your patience.

Today, I am going to review one of my favorite anime movies: Redline.  Redline is about a type of racing that sort of combines the idea of Speed Racer with a dash of Podracing from Star Wars.  Racers from across the universe dream of competing in Redline, the most dangerous race of all.  Anything goes at Redline, and racers are lucky to survive.  Here we find our protagonist, Sweet JP.  JP is a highly skilled, yet goodhearted racer.  He doesn't approve of high tech weapons on his car, instead relying on his natural talents as a racer and a few caps of nitro to get the most out of his TransAm 20000.  JP almost wins the Yellowline preliminary race, but sabotage from his best friend and mechanic, Frisbee, costs him the victory.

Frisbee and JP are in up to their necks with the mob, and have been involved in various race fixing schemes.  Money from the mob pays for JP's bail bond funds.  Following Yellowline, JP is wondering what to do next when word come out that two racers decide to drop out of Redline, and fans vote JP into the race.  This time around, Redline will be held on Roboworld.  However, Roboworld's president vows to destroy the racers by any means necessary.  Not only do the leaders of Roboworld despise racing culture, the high levels of media coverage will likely expose Roboworld's illegal weapons buildup.  JP is ready to give the race his all, and hopes to get on better terms with fellow competitor and Yellowline winner, Sonoshee McLaren. 

The strength of Redline rests in the characterization of JP and Sonoshee.  Each of them embodies stereotypical racer tropes.  JP is the easygoing nice guy with a questionable past.  He allowed himself to be arrested so that Frisbee wouldn't get into any more trouble.  And Sonoshee is the strong willed independent female out to prove herself to all the boys.  As formulaic as their budding romantic relationship is, it works because the writers don't make it the sole focus of the story.  In addition, viewers get brief bios of the other racers, which range from satirical, to clichéd, to downright comedic.  Other plotlines involve Frisbee coming to terms with his involvement with the mob, and Roboworld's efforts to destroy all the racers. 

Redline is also a technical and artistic masterpiece of a film.  It was the first time I had been exposed to the work of Madhouse, and I have been impressed with everything I have seen from them since.  Every single frame is hand drawn, and it took the people involved in making this film seven years to finish.  I can only imagine how painstaking it was to render all 100,000 frames.  Fortunately, the result is completely worth it.       

I never saw the 2008 Speed Racer live action movie, but I feel like this is what that movie should have been.  The racing action is balanced by well developed lead characters, excellent humor, and an engaging story.  Racing anime tend to sit between a spectrum bookended by the fun, but campy, Speed Racer on one end, and realistic and overly technical Initial D at the other.  Redline rests just off center towards the Speed Racer end, but is able to keep audiences glued despite getting over the top ridiculous at times.  It's one fast ride of a movie, but audiences are going to enjoy every minute.