TLDR;
In this episode of the Cellcast, Jacob and Drew discuss their recent viewings, including "Cinderella 3," "Teen Titans Go," "Invader Zim," and "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2." They also cover news, such as the fire at Kyoto Animation and the passing of Russi Taylor, the voice of Minnie Mouse. The main focus is a review of "Digimon: The Movie," analyzing its animation, plot, and overall quality.
- Jacob enjoyed "Cinderella 3" and was impressed, while Drew explored "Teen Titans Go" and "Invader Zim" on Hulu.
- The hosts discuss the Kyoto Animation fire, Russi Taylor's death, and a BC comic strip movie Indiegogo campaign.
- They review "Digimon: The Movie," discussing its compilation of Japanese shorts, animation quality, and issues with the American dub.
Intro and Personal Updates [0:00]
Drew and Jacob introduce themselves and share brief personal updates. Jacob mentions he's doing well, while Drew jokes about wanting to become the Digimon Emperor. They transition into discussing what they've been watching recently.
Jacob's Recent Viewings: Cinderella 3 [1:31]
Jacob shares his surprise at enjoying "Cinderella 3," despite knowing that many Disney sequels from the early 2000s are considered bad. He contrasts this with his negative experience watching "Cinderella 2" years ago. He was impressed with how the third film reworked a good story from the second movie, similar to how some people have fond memories of "The Return of Jafar." He also notes that Prince Charming's voice actor in "Cinderella 3" also voiced Prince Eric in "The Little Mermaid."
Drew's Recent Viewings: Teen Titans Go, Invader Zim, and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 [5:09]
Drew discusses discovering Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon shows on Hulu, including "Teen Titans Go" and "Invader Zim." He admits that "Teen Titans Go" wasn't as bad as he thought, noting the thought put into the characters. He also started watching "Invader Zim," comparing it to a darker "Gravity Falls," but notes the video quality on Hulu is interlaced. Drew also recounts his attempts to watch "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2," which were repeatedly interrupted by power outages. He enjoyed the movie's comedy, particularly a pun involving a "leak" in the boat being a walking, talking vegetable.
News: Kyoto Animation Fire Update [11:27]
Drew provides an update on the fire at Kyoto Animation, reporting that the death toll has risen to 35. The good news is that all data was backed up and recoverable, allowing the studio to continue work at other locations. Two movies in production will still be released, including a "Violet Evergarden" film. The convention is still screening the movie at the request of the animation studio. One of the victims was the director of "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya." Donations have reached $1.3 million through Kyoto Animation's account and over $2 million through CTI film works' fund.
News: BC Comic Strip Movie and Russi Taylor's Passing [14:19]
Drew shares news about an Indiegogo campaign to crowdfund a BC comic strip movie. The campaign aims to raise $30,000 for pre-production. Jacob expresses skepticism but acknowledges the potential if there's enough interest. They then discuss the death of Russi Taylor, the voice of Minnie Mouse for 30 years, noting she was married to the current voice of Mickey Mouse. They reflect on her talent and the difficulty of recasting such iconic characters.
Digi Review: Introduction to Digimon the Movie [21:31]
Drew and Jacob begin their review of "Digimon: The Movie," created by Fox Kids as a response to the success of "Pokémon: The First Movie." The movie is an edit of three Japanese Digimon shorts/OVAs: "Digimon Adventure," "Digimon Adventure: Our War Game," and "Digimon Adventure 02: Digimon Hurricane Landing!!/Transcendent Evolution!! The Golden Digimentals." The first short takes place before the first season, the second between seasons one and two, and the third during season two. The Digimon Emperor is not yet part of the team in the movie.
Digimon the Movie: Cast and Crew [25:23]
The hosts discuss the director and writers of the movie. The first two acts were directed by Mamoru Hosoda, while the third was directed by Shigeyasu Yamauchi. The original Digimon concept was created by Akiyoshi Hongo. The adaptation and screenplay were by Jeff Nimoy and Bob Buchholz. They mention that many of the voice actors played multiple roles and had credits in other series like "Akira," "Power Rangers," and "Trigun." They quickly run through the cast list, noting the various roles each actor played.
Digimon the Movie: Film Details and Initial Impressions [32:33]
"Digimon: The Movie" was released in the USA on October 6, 2000, with a budget of $5 million. It grossed $16 million worldwide but received mixed reviews. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) considered the movie an original work due to extensive editing, requiring additional payments to the voice actors. The movie starts with a five-minute short based on "Angela Anaconda," which the hosts criticize for being irrelevant and poorly executed.
Digimon the Movie: Act One - Digimon Adventure [37:52]
The hosts praise the animation quality of the first act, based on "Digimon Adventure," calling it some of the best animation they've seen. They discuss the impressive fight scene between a T-Rex-like monster and a parrot-like monster. However, they criticize the constant narration by Kari and the nonsensical "Digi-rap." Jacob questions how Agumon digivolves into Greymon, and they note the odd size of Agumon compared to the series.
Digimon the Movie: Act Two - Our War Game [45:43]
The second act takes place four years after the first season. The hosts discuss Tai's mom's bad cooking and Tai's destruction of Izzy's computer. They analyze the relationship between Tai and Sora, focusing on the hair pin incident. They also discuss the 90s puns and references, such as diaboromon's search for the programmer and Izzy's comment about the phone company offering diaboromon 50 free minutes. Drew expresses surprise that the characters were explicitly identified as being from Japan, which was uncommon in American dubs at the time.
Digimon the Movie: Act Two - Animation and Music [54:06]
The hosts discuss the recurring song "One Week" by the Bare Naked Ladies and the decision to play it over. Drew points out that the second act served as the inspiration for the movie "Summer Wars." Jacob notes his disappointment that the digivolution sequences were not shown full screen. They also question how the characters are watching the internet and whether everyone who saw the fight became a DigiDestined.
Digimon the Movie: Act Three - Digimon Hurricane Touchdown!!/Transcendent Evolution!! [1:03:20]
The hosts criticize the animation quality of the third act, noting the warm colors and lack of fluidity. Jacob expresses his dislike for Davis, while Drew appreciates Yolei and Veemon. They discuss the plot inconsistencies, such as how the kids got to Colorado and the lack of explanation for Willis's presence. They also question the logic of the golden DigiEggs and the rushed ending.
Digimon the Movie: Act Three - Plot Holes and Criticisms [1:13:27]
Drew rants about season two of Digimon, criticizing the idea that everyone becomes a DigiDestined. He also dislikes the world tour arc. The hosts discuss the differences between the various Digimon seasons and the lack of continuity. They criticize the lazy writing and animation in the third act, with Jacob admitting he tuned out during the last 15-20 minutes.
Digimon the Movie: Final Thoughts and Ratings [1:33:49]
The hosts summarize their thoughts on "Digimon: The Movie," noting its family-friendly nature despite the stupid jokes. Jacob gives the movie a 5 out of 10, citing the dullness of part three and the writing of the American dub. Drew gives it a 6 out of 10, citing nostalgia and the gorgeous animation in the first and second acts.
Next Movie and Outro [1:37:01]
The hosts announce their next movie will be "The Prince of Egypt." They provide their social media handles and website information. They end the episode with jokes and teases for the next episode.