Have you ever been at a loss as to what to watch? Too many shows to pick from? We’re here to give you our opinions on what we feel is worth watching. Check it out and then let us know in the comments below what you’re choosing for tonight!
Kyle’s Choice
Early, early today, Netflix launched its latest original animated series from DreamWorks, Trollhunters, which is based on the book by Guillermo del Toro, who also wrote and directed the series. Teenager Jim Lake Jr. (Anton Yelchin, Star Trek) lives in the small town of Arcadia. Jim is always trying to make things easy on his single mother Barbara (Amy Landecker, Transparent), a doctor who’s constantly pulling double shifts at the clinic. One day while riding his bike to school, Jim finds an unusual amulet that literally speaks to him. As he reads the inscription on the amulet, a magical suit of armor forms around him, which he, of course, thinks is really cool! Jim and best friend Toby (Charlie Saxton, Cooper Barrett’s Guide to Surviving Life) are soon visited by a pair of friendly monsters, Blinky (Kelsey Grammer, Cheers) and AAARRRGGHH!!! (Fred Tatasciore), who inform them that amulet chose Jim as the first human Trollhunter – the champion and guardian of the Hearthstone Troll Market and its people. While excited at first, the two boys soon grow a bit wary upon learning that the previous Trollhunter had been killed by the evil troll Bular (Ron Perlman, Sons of Anarchy), who is now after Jim. Meanwhile, Jim also has to deal with regular high school things like bullies and his crush on classmate Claire Nuñez (Lexi Medrano, Modern Family).
I watched the 2-part premiere and was instantly hooked. I would have watched more, but the only other screeners I had were for episodes 6 and 13, and I didn’t want to skip ahead in the ongoing story. I’m a big fan of Guillermo del Toro’s work, and he once again sets up a visually fascinating world filled with unique and interesting characters. The show has this great blend of fantasy, action, humor, and drama. While Jim is learning about the hidden world of the Trolls and preparing for the dangers that lie ahead, he is also dealing with the everyday things that come with being a teenager and trying to be the man of the house at home. As with all of these DreamWorks shows, the animation looks fantastic. There are some great action sequences in the opener, but I also especially enjoyed every scene Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! were in. They bring so much fun and levity to the show.
Anton Yelchin delivers an excellent performance. I’m really glad that del Toro insisted on not recasting the role after Yelchin’s tragic death. The rest of the talented cast also includes Jonathan Hyde (The Strain), Tom Hiddleston (The Night Manager), James Purefoy (Hap and Leonard), Yara Shahidi (black-ish), Tom Wilson (Back to the Future), and Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead). I can’t wait to check out the rest of the episodes on Netflix today! This looks like it’s going to be another great animated series from DreamWorks!
I’ll also be watching Travelers and Terry Crews Saves Christmas.
Kyle and I differ on when Netflix (as well as Amazon & Hulu) shows should be posted. For me, I’m recommending this one tonight because it premieres in the late hours of the night tonight/wee hours of the morning. That way you can watch it first thing when you wake up (or at 3AM if you can’t sleep! LOL).
