Daddy Daughter Days: Barbenheimer

 I finally did it. I finslly watched the "Barbie" movie. ...No, not the crappy CGI ones that were a part of every 2000s kids' childhoods (mine included). But the latest one that released alongside another movie that has since caused a merge in names (hence the title of this blog). We had 2 generations of Barbie doll collectors in the theater (Gen 1 being my aunt and mom, the second being me), and all of us had high hopes for the movie, I know I did. So let's dive into how that went.

I wound up missing a few seconds of the opening because SOME people (not gonna point any fingers) were taking their sweet time ordering lemonade and popcorn while chatting up the employees at concessions. Once we *slowly* got to our theater room, our eyes were quickly drawn to every girl's dream world that is "Barbieland." Barbieland is just what it sounds like, everything is pink and all the neighborhoods are lined up with pretty much every dream house you can think of. If Mattel made it, it was in Barbieland. Even I recognized a couple of the playsets referenced in the movie, like Barbie's dreamhouse, which was just an all pink version of the 2018 dreamhouse I bought off Marketplace a few months ago. 

Every Barbie in this pink eutopia has their own role like how it is in the depressing world we live in today. One Barbie could be President, another could be a lifeguard, there was even an ALL WOMEN SUPREME COURT in Barbieland (God, I wish we had that here). We're introduced to our main... Character? Doll? Idk what to call it. Her doll name is "Stereotypical Barbie" but we're just gonna call her Barbie for the sake of this post. Her role in Barbieland is what you'd expect. Popular girl living in this luxury dreamhouse, has lots of friends, the one guy has a crush on her but she doesn't feel the same way. Oh yeah, Scott Pilgrim is in this movie too, but he goes by Allen this time around. 

When Barbie finds out that she isn't "perfect" anymore, she needs to venture into the real world to find her human and make things right. Alright, good story so far. Human is sad, so it affects Barbie in some way. Unfortunately for her, Ken tags along, much to her dismay. The two dolls find their way to LA, in hopes to find answers to Barbie's current situation. Various antics ensue after that with a good bit of comedy thrown into the mix. 

I thought the movie was really great. One of dad's concerns was that it would be "just another movie to sell toys." But it was much more than that. The musical numbers were great, the pacing was great, everything about it was...Well... Great. To end this off, I highly recommend seeing this film while it's still in theaters (apparently my best friend thought it was so good he's seen it 3 times). Barbenheimer gets a good ol (9.5\10)

BONUS AI COVER! 

Daddy Daughter Days: Why...

 I never thought I'd regret getting a sound chip for one of my Build a Bears, but I do.

So Build a Bear just released their latest Pokémon, Sprigatito! Who just so happens to be my starter in Pokemon Scarlett. 

The store had a fresh stock of these green cats so I picked one out, making sure to check that the face wasn't off model or anything before stuffing. I asked the employee if they had any of the 6-in-one sound chips. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case, but the employee said they could record a sound off their phone. So we agreed to that. The sound wound up being Sprigatito covering 2018's "Despacito" (Remember THAT earworm, dad?) 

I put all my shopping bags in the trunk of the car after my aunt and I finished our trip to the mall, and we were stopping at McDonald's on the way home since we had to return a lamp thanks to it being a potential fire hazard. But every time we would hit a speed bump, Sprigatito would start singing. We thought it was pretty funny, for me that only lasted for a short period of time. 

The entire car ride home, we would hear the grass type Pokémon singing Despacito over... And over...AND OVER AGAIN!!!!

Maybe in the future I can take it back to the store and have the box removed. I hear some stores do that. 

Daddy Daughter Days: "Guilty Until Proven Innocent" Says The Internet

 There's been some controversy going around in regards to a small animator on YouTube. Someone made a REALLY good animated Scooby Doo short in the style of Rankin Bass. 

I've seen clips online, and it looks AMAZING! Neither of us are Scooby fans, but you've gotta give credit where credit is due here when I saw that everything in this video is right on par with what a normal Scooby Doo episode would be... If it were crossed over with FNAF of course. However, with such greatness, comes great controversy.

The creator admitted to using AI for some of the characters because like a lot of small animators, they can't afford to hire the actual VAs. His use of AI has gotten mixed reception, mostly negative. Even one of the original Scooby Doo actors is trying to get them blacklisted. Which, in my opinion, is a bit extreme. The animator CLEARLY stated he used AI for BUDGET REASONS and didn't have any ill intent behind it. Not everyone can afford voice actors, so us small creators have to cut corners sometimes, even if it means using AI.

Well, using AI and not paying actual voice talent is a big part of the current Actors' Union strike.  Hammering a small-time YouTube creator seems like an over-reaction. Maybe we should volunteer to record lines for this person?

Now all I can do is hope for a "drama free" day. Not guaranteed of course. 

OFFICIAL TEASER FOR "SCOTT PILGRIM ANIME!!!!!" 

Daddy Daughter Days: Another Downer

 Kits is down AGAIN and has been since yesterday. It seems to be working on my end now. I have some other forms of Camp Camp content coming to my YouTube channel soon. Also my best friend finally got back to me for the first time in 2 weeks so I've been filling him in on my current fixation. Turns out he used to be a huge fan back in high school! 

Maybe tomorrow night we could break out the sketch pads while I unload my haul? 

Daddy Daughter Days: Bittersweet

 Finally got another bite on a lot that has been up for sale for a long time. Still working out the dets right now. 

This morning, I remembered that today was a day that I would've celebrated since I was a die-hard KOTH fan at the time. It was sort of like my St. Campbell's Day. But I'm also a bit saddened as well. This will be the first time I quietly celebrate Joseph's birthday after the passing of Johnny Hardwick. 

Sad indeed.

Let's see if this potential buyer will actually follow through or not. If they do, I'll be getting $10 out of it. 

Daddy Daughter Days: NOW Are We Done?!

 I'm crossing my fingers (and toes) that this is the LAST time I have to redraw this reference sheet. 

Gonna go enlarge the ref I have for Gwen so hopefully designing HER sheet won't give me a hard time. 

Daddy Daughter Days: Not My BEST Work But....

 I'm a perfectionist, ok? 

I never thought I would touch Paint Tool.SAI again

Hopefully Gwen will be less of a challenge.