The Pig, The Snake and the Pigeon & Patchwork Pals

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Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review, where this week we slither into our Top 5 Snakes in movies and TV, and shed our skins with two slinky features: the gritty 2023 Hong Kong action flick The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon, and a far more family-friendly offering in Patchwork Pals.

Top 5 Snakes in Film & TV

1. Kaa – The Jungle Book (1967/2016)
   Hypnotic eyes, silky voice, and a penchant for wrapping himself around unsuspecting jungle creatures—Kaa is the ultimate slithering villain. Whether voiced by Sterling Holloway or Scarlett Johansson, he leaves a lasting impression.
2. Nagini – Harry Potter series
   Voldemort’s devoted reptilian sidekick and eventual Horcrux, Nagini is both a terrifying presence and a tragic figure with a deeper backstory revealed in Fantastic Beasts.
3. Snake Plissken – Escape from New York (1981)
   OK, not a literal snake—but Kurt Russell’s eye-patched anti-hero is too iconic to leave off. He’s venomous in attitude if not species.
4. The Basilisk – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
   A giant snake living in Hogwarts’ plumbing system? Sure. Just don’t look it in the eyes.
5. Sir Hiss – Disney’s Robin Hood (1973)
   This snooty, sycophantic serpent floats around in a basket and gets on everyone’s nerves—just the sort of snake you love to hiss at.

Main Feature: The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon (2023)

Directed by Wong Ching-po, this brutal neo-noir action thriller tells the story of Mok, a terminally ill gangster who finds out he has only days to live. With nothing left to lose, he sets out on a violent spree to go out in a blaze of infamy. But as his legend grows, so does the bounty on his head—and he becomes prey for a series of contract killers with styles as flamboyant as they are deadly.

With its hyper-stylized violence, morally bankrupt characters, and pitch-black humour, this one is not for the faint of heart. It’s a fever dream of bloodshed, masculinity, and fatalism, with moments that almost border on the surreal. The action choreography is tight, the visuals are stylish, and the tone walks a fine line between grindhouse and art film. There are snakes here—not just the metaphorical kind—and they’re not easy to charm.

Kids TV: Patchwork Pals

In need of something to balance out the darkness? Enter Patchwork Pals, the gentle animated show aimed at preschoolers. Each short episode centres on a different soft toy animal who has a problem—and must find a creative, cooperative solution. The snake in Patchwork Pals is a colourful, friendly creature who isn't scary at all—just a bit stuck and in need of help from their pals.

Wholesome, sweet, and ideal for very young viewers, it’s the kind of thing that soothes minds and teaches emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and kindness.

Whether you’re charmed or chilled, this week’s show is full of bite. 🐍💥👶🎬

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Until next time, we remain...

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