lisichichi Reviews

The Last of Us: Infected (2023) Season 1, Episode 2

Delivers 100% on the promise of E1

[10/10 · 23 January 2023]

E1 managed to establish and introduce us into the world of TLOU in a way which I didn't think was possible. It was a great setup and a promise of the adventure to come. And oh boy, does it deliver on that promise.

The beginning of E2 yet again illustrates the hopelessness of the pandemic. I got goosebumps from the last scene from the prologue.

The set design in the episode itself is literally insane. You feel completely immersed in the world and the look and lightning of some scenes is, in the best way, unbelievably game-like. And then, one of the biggest highlights of the episode - the Clickers. I watched every damn season of The Walking Dead and the walkers don't even play in the same universe. It's impressive how well the terror of the Clickers translates from game to show. Even if you don't have the interactiveness of the game here, the Clickers still feel like one of the creepiest and most dangerous things I've ever seen on screen.

The only negative thing I can say about this? It was too short. I cannot wait until next week.

The Last of Us: When You're Lost in the Darkness (2023) Season 1, Episode 1

Immaculate work

[10/10 · 16 January 2023]

It's very, very hard to match the atmosphere of the The Last of Us games. On the one hand, you have this hopeless and brutal world which only allows humans to survive, not thrive or really live. But on the other hand, you have Ellies sassiness, Joel being the ultimate dad while being a total badass and also the beauty of this postapocalyptic world which sometimes shows through the cracks of this horrible new reality.

And when I tell you this episode was spot on for conveying exactly that feeling, I'm not exaggerating. Everyone involved did a fantastic job, the atmosphere is immaculate, the cinematography is beautiful and the score underlines every scene beautifully. I played the games and I know what will happen, but my heart was beating so fast while watching this. A first episode that couldn't have been better. Can't wait for the next episode.

The Walking Dead: Outpost 22 (2022) Season 11, Episode 21

Make it stop... please

[1/10 · 1 November 2022]

This was honestly the worst thing I had to watch in a long time. The dialogue is horrible, I feel like the writers have no idea how to create remotely interesting character dynamics anymore. There are tons of scenes that are completely unnecessary - Rosita dislocating her shoulder, why? Maggies endless struggle with the child walker, do we really need to characterize Maggie three episodes before the end? The convo between Gabe and the soldier, I really couldn't care less about a random dude I've never seen before.

There are also more plotholes than I could count, starting with the Commonwealth soldier in the truck with Maggie and Co. Sleeping (???) and ending with Rosita and Gabe awakening in the middle of the forest even though they jumped out of the car onto the street?

At this point, I really don't care anymore. It's sad what TWD has become.

Stranger Things: Chapter Four: Dear Billy (2022) Season 4, Episode 4

I'm still here

[10/10 · 31 May 2022]

Ladies and gentlemen, SADIE SINK. What. An. Episode. There are possibly shows that would fill an entire season with the stuff that is happening here. We got the Shutter-Islandish Nancy and Robin part which I loved, the action movie happening in California and the plot in Hawkins which was simply amazing. I don't know how else to describe what I just witnessed. I was captivated, I laughed, I happy-cryed (the scene between Will and Mike!), I sad-cried and I gripped the couch in awe of how well the story in this episode is told.

Everything about this was top notch, from the action to the music choice to the visuals.

Stranger Things season 4 continues to be one of the best series streaming at the moment.

Stranger Things: Chapter Three: The Monster and the Superhero (2022) Season 4, Episode 3

Setup, but Duffer Brothers style

[8/10 · 31 May 2022]

This season continues to fill every episode with suspense and horror while never losing its signature humor and love for the characters.

Again - great character moments, especially for Nancy and Robin, Lucas and also Steve. This is, and this becomes especially prominent towards the end, a huge setup of what's to come, but it doesn't feel like this is a filler to delay the payoff. So much is happening, many things are revealed but even more are about to happen. I am excited!

Stranger Things: Chapter Two: Vecna's Curse (2022) Season 4, Episode 2

Didn't like the bullying, the rest is still going strong

[7/10 · 30 May 2022]

I know that this will all come together in the end, but the things that Happen to El this episode were too much to be the least enjoyable. I often felt uncomfortable during ST, but never in this way, always in a spooked kinda way... The rest was great, love the dynamic of the group in Hawkins and also that Nancy gets to investigate again. I'm also curious if they are gonna continue this body horror thingy in the next episodes, definitely very spooky and well done.

Stranger Things: Chapter One: The Hellfire Club (2022) Season 4, Episode 1

One of the best starts of a season I ever saw

[10/10 · 27 May 2022]

Honestly, I was a bit demotivated to pick up Stranger Things again. It's been a looong time since S3, I couldn't remember a thing, and I just wasn't sure if the show would be able to get me again.

But oh boy, the Duffer Brothers know what they are doing. This was great. After the pre-intro-scene (which was cool), ST instantly showed the viewer why we watch this: our characters feel much more mature, but I didn't feel like they are strangers. There are interesting new dynamics, an amazing 80s vibe and lots and lots of stuff to uncover.

Overall a really great episode, definitely leaves you wanting more!

Uncharted (2022)

Not as bad as you think, not as good as it could've been

[7/10 · 20 February 2022]

First of all: This movie gets a lot of criticism it does deserve, and, in my opinion, even more that it doesn't deserve.

I am not an Uncharted-Mega-Fan that can recite every dialogue it knows the precise story of every game, but I played every single one and love all of them. They just have this amazing atmosphere that absorbs you into the game, with great humor, badass characters and stunning visuals.

Well, the movie nails a few of this aspects. Against all criticism, I think Holland ist a great young Nate. He has the charme, the humor and even the look to be a younger Nathan Drake. The thing most people forget is that in the games, Nate is a mass-murdering thief that steals precious relicts and destroys ancient temples. He's not much of a likeable character, but he becomes one when we play him. It's a challenge to portray him well in the movies. And Holland did that.

I also liked the casting choice for Chloe. The only fail is Mark Wahlberg, as usual.

This movie has action, it has riddles, it has over the top action scenes and it has humor. So, I guess when you're a hardcore Uncharted Fan or when you need to question the logic behind every scene, this movie is not for you. But if you're looking for a fun and entertaining way to spend two hours of your life, go for it. You won't be disappointed.

Yellowjackets (2021– )

Pulls you in

[8/10 · 8 February 2022]

I gotta admit, when I watched the first few episodes, I was sceptical. Because Yellowjackets mixes genres that don't fit together: we have coming-of-age, teen romance, murder mystery and horror elements and the whole time I asked myself: Who the hell is the target audience? Turns out, me.

Once you accept that this series transcends genres, you have to appreciate how well it weaves together all the themes of friendship, love, grief and mental illness, just to name a few. The performances of all the lead characters (old AND young) are completely convincing and manage to pull you into their life. You never know where the storyline goes next, and that's something I really appreciate about Yellowjackets. The look is great, the characters (especially Misty) are complex and interesting and the writing of the show with much attention to details is what I would like to see more often in modern television. I like where the direction of the series and I just hope that they won't drag it out for season after season.

One of the few things that I didn't like was the end of the first season. Too many questions are just left in the open, without giving any satisfaction for the audience. Nevertheless, I'm very curious of what awaits us in the second season!

Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020)

Deeply moving

[10/10 · 13 January 2022]

This is the kind of movie which is brutally honest and important, but those who really need to see the issues presented in this movie will either not watch this piece or will discard it as oh and now all men are evil?. I'm 25, and the whole time I was on the edge of my seat. Feeling for Autumn, fearing for her and hoping the best for her.

What's very special about this movie is that it uses few words, but still tells so so much. I guess you could call it a silent understanding, to which the amazing performances by everyone involved, but especially of Autumn and Skylar contribute.

For me, this is a must see for women and men, old and young, rich and poor. An important movie for ages.

Prisoners (2013)

A somehow widely unknown gem

[10/10 · 10 December 2021]

Prisoners is one of my all time favorite movies, and that's not only because it was one of the first cinema experiences that blew me away as a teen.

The pacing is on point, and for me, tempo is one of the key elements of a well done psychological thriller. Then, the characters - one of my favorite perfomances by Jake Gyllenhaal ever. Haus character doesn't get much backstory (at least on screen), but Gyllenhaal gives Loki an amazing depth. And Hugh Jackman, I think that masterpiece of acting doesn't even need further explanation.

What I also love is the atmosphere. The cold and unforgiving weather underlines how uncomfortable the situation gets as the movie progresses. Beautifully directed by the genius that is Denis Villeneuve.

The topic of vigilante justice is one that the film portrays stunningly, without pulling the viewer to a certain side, always feeling for both sides of the story. Also, the religious topic is handled in a very interesting manner.

And the ending - i love it. In my Top 5 movie endings of all time.

Love Hard (2021)

Fun romcom without the rom

[6/10 · 12 November 2021]

Love Hard was an entertaining movie, much more so than I thought. It has funny one-liners, references to other christmas movies and an overall nice story (although catfishing is not presented as the crime it us but... let's accept that for the sake of the movie) Well, the only serious problem I had was that the main characters have zero, and I really mean Z E R O chemistry. Honestly, they would make for great friends at the end of the movie. But the just force a romantic ending for them, because, well, it's supposed to be a romcom, right?

The ending just doesn't feel coherent and right, and that's a real bummer, because I feel this movie had potential to tell a different, more realistic ending.

Midnight Mass: Book VII: Revelation (2021) Season 1, Episode 7

A flawless finale

[10/10 · 7 October 2021]

Wow, just wow.

Before watching this episode, I hadn't any expectations about how Flanagan could possibly end this show. And still, this finale felt perfect.

The atmosphere on the island reaches its climax, I was so invested in all of our characters and on the edge of my seat how their story would end.

And I cried. Without spoiling, the scene with Erin and the flashback hit me so unexpected, the tears just came.

A beautiful end to an amazing, unconventional tv show unlike any other I have watched.

Thank you, Mike Flanagan.

Midnight Mass (2021)

An intense slow burn - but not for everyone

[8/10 · 6 October 2021]

Unsure if you should watch Midnight Mass? Answer the following questions: 1. Do you like to be on your phone while watching Netflix?

2. Are you easily bored by (very) long dialogues or do you think that a show needs constant action to be good?

3. Do you dislike to engage yourself in deep and complex theories and beliefs about human life in general?

If you answer any of those questions with yes, Midnight Mass is most likely not the show for you. And that's alright. But to call this show boring, that's just insane.

Mike Flanagan delivers an incomparable tv series unlike anything I have ever seen before. The acting ist superb, the atmosphere is intense and the characters on Crockett Island all feel real. And I can't praise the writing of the show enough. It's a very clever constructed show which uses little hints and moments to ultimately lead to the final disaster.

Everyone who is able to answer the above mentioned three questions with No, give this show a shot. You won't regret it.

Midnight Mass: Book III: Proverbs (2021) Season 1, Episode 3

A great mix

[9/10 · 5 October 2021]

Midnight Mass continues to be an extraordinary series in this episode!

Hamish Linklater is AMAZING. I am by no means a religious person, but how he delivers his lines in the church is so gripping, it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I loved the great moments between Rileys parents, Leeza and Rileys brother and especially between Erin and Riley himself. Mike Flanagan makes the characters feel so real, I really care about them after just 3 episodes.

The mixture of this nice moments with the growing mystery is definitely intriguing, what a great show (if you have the patience to appreciate this slow burn)!

Midnight Mass: Book II: Psalms (2021) Season 1, Episode 2

Slow, but intense burn

[9/10 · 29 September 2021]

Just had to write a review after finishing this episode 5 minutes ago. Rileys monologoue while talking to Father Paul is amazingly written and delivered.

Also, the episode sets a great mood for whats about to happen. Can't wait to watch the rest, loving it so far!

Fear Street: Part Two - 1978 (2021)

Better, but still a frustrating watch

[6/10 · 12 July 2021]

Yes, Fear Street Part 2 is most definetly better than the horrible (not in a good way) first part.

I liked the characters and the setting in the camp was very well done. But, overall, there were some things that made me absolutely mad: 1. The children at this camp poop through a hole in the ground DIRECTLY into this cave, and NOBODY ever found that, idk, weird? Well, I certainly did.

2. The scene in the mall. Like, okay, the mall was built on the campside. But the hand is buried not even a meter deep there? Are u kidding me?!

3. Nobody ever noticed the gigantic cave system underneath the dining hall? C'mon...

Besides that, I liked this second part and am now excited to watch part three, although it looked like a direct copy of The VVitch (which would be a great tonality for the last part).

Fear Street: Part One - 1994 (2021)

Doesn't know what it wants to be

[2/10 · 3 July 2021]

As I loved to read the Fear Street books growing up, I was quite excited to watch this movie, although sceptical.

Well, the sceptic in me proved me right.

The first 10 minutes or so are solid, but then it turns into absolute garbage. What bothered me most was that the movie didn't seem to could decide on a tonality. It's okay to have a slasher with comedy, but it's not okay to be brutally earnest in the one scene and try to pull some (unfunny) jokes in the next. That doesn't work, at least not for me.

The characters are mostly unlikeable, the soundtrack sounds like a broken jukebox and there were at least (!) fifteen times I wanted to either stop watching or bang my head against the nearest wall. The characters were really THAT dumb.

Sorry to be this harsh, but this movie isn't funny, it isn't scary and it builds zero atmosphere. A big letdown, sorry not sorry Netflix.

Every Day (2018)

Suprisingly good

[8/10 · 14 April 2020]

I have to say, it's been a while since I've read the book. As the premisse is kinda crazy and not easy to get a grip of, I expected nothing. Just because of the simple reason that in movies, you can't show the inner life of a character as much.

But, in my opinion, the movie did a great job of it. Instead of trying to fit it all in, like they do in many adaptations of teen-books, they focused on the core of the story: Can you love someone just for their character, no matter how he or she looks?

I really liked the movie and would absolutely recommend to give it a shot! It isn't as bad as some here pretend it is.

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

Totally unexpected

[10/10 · 19 February 2020]

I would've never watched this show, if my favorite podcast hadn't recommended it. For me, the title of the series was too generic, like every basic and boring horror movie, and so I wasn't interested AT ALL. But when I gave it a chance, it sucked me in from the very first episode. This series gives their characters a depth which most Drama series fail to do. It's scary and it's heartbreaking. Totally not what I expected it to be. Best horror series I've ever seen! Got me totally addicted.

Uncut Gems (2019)

I really don't know

[7/10 · 6 February 2020]

I have no idea what this movie was. I'm just gonna appreciate the silence of my room for a while now.

The Mandalorian (2019– )

How overhyped...

[4/10 · 2 February 2020]

First things first, the visuals are cool, very cool. And this is the only reason I gave four stars here. For the rest: Are you kidding me? I really don't get how one can honestly give this show more than 5 stars. There isn't even a story! And I watched the whole eight episodes. Every episode I waited for some Kind of character development or the slightest hint of a plot. But no, there's nothing.

I am honestly a bit shocked by how good the reviews here are. This show gives nothing new, besides a whole lot of Baby Yoda memes. Disney created a character which is the wet dream of everyone who wants to gain billions of dollars by selling merchandise. I can't even like Baby Yoda because it All feels to calculated by Disney to make profit. They really do destroy the world of movies and shows when people believe this is high quality entertainment.

I'm really angry at this show. Still can't believe this high rating and the hype around it.

Looking for Alaska (2019)

I wanna stay there... forever

[10/10 · 5 January 2020]

As someone who read the book a really long time ago, i didn't remember much of the story, just the basic outline. When I started the first episode, I immidiately felt the vibe I got when reading the book. For me, this series feels like a perfect adaptation, whilst still functioning on its on. I'm not done with it yet, but by episode 3, the series accomplishes to find the balance between fun and more serious topics, which sets a unique atmosphere that really got me. I can't recommend this series enough. I'm totally in love!

Tall Girl (2019)

Pretending

[1/10 · 21 September 2019]

You could say that, with a height of 1.81m, i would be the targeted audience for this movie. But, here comes the big BUT.

In general i like the message this movie is trying to communicate. But the way it does this or TRIES to do this is horrible.

The whole story is failing to be believeable at all. Besides Jodie, there is not really a character that you like. Maybe her best friend, but that's really it. The story tries really hard to be thoughtfull and give everyone a good feeling, but it just didn't got to me. Felt like the movie was pretending to be something really deep when it wasn't even touching the surface of being a tall girl.

Interstellar (2014)

Brutally saddening yet wonderful

[10/10 · 20 September 2019]

The best movies make you feel something. What this movie did to me was crazy. It made me feel love, hate, hope, sadness, all at the same time. A true masterpiece.