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sarahelizsnell
Reviews
Willow (2022)
The story of Willow continues in new entertaining, modern fantasy, adolescent-geared, Disney show!
I must preface this review by saying that the original film is an absolute classic and my favorite movie of all time. It is difficult to compare the new show to the original film; however, being a huge fan of the original story and characters has made this show exciting and even a blast to watch. While the script and characters are definitely more geared for a modern, 'teeny bopper', Disney-oriented audience, it still did not disappoint in the realm of fantasy, magic, love, friendship, human experience, and humor. Overall, I found that it is fun, entertaining, dramatic, and has tons of connections to the original film, which really keeps me most interested in watching it. I also thought that while the story and plot were pretty simple, they were also clever, especially in regards to Elora not knowing who she was and what she was capable of - and watching that discovery and growth unfold throughout the series. The new, distinct characters that go together on the quest, despite acting like awkward and maybe even annoying modern teenagers, are actually pretty fun/ny as well as those they meet along the way. I enjoyed seeing all of their interactions and growth throughout Season 1. Warwick Davis, as Willow, remains true to his original character. And I love how "what happened to Mad Mardigan" remains a mystery so that he is actually honored as a vital part of the new series without necessarily starring in it. While the series does not have the same vibe as the original film it is based on (especially with its more modernized, adolescent take), it is still a fun, creative, and entertaining way to keep the story going - and I am really hoping for and cannot wait for Season 2! Thank you, Disney and Lucasfilm for bringing the fantasy and magic of the story of Willow back into our lives!
Santa Clarita Diet (2017)
Absolutely hilarious + a lot of truth on family dynamics
This Netflix TV series is so funny, quirky, and downright good! Definitely geared for adult (somewhat dark) humor, it offers a wild and silly take on managing life as an American suburban family since Sheila, the mother (played so naturally by Drew Barrymore), has become undead. The adventures do not disppoint as the Hammond family navigates everything thrown their way while trying to live somewhat "normal" lives amongst the Big changes and new chaos in their lives, including becoming (not so good at it) murderers. If you can get past the gruesome and gory scenes (I found it best to have a sense of humor about them), it will be well worth it! Each show and each season gets better and better and season 3 had me laughing so hard my abs hurt during certain scenes. The characters and acting are fantastic! Drew and Timothy Olyphant have great chemistry as a devoted married couple/parent "team" - and Liv Hewson and Skyler Gisondo who play the two teens, badass daughter Abby and nervous, dorky, witty, smart, shy, hilarious neighbor friend, Eric, are totally phenomenol in it too!!
What is great about this show is that the writers do a brilliant job at highlighting the challenges - and beauty - of figuring out how to being supportive partners in a relationship despite life throwing drastic change curveballs (aka your wife turing into a man-eating zombie). It also highlights the challenges of parenting through such a time. It also simply demostrates the power of unconditional love. This show is even more heartwarming and profound than it appears - and the best part is getting quite a few laughs and surprises out of each episode all in the meantime! Thank you and hats off to the directors, writers and actors for pulling this off so well!
And of course I cannot fail to mention what a HUGE mistake it was that Netflix pulled the plug just after season 3*! Horrible decision after such a fabulous cliffhanger in S3. Still hoping they will figure out a way to pull it off! Netflix should absolutely commit to having a whole story be told when it makes its initial funding and contract decisions for any show, and especially for brilliant shows like this. I don't want to give away any spoilers so simply put, I know that S4 would prob be the best season yet if they could have just ended it after one more!- there are just too many good moments bound to come with where things left off (with Joel, Abby & Eric, Knights of Serbia, Gary, Anne, Mr Ball Legs, etc., etc.!). If Netflix won't, could another network? Could Victor Fresco make it into a final book? It would be SO GOOD. Regardless of how sad fans are that another season may not be coming, bravo to all who worked on this series for their brilliance, adventure, heartfelt discussions, human relationship explorations, and gore - so fun and sooooo killer!!!!
*(Still highly recommend even if Netflix left the story incomplete!!)
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)
Brilliant
This film is brillant. Brilliantly written, brilliantly played. I was never a Nicholas Cage fan... until now. And Pedro Pascal is such an amazing actor in it as well. The duo! You cannot help but just laugh and laugh along Cage's "meta" unbearable weight of massive talent adventure! So brilliant, so good.
The Mandalorian (2019)
Epic Series, Epic Characters! An absolute classic!
This show has made me and my husband fall (deeper) in love with Star Wars all over again.
Every episode is exciting to watch. The stories/adventures of the Mandalorian and baby yoda child really keep you on the edge of your seat and are very captivating, enthralling, entertaining, and nail-biting good.
Each episode always kicks off with a heartbeating intro accompanied by a fantastic original score of music that makes you feel so excited for what is to come. The music is genius-ly composed and brilliantly enhances the drama/action of every scene.
The characters. I believe one of the main reasons this series is so successful is because of how like-able the main characters are. The Mandalorian and Baby Yoda are so easy to fall in love with and care about (thanks to great casting choice of Pedro Pascal and his wonderful take on the character). All the other characters have lived up to original Star Wars quality.
I was sad when Season 2 came to an end (a bit of a dramatic end if you will), and am not sure how I will be able to wait a whole nother year for Season 3.
Keep up the good work, Mandalorian production team! You made 2020 a little better :)
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Cheeseball, uber drama, drags on - doesn't do WW justice!
I just watched this and I've got to say, I suffered to get through it. Super cheesy the whole time, uber dramatic scenes and music that did not fit the (lack of) quality of the scenes, story drug on, just kinda "ugh"..
Maybe if I had read the comics I would have appreciated it (a tad) more, although I hear from comic fans that WW84 did not capture the true essence of Ambassador Diana due to the lovesick character she had to portray in this narrative?
Maybe they will give WW a third chance? Not sure I will until I read decent reviews on the third first. This was just too painful lol. I liked the first one though! I believe that both the writing and directing truly suffered on this one. Its just crazy how many hundreds of millions they spent for what became of it... There is so much talent out there- just gotta tap into the right production folks and perhaps let go of the idea of trying too hard to impress rather than simply, yet creatively, getting back to the basics maybe? IDK.
I will root for a really good and fun third sequel- to make up for it and do Wonder Woman justice. Gadot was a good pick to play Diana and deserves a third to shine.