Popcorn_Punch Reviews

The Brothers Sun (2024)

Great action and superb cast

[8/10 · 11 March 2024]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series. I decided to check it out because Michelle Yeoh is in it, but the entire cast is amazing. I haven't seen Justin Chien in anything prior to this, but he was meant for the role of Charles "Chair leg" Sun. As expected, Michelle Yeoh shines as Mama Sun. Sam Li plays Bruce, the younger brother of Charles. While his character got a tad annoying at the end, Li's overall performance was great. Other standouts include Alice Hewkin, and Jon Xue Zhang. Although the writing is a little corny at times, it does not distract from the story or ruin the quality of the series. Fans of John Wick will enjoy the well choreographed action sequences, while doses of humour and emotion round out the show. I'm disappointed that Netflix didn't renew this for a second season.

Death and Other Details (2024)

Death and Disappointment

[5/10 · 1 March 2024]

I wanted to like this show. I love murder mysteries and I wanted something to fill the between-seasons void of Only Murders in the Building. Unfortunately, Death and Other Details is not it. For starters, the protagonist is a selfish, self-centred, privileged brat who you find yourself rooting against. It's so blatant that even the other characters call her out on it. The amateur writing is evident in the dialogue that often contradicts that of the characters. What also destroys the potential of this series is the constant repetition of scenes. Flashbacks are one thing, but they often show you large chunks of the same scene two or three times and sometimes in the same episode. At eight episodes in, I find myself hoping the villain just murders them all and calls it a day. It is clear that they tried to make this show clever, but it's poorly executed and sloppy. There are some great actors in the series (Mandy Patinkin, Rahul Kohli, Linda Emond, Karoline), it's just a shame that their talent is wasted on this sinking ship.

A Private Affair (2022)

A disappointment

[5/10 · 8 October 2022]

I wanted to like this series, but it just wasn't possible. The daughter of a well regarded police detective and the sister of the police commissioner who wants to prove that she's just as good as any male police detective, sets out to solve a murder case. Unfortunately, she makes one bad decision after another and repeatedly puts her own life and the lives of others in danger. In fact, the real police would probably solve the case faster if they weren't having to rescue her every episode. She's supposed to be clever, but her cockiness and inexperience make her unlikeable. The story also drags and could easily be wrapped up in five episodes. If stupidity annoys you, pass on this one.

The Silent Sea (2021)

Entertaining series with great actors

[8/10 · 29 December 2021]

I understand differing tastes and opinions, but for those who rated this series less than 5 stars - did you actually watch it?! The concept is a good (and frightening) one. The acting is fantastic. If you're like me and learned from Squid Game, you watched this in the original Korean with English subtitles. It improved the quality of the series. The problem with the series was with the execution of the concept. It started with an exciting pace and then lagged greatly in other episodes. It would also have been nice to see more background into some of the key characters. Not a perfect series, but definitely entertaining and far better than some of the other sci-fi shows out there.

Only Murders in the Building (2021– )

A great murder mystery series

[9/10 · 21 October 2021]

This is the best series I've watched in a long time! If you love murder mysteries, comedies and a stellar cast, this one's for you. Steve Martin as dried up actor, Charles Hayden-Savage and Martin Short as disgraced director, Oliver Putnam, play off of each other beautifully and provide some legit LOL moments in season one. At first, Selena Gomez seemed like an odd choice. But she grows on you as she accurately portrays the depressed and cynical millennial, Mabel Mora. The series isn't perfect though. For instance, true crime aficionados who keep touching vital evidence without gloves will make you cringe. Also, the choice of narrator for each episode doesn't always make sense. However, the writing and the acting are the best I've seen in a long time. The quality makes me think of a blockbuster film rather than a 30 minute show. Everyone has their own tastes and opinion, but if you are the type of person who appreciates great writing, talented actors or just a cozy mystery, you'll enjoy Only Murders in the Building.