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Isanghan byeonhosa Woo Young-woo (2022)
Adorable, sweet, thoughtful and wholesome
OK, let's talk about the Whale in the Sea. Autisic Spetrum Disorder does display differently in all those who have it, and while this is not Rain Man, it does use some genius/awkward tropes. However, this is not real and these attributes help to make the story.
It is the subtlties that made me enjoy the series so much. How Woo Young-Woo's various relationships begin and flourish (or not). The lead actor plays the part very well, the little movements, her walk, her fingers and glances. I did watch this dubbed so cannot comment on her voice, altho the voice actor felt a little loud at times which compared to the original audio was jarring.
I loved the different personalities, even the co-workers who ended up warming to Young-Woo. I really enjoyed the two throw away episodes when everyone including her BFF and chef friend get to go to Jeju Island! There have been some thoughtful moments where the show gently discusses gender inequality, intellectual disability, illness, doing what is right and family which I thought were well done.
I am sort of glad came across this show a year late as this means season 2 should be out this year and I didn't have that long to wait!
Can I also mention Jun-Ho? Nice, sometimes too polite, kind and almost puppy dog sweetness. The actor has gone to do his national service so I look forward to this fictional romance coming back.
The Creator (2023)
Pretty good (in comparison)
As the film came out, critic reviews didn't like the 3rd act but loved everything else. And to be fair, that did put me off. It's taken me 3 months since release to watch it.
I love the cinematography, the world building (that didn't need 30 mins of history yet still gave you enough information about the status of world politics), a quick background on Joshua (I find him pretty wooden, sorry). The actor Voyles, is amazing - and she was 7 when she filmed this! Many films write too much verbose dialogue for their child actors and it makes them annoying, where as Alphie has just enough to say and comes across as childlike even while being so powerful.
Yes there are plot holes and strange actions which probably wouldn't happen (you can read the other reviews that point them out), however compared to Rebel Moon which I watched this week too, this is by far so much well written, filmed and acted (Voyles was SEVEN!)
Some of the storyline could be guessed ahead of it happening, which may spoil it for some people but compared to some other recent film (futuristic and not), it was enjoyable and didn't feel like its 2+hours.
That may not be the best reasons for recommendations for you, but I would ask that you give it a shot. I will be waiting for Gareth Edwards' next film.
Physical: 100 (2023)
Wowzers, it's so exciting
Who else is fed up of "reality" game shows where people don't do anything? Me. This is about being competitive and physical (obvs), and it doesn't (appear) to matter their sporting speciality. There weightlifters, athletes and gym influences.
What is really unique are the Korean competitors (and the population stereotypes) and how sporting everyone is. There is a lot of compliments and gracious winning/losing.
There are some amazing physiques (check out the backs, lats and calves!) and skills. You cannot take some different builds for granted. It was also wonderful to see lots of top women involved too. I did feel a little sad that losers felt that they had to work out more as I think each player were great but lost due to a difference in fighting styles and techniques.
The only thing I really didn't like is the short repetitive clips.
There will be a second series so I hope that they mix up the types of quests so cover upper and lower body strength. The use of MMA fighters is cool but felt like it was one up on all the others cos they really could hurt. Also, flexibility, balance and agility could also be considered as it relies heavily on height (lifting barrels over, having a wide enough arm span to hold a boulder) and brute strength or overall body weight (tug of war, pulling).
If you like this, try out The Devil's Plan, where it's all about strategy/intelligence.
Alone UK (2023)
I cannot give 0 stars
Alone US (the original) has a group of people who make their living on survival, hunting and living off the land. I've watched them all, and even the Australian spin off (which was a little disappointing as a first season goes). While this is filmed in the same location and has the same title...the contestants are just people off the street! What a waste of time. We've seen on 10 American seasons where people have lasted into the heavy winter, made various shelters and even had moose meat so it is a completely different show when you have a group of Brits who have no experience. Not even someone from a Services or conservation/wildlife background. It's a rubbish Big Brother style, watch-them-eff-up show. How can you really prepare for living in a completely different climate, different wildlife and vegetation, with only 9 days worth of 'training'? It really is a waste of effort. I am sure that there are Brits out there who do have some similar skills. There are already shows that plop Bob from Down the Road into new countries, but if you are using this franchise name, surely stick to the format? At least for the first series? Or how about filming it somewhere remove in the UK? Won't be as cold as Canada but it is about being able to sustain yourself. What a blooming shame. Also, there is an annoying ping sound that is over used throughout.
Masters of the Universe: Revelation: Poisoned Chalice (2021)
Err, what?
I was very excited about the trailer and wasn't sure if it was a reboot or follow on. Love the animation style which is very similar and a little more crisp.
There are few changes and developments which you expect. I don't mind the change of Cringer's voice or that he has more lines. What I was expecting is a little more Prince Adam. This could have been taken a drastic change of genre (aka Sabrina or Riverdale) or made Adam and Teela more of a buddy team thing. The way Teela becomes a gun for hire is a bit out of character and clumsy, and actually quite unlikeable especially with SMG doing the voice. Maybe it could have stayed the same but with an interweaving story of Adam and Skeletor's situation, with both parties trying to get to each other.
I'm sure many men are outraged at the thought of this being woke media, but I do think that this was a clumsy attempt at a new POV.
We've watched 2 episodes and I can't see us watching anymore, which is a real shame. This could have been so much better.
Nobody (2021)
Beautifully choreographed action from start to finish - for the EveryMan
Think of a suburban John Wicks, who somehow gets the attention of a Russian mobster. Lots of guns, punches and other bloody effects. A little more realistic in that Hutch gets injured and punched too, however this film runs at break neck speed. A simple storyline, well directed scenes, a normal dialogue (no try hard poetic ramblings or cheese), and good family values. We really enjoyed this and when Christopher Lloyd turned up, I did cheer. It can be boring to watch muscle bound henchmen throw punches without really hurting and this did feel more realistic. A Must See for this year!!!
ALSO: does anyone else want a spin off TV series following Harry and Dad?
New Amsterdam: This Is All I Need (2021)
It's TV so people chill out!
So NA has always pulled on heart strings and this one does it a couple of times. I think the reviewers who declared this episode "too woke" and were upset, haven't been racially profiled in their entitled lives. It's a thing and many people have to somehow be nice and polite when they are stopped and questioned for living their lives. I actually thought that using out of work bouncers was a good idea as they are trained to de-escalate situations and let's be fair, the police aren't trained as social workers either. It's an unfair power dynamic in a public hospital and I understand what the storyline was laying out. The bouncers might not even be seen in the next episode so chill out.
Debris: You Are Not Alone (2021)
Will this get any better or clearer?
I liked the idea of falling alien transport debris and could understand the the pilot doesn't want to give any answers at all. It makes sense that MI6 and CIA don't understand or know what is going on. However even within the pilot, it did feel like a sub par X-files. I also noticed that Finola Jones (MI6) says Bryan all the time and he actually only uses her name as an introduction - once I heard it, I couldn't help but keep hearing it. The pilot plot revolved around feelings and things moving and this one again has something similar. I do wonder why not EVERY metal object doesn't get pulled? The dialogue feels a bit laboured at times, so much so that we talked through most of both episodes. There are so many plot holes that don't seem to be answered or make sense - world continuity is off.
This episode focuses on some kind of cloning aspect and applause for David Alpay for playing all the different versions of Eric - the audition must have been tough. I am not sure how many episodes we'll keep watching, each episode seems to take a long time, but seeing as we're not allowed out....might be a couple more.
Shadow in the Cloud (2020)
Nothing actually happened
An hour and 23 and the plot could have been relayed in about two sentences. I was hoping that this was more about the women who played an essential part of WW2 with a more modern take that Maude is privy to classified plans to take down the enemy. But no, other than have to deal with misogynistic blokes on the plane she pushed herself on to, the twist that happened more than half way into the film was ok, but I did wonder how a leather bag (and woolly blankets) could protect a baby that almost never made a sound. I assume the horror tag in the genre was in reference to the bat like creatures but it made me more confused. There was no backstory about where they could have come from, nor was there any conclusion at the end when Maude punched the living lights out of one. It just felt that a creature was dumped into the story without much thought. I like Chloe as an actor (she was the reason why I wanted to watch it), didn't have a problem with the direction of the film (I liked the cut away scenes while Maude was in her cubby hole) but I think the story was awful and I recommend that you do something else with your time.
A Discovery of Witches (2018)
Not read the books, but didn't like it
I have heard good things and did watch up to S1 e4. I was struck with how Teresa Palmer looked and acted like a blonde Kirsten Stewart which was really strange. Her mannerisms such as her often open mouthed gasps and lack of overall facial expressions. I didn't mind at first and then couldn't unsee it, even when Diana was highly emotive in e4. The forbidden love aspect was the bit that really turned me off in the end. I found it a little too trite and had hoped for the chase (by all the other species) to have been more prominent and didn't need it yet. I mean they have only known each other for what feels like a couple of weeks and Diana declares love? I was intrigued about the lab and the genetic studies but that was a low down the list subplot which seemed to waste the tension. Also, seeing as Matthew is so old, he comes across a little at odds to how much life experience and knowledge he should have gained. Also, I found the dancing scene really cringe. I really wanted to enjoy this series but couldn't get pass some of the clunky acting/dialogue.
Bridgerton (2020)
A glow up on Regency romances
I read this book many years ago and can see why Julia Quinn's series would be made into a TV series. I am glad it has been developed a bit more as times have changed and character backstories have more depth. It's like the easy beach reads have had a 'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina' glow up. I have no issue with the diverse actors used, as they all act well, and the female characters while understanding their role in life (making good marriage connections and producing heirs), they mostly understand and strive for more. I like the use of modern music, dances and costuming, which together make the series feel modern. The broody rake-ish type is a bit repetitive and yet we still love that (plus Regé-Jean Page gets topless). Stand outs are Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury),Nicola Coughlan (Penelope) and Claudia Jessie (Eloise) are brilliant too
The Flight Attendant (2020)
Slick and manic at the same time
I wanted to see what Kaley Cuoco would do after a long running show and this is really different from TBBT. The style is sort of slick 1950's murder mysteries, but the acting is up to date. I'm on the 5th episode and the storyline has expanded the subplots as well as Kaley's Cassie storyline as well as backstory. It's fine/pleasant enough to watch, wouldn't consider it binge-worthy but I am still watching it and looking forward to seeing how the series ends
Raised by Wolves (2020)
It's strange and yet I'm still watching
I saw a trailer of androids raising humans and thought I would give it a go. It is actually more than that, a religious cult, some atheist interlopers and potential alien creatures. I am not really sure I'm watching this as each hour long episode feels an hour long. There is forward movement, the androids are interesting and several subplots. What I find more annoying is Campion who is a bit brat-ish considering that he is the sole survivor of the original children. TBH the android perspective is the interesting angle and I wonder if I will want to look forward to the next season. I don't think this is for everyone
Ted Lasso: All Apologies (2020)
Surprisingly good!
I thought this would be the usual fish out of water trope (American in the UK x no understanding of football) and was worried about a couple of the characters being one dimensional (the girlfriend, the poser footballer, the kit man) but I went immediately to the second episode. Each one has a mini story arch which shows a round development of character and relationships and it doesn't feel crammed in or lacking in realism. I enjoyed this series for it's humour and light as well as understanding how manipulative the bad guy ex-husband is without feeling that it was all played for laughs. Highly recommend even if you don't watch football
The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019)
It's fine
I have not watched any Dickens films (apart from films about a Christmas Carol) nor read his books so came into this kind of fresh. I am surprised that some people are surprised at the cast were not all white and sticking religiously to the original story as I have seen the film poster with Dev Patel, so was prepared. The trailer also shows a range of well known British actors. AND the film is not called the usual title. More clues about the adaptation.
The acting is good, nothing too strenuous, the subplots are fairly superficially covered (poverty, debtors jail, child labour) and I liked everyone's energy. I really liked the blind colour casting, and it didn't detract from the story telling.
Watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon with the kids
Why Women Kill (2019)
First episode down, will try one more I think
OK so I liked Desperate Housewives (before it got crazy) but didn't know it was created by same man. I like the style and yes the latest decade (P3) looks drab in comparison to the first two periods but hey, it's cos it's what we're living in this period. The female leads are strong if a little camp, reminding me of Death Becomes Her. Campy, bright, over the top which really is a superficial view of females (esp P2 Lucy Liu's storyline) and screams of not enough female writers in the process. I think it doesn't know whether to be camp or serious. And I think it could do both, check out how Killing Eve balances dark with moments of light. I will watch one more in the hope it finds it's pace.
Rocketman (2019)
A fabulous musical - just enjoy it for what it is
This is what a musical should be (I'm looking at you, La La Land)! A loose retelling of his life and people in it, hugely entertaining with big choreographed dance sequences. Don't care that it didn't stick to timelines (cos it's a film) or exact interactions (cos it's a film) because it's well-acted, well sung, the sex and drugs have been depicted far more gratuitously in tv shows like GoT and BBad so nothing at all shocking. Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, and other leads have great singing voices, while the child actors who play Elton at different ages look spookily similar. This is a jukebox musical and is miles better than Bohemian Rhapsody in comparison.
For those who have an interest in the more technical side of this soundtrack, please check out Switched on Pop's podcast episode from June of this year, it'll make you appreciate the music director's (son of 5th Beatle) work.
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)
Don't know anything about Pokemon so...
I think most of the time you don't need to know the entire book/comic/gamer history of a film if its been made well. I have not watch any of the anime or played the gameboy so hoped I would get caught up. It felt like we skipped to a place and time where almost every human had one pokemon companion (in another genre also called a familiar?!) and focussed on a new story. The animation looked crisp (and immensly cute), the story kind of has been told before with a police procedual thrown in. Ryan Reynolds always plays a fast talking cheeky chappy which was OK, not sure who else auditioned. Hated that Rita ora had a small part - she looked like she had to really really practice her lines.
Overall, even if you aren't a diehard fan I think you'll still enjoy it
Whose Line Is It Anyway? (1998)
Great show but can see why rating dropped
I remember watching this back in the day and loving the games. Rewatched the entire series for nostalgias sake. Living in the UK, I watched the original with Cliver Anderson hosting and his Dry Dry sense of humour keeping Colin, Ryan and other Brit comedians in sort of check.
With Drew, the show is still hilarious (was still crying with laughter over Stand/Sit/Bend and Helping Hands), but I could see that Drew Carey really wanted to be part of the gang and tried to get in as many games as possible. He didn't come across as less funny and a little douchy.
Also, when watching the last two seasons (7 & 8), it appeared that episodes filmed from very early seasons were aired. A few episodes from season 8 had been originally filmed from season 1! This must surely have been pure laziness by execs and the reason ratings dropped. Glad it's back on in its new iteration.