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The Shield (2002)
Best show of all time (maybe)
The shield is a masterpiece of a show, it is a complex study on greed, corruption, relationships and is in general, one of the most emotional shows i've ever seen. I haven't chosen between the shield and six feet under over which is my favourite show. The shield is a masterpiece. Season 5 is the greatest season of all time and season 7 is so extremely close, with the greatest stretch in tv history and the greatest episode i've ever seen (Family Meeting). It's shocking and brutal, but so absolutely enthralling to the point where you can't turn it off. I watched 16 EPISODES yesterday, not once was i bored. The shield is a must watch show and i recommend it for anyone who hasn't already or would like to again.
The Shield: Family Meeting (2008)
The best episode of all time
I don't even know what to say. This is the greatest
episode of all time.
I cried twice during this, once when Shane killed
himself and once in Vic's conclusion, something
about the finality of both characters ending really
hurt me. I felt connected to both of them and
watching their endings made me extremely sad.
So much happened in this episode and I only
finished it 10 minutes ago and haven't properly
gathered my thoughts. Shane's suicide/ 'family
meeting' is one of the highest peaks I have ever
seen. The emotion during it is insane.
Ronnie's arrest was hard to watch. Throughout the
whole episode, he thought he had a chance to get
out, a path to freedom and Vic lied to him. Watching
it all be ripped away from him was heartbreaking.
The 'he left a note' scene had me on the verge of
tears. It's such a sad reflection of Vic and Shane's
incredible dynamic, which is so complex and
compelling. Michael Chiklis' acting during not only
this scene, but basically the entire episode is
flawless. It's one of the most powerful performances
I've ever had the pleasure to witness.
Vic's conclusion made me cry again. The long zoom
on to him, towards his face is one of the greatest
moments in tv history. It portrays so much feeling
and emotion without the use of a single word, the
only noise being the person who walks past and the
buzzing light. It's a fitting ending to Vic and reminds me
of what Kavanaugh said in season 5 about the
ones with a heart (referring to Lem) always being the
people who get caught with the evidence, the ones
who are punished whilst the real villain, the person
who should be punished get away. I mostly cried at
seeing the photo of Vic and Lem. It's the only
member of the strike team whose photo he has on
his desk. It's kept alongside photos of his family
because Vic loved him like family. He's the only one
in the strike team whose memory hasn't been
tarnished, he remembers Lem as a good person and
misses him dearly.
Family Meeting is the best episode I've ever seen
10/10
Most emotional episode I've ever seen (All Alone is a
close 2nd)
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Not the best movie ever, by a long shot
Everything everywhere all at once is incredible overrated, yes it is a good film but it's nothing special. Winning 7 oscars is insane and i really didn't care for any of the characters. It is a fantasy film but it just felt so stale for a while yet so many people say it was so tense and incredible. I really wish i could've gotten more out of this film judging by how much other people like it. I understand how important it is towards Asian cinema but if you want good asian cinema, just watch something like Yi yi, a much better and well acted film.
Tldr:
Overrated, characters were not engaging for me and overall some acting performances weren't that good.
Whiplash (2014)
The best film i have ever watched
This film is the pinnacle of cinema and everyone should at some point in there life watch it. Whiplash is one of the most intense films i have ever watched and has stuck with me.
Synopsis:
Whiplash follows a promising young drummer called andrew neiman (miles teller) who makes it into studio band at shaffer conservatory school. This is where all the best musicians are. In that studio band, he has to deal with the abuse and psychological war from his teacher, terrence fletcher who is played by JK Simmons. From there, he has to battle through the problems as he works his way to being "one of the greats" and respected in the world of music.
That is the basic rundown yet this film is so much more in depth which i will try to explain.
1. The opening:
The opening of the film begins with neiman drumming while the camera slowly travels towards him, down a hall and through a door. This could be insinuating that somebody is watching him which is proven by how seconds later, JK Simmons enters the room.
The way this scene introduces us to Fletcher is perfect. He isn't full force abusive to neiman since he has just met him but we are shown some of his horrifying tendencies. This is demonstrated by how he leaves his jacket in the room when he leaves, comes back in which gives neiman some hope he may still want to hear him and then walks right back out.
2. The importance of the first band:
A few minutes after the opening scene, we are introduced to the band Neiman is in at that current time. In there is Tanner, a different drummer who will be set up for later in the film as a motive for Andrew to keep pushing to be the best he can be. In that same scene, Terrence Fletcher is seen outside the door of the ensemble, yet he doesn't enter, making Neiman less hopeful.
3. The entrance of studio band:
A few scenes later, in that same band room, Fletcher enters and the whole room falls silent. This shows how everything knows who he is and are intimidated but know what potential he could give them. He asks the band teacher if he can take over for a bit (showing authority) and requests for everyone to play there instruments one at a time. In his eyes, everyone sounds horrendous and he insults them for whatever he can think of. He goes through everyone and is mostly disappointed until he gets to the drums. JK Simmons' character asks Neiman to play since he is on the drums at the time and then cuts him off, swapping him with Tanner to play. He begins to walk away and all hope is lost for Andrew and everyone else until he calls for the drummer to come with him. Tanner stands up, proud of himself but is told to sit back down because Fletcher sees the potential in Neiman.
This scene is extremely good since it sets up this almost rivalry between Tanner and Andrew but also presents Fletcher in a more negative light leaning towards his more extreme side.
Fletcher tells Neiman to be at a certain room at a certain time, on the dot.
That is all i can be bothered to type right now but i urge you to watch whiplash and to experience the magic of it.
The Outsiders (1983)
Mid
This film is alright at most.
1. The pacing, especially towards the end, is ridiculously bad compared to the book, it is one of those films where just thing happens then thing happens with no development. An example of this is the ambulance scene which in the book is roughly 2 pages and goes much deeper than the film which is LITERALLY 15 seconds.
2. The potential was massive. This film is directed by Francis Ford Coppola, you know the same guy that made all the godfather films. It could have been great but some poor acting, dissapointing delivery of lines and lack luster pacing, it is ruined.
3. Johhny's death is so bad. He just opens his mouth and dies, there is no buildup and you actually forget he's dead for a bit because it almost feels like a joke or a gag because of how bad the acting is. There are no emotions on characters except for dally.
The singular redeeming quality
Dally. Dally is the saving grace of this film and without him it would be a 4 out of 10 film. His character can somewhat deliver lines and has more emotional scenes compared to other characters who are just completely and utterly emotionless. His character also may be the only thing that moves the plot forward in a narratively fitting way despite being somewhat trashed by again the DISGUSTINGLY bad pacing.
There are also some pretty decent moments of cinematography in this film, clever shots through windows or different perspectives. However, most of it is very bland and has no taste. It makes the film feel dull even though it is meant to be action-packed mostly.
And yes, i have one final problem with the pacing, the opening. Pony boy is attacked in the OPENING CREDITS. In the book it is over 15 pages in, towards the end of chapter 1, it is so rushed.
TLDR:
Film could have been great, ruined by bad acting, HORRIFIC pacing and bland cinematography.