kupukupumu Reviews

The Photograph (2007)

Worth Watching

[8/10 · 10 April 2023]

I have watched a lot of movies, as many people here.

Before I watched this, I just finished watching the - wait, kid of forget - The Night Agent on Netflix, which was a series made by Sony Entertainment.

Well, since I was not sleepy, browsed a bit and found this Photograph title and saw that the play time was suitable.

Surprised that slice of life movie was really good. It told about life from different perspective, cultures and ages without any judgemental view. It just flow. I would not tell about the plot, as I do not like spoiler. Slice of live genre is usually my last choice as I have seen enough in real life daily, but this is a simple beautiful movie.

And, I believe with much lower budget than the Sony's one I watched previously which was pretty lame, this one excels a lot.

Sometimes simplicity can be good, and of course, supported by good casts.

The Law According to Lidia Poët (2023– )

Very Fun Show

[9/10 · 4 March 2023]

As I have wrote it for the title of my comment, this is a very fun show to watch.

This show main theme's are crime show and feminism, and a bit about diversity as in sexual preference and a bit about fanily drama.

As for the first part, the crime show part, it was very good in the sense that the plot and pace are fast, indeed sometimes a bit too fast, that is very good to keep us (or, me) watching never allowing the boredom to come near even a little bit. On the crime show part, this show reminds me a lot of the show Sherlock, which was also very good.

Now, on the feminism part, weirdly this show was also very good, unlike many shows these days that put feminism (and diversity) themed to the like of wokeness and drove many audiences away.

In short, the show was very well written and directed.

The casts were very good, especially Lidia's actor's performance who was amazing.

Last thing, I want to add was the beautiful scenes in the show. The dresses of Lidia were exquisite. Totally. I have watched Avatar 2 in 3D IMAX in theater, and I watched this show on my big OLED screen at home. Maybe just me, but I personally think this show provided better visual entertainment.

Again, in short, it is a very well made show. Kudos.

Black Adam (2022)

Good Concept Ruined by Very Bad Writing

[6/10 · 8 December 2022]

First of all, I am not a fan of the Rock, but he is the perfect cast for Black Adam, especially when he sat on the throne. And, I had been anticipating this movie sonce the trailer showed additional cast of Justice Society members. The Hawkman, especially, but it turned into disappointment. First, why a black Carter, in a movie that already has so much diversity in the casts? Second, the Hawkman's character here felt more like Chickenman to me. Since when Hawkman, and Justice Society, work for Amanda???

And, Justice Society were supposed to be in the WW2 era, not present day. Also, Amanda already has Suicide Squad in this universe. Very bad writing and continuity.

The script is also very bad and stupid in a very smart, brave and heroic woman that suddenly gave up the world begging the villain to spare her son.

And, many other stupid scenes. Too many to tell here.

Shazam movie was miles better than this.

This movie could be better. Or, maybe my expectation was too high.

1899 (2022)

Overly Long

[6/10 · 23 November 2022]

I read some comments that gave the show the highest ratings and some that do not, and I tend to agree with the latter.

First off, I quite enjoyed the show because of the beautiful presentations, in many scenes and also the beautiful multinational casts, both males and females, which also presented an annoyance to me because they were speaking different languages, but it seemed everyone understood each other pretty well.

The show tried to be dark and mysterious, which was the reason I watched the show, but it was also annoying. There was no possible way a good child who missed his mom could stay so cold. No way, I am a parent, thus I know.

Also, I agree with a review that the show did not progress well with many episodes telling too much about each character's background, which becoming like a soap opera drama.

Lastly, the main topic was explained vaguely only in the last minutes of the show. I understand, the show wanted us to think (and feel intelligent and puzzled and so on), but not everyone of us are studying psychology.

All in all, the show can be better, but at least by watching the show I know great actors I never watched before, mainly Emily Beecham.

Shards of Her (2022– )

Must Watch Till the End

[7/10 · 5 November 2022]

Before I watched this Shards of Her, I watched Pieces of Her. Very similar title, and gave a similar feeling. The thing about finding pieces is it is can be very boring. :)

This can be said about this title (and the similar title above). The series can be very slow and boring, and up to the mid, we are guessing about the direction of this series. Up to the first two or three, I was not even sure what it was about: time travel, schizo, parallel universe, or what.

But to the mid, I began to get it, especially after that scene about that pretty boy in the office. This series is about sexual harassment, which was presented very well. It is then beginning to feel like a documentary, which I quite like. It even tells a bit of why the predators did what they did.

I think the most powerful episode was the last one.

And, I have not watched Taiwanese production since Meteor Garden, so not familiar with the casts, but I think the best performance was not delivered by the main woman, but that other female victim. Somehow, I thought the series could be better if she was the main cast, but I understand her age would not fit the narrative of the story. Still, she is acted the best, and also looks the best.

Anyway, now you know what this series is about, it is up to you if this is your cup or not. Again, the reason I am writing this is to applaud the series effort to deliver message about abuse, which happens daily in our world.

Those Who Read the Hearts of Evil (2022– )

Korean Mindhunter

[7/10 · 8 October 2022]

The show is the Korean version of Mindhunter, which itself was a very good show in Netflix. They copied almost everything, including the interview scenes, the two guys driving to prison, etc.

This show is pretty good because it tells about real serial murderer cases, which always fascinated people.

However, while the show is about the rise of criminal profiler in Korea and many times the show tried to exaggerate the greatness of the profiler team in the show, I cannot find their greatness. More over, most of the bad guys in the show were caught either by luck or traditional police works, which again failed to show the greatness of the profilers they tried to paint in this series.

It will be a greater show, if it is not trying too hard to make the profilers as the superheroes, which it cannot show, too.

Purple Hearts (2022)

Very Well Made and Entertaining

[9/10 · 4 August 2022]

First off, I do not like the US militarism.

Secondly, I do not know the casts at all. Not sure if I have watched their works before.

But, this movie is really good and entertaining.

Sofia Carson - I had to look up of she was a real singer - really shines.

The director also managed to made a good movie berween the scenes and the music, especially that short scene showing the patrol.

I cannot write too much without some spoilers.

Very recommended.

Resident Evil (2022)

Like the Easter Egg

[5/10 · 22 July 2022]

A bit background, I just recently replayed some RE games: RE2 Remake dan RE3 Remake because the RE3 was upgraded for PS5.

We know adapting movies from the games is never an easy task, especially to entertain both the general public and fan base.

Thus, in short:

Pro:

• The character of Wesker is good and Lance Riddick is good.

• The character development of Billie is also a bit interesting.

• Love some of the easter eggs reference to the game, like puzzle for the bag, etc.

• Related to the easter egg, the giant croc (killed by Leon in RE2 Remake) is exciting at first, but then the CGI looks cheap as if it is from Power Rangers series long time ago.

Con:

• The kid drama is too long and sometimes boring.

• The Jade character (and her family), who is supposed to be main character, is boring.

• Somehow the zombie do not look like zombie, especially when they are in horde. They should remember, this series is about zombie, zombie and zombie.

They should make the main character and her development more interesting, and make the atmosphere a bit darker. And please, do not turn this into other drama, like other zombie shows.

Jupiter's Legacy (2021)

Too Bad It Was Cancelled.

[7/10 · 30 March 2022]

Watching this show reminds me a lot of the book Kingdom Come by Mark Waid.

This show has its good and boring moments, as many shows, but too bad I learned that it was cancelled.

The story has a good concept of asking of superhero should remain on the no killing mode, or they should really end a villain. It was exactly what Joker asked Batman in what the point of capturing him since he was going to escape again and did more crimes again which DC answered in the Injustice story arc.

The boring part was too much drama scenes. I know that superhero scenes cost a lot to make, but they could cut the number of episodes. The scenes involving Chloe was the worst and time consuming. We know she is rebellious. We know.

And the costumes. Very bad.

But, it is still watchable.

I thought if it was to be cancelled, they should conclude the main story in Season One as responsibility to the story telling.

Mother/Android (2021)

Rate This Only Because of Moretz

[5/10 · 28 March 2022]

This movie, not sure what this movie wanted to be: thriller, tragedy or comedy?

Without spoiler, this is an android apocalypse instead of the usual zombie version, but so many things seemed so unreal as if it was directed by an amateur junior high school student.

First, the guy got his leg broken and crushed. When you got a broken leg like that, you would not be able to talk like he did, even when you are under strongest painkiller. Been there. It is fact.

Secondly, the new born was so big like he was a few weeks old where in the movie it was supposed to be one day old. Ans, again, that guy smiled happily, as if amputation is just like a mild flu. The acting was so bad.

And, no spiler, so no telling plot holes here.

The only thing that kept me going to the last was only Moretz and seeing how she was a little cute actor now growing into a beautiful woman. But, I wonder why she accept this project.

The Outsider (2020)

Very Recommended

[9/10 · 19 March 2022]

I have read many King's books and watched most of his book adaptations. And, I have to say this series is one of the best adaptations, if not the best. I have to renew my HBO subscription and it worths it.

The story is basically the retelling of IT, but the writer, the director and the casts really made this a very good show. The so-called 'slow burning' series usually have their slow pacing, thus their boring moments. But they managed to make this series that spans ten episodes without boring scenes. That is not an easy thing to achieve.

The casts are very good as their characters are.

My only let down was the death of so many likable characters at the end of the story.

I cannot write too much without any spoiler.

And, this is not a review, but an appreciation to the series makers who did a very good job in delivering this package.

Peacemaker (2022– )

Best DC Series for Long Long Time

[8/10 · 25 February 2022]

I grew-up reading DC comics, thus became a fan, but found most of DC TV shows to be lackluster. I saw the title on my HBO screen but did not click to watch it since I did not like the character and Suicide Squad movie, especially the second one. Instead, I watched Stargirl which looked like a low budget school play riding on the JSA characters.

Then, I tried to watch Peacemaker.

And from the first episode I found this show to be stupidly funny and engaging. This show is a much better watch compared to Suicide Squad or the box office Guardians of Galaxy.

First of all, this is not a show for kids due to the gore, swearing and sex scenes, but it is very funny and entertaining. And, there was no boring moment in the series. None.

Secondly, the length of the show introduced us to each character very well. This is the show, I think, that has the lesbian and diversity of casts in the most natural way. Even the racist jokes are funny, and not stupid.

Thirdly, all the casts suit and act very well. I believe this show will launch the career for the casts, especially the ones who play Adebayo, Emilia and Vigilante.

Without spoilers, all I can say is that the show is very recommended, even if you are not into superheroes stuff.

And, hoping, there will be more show as entertaining as this, especially from DC who have collections of characters and stories. All they need are people like Gunn, who could turn a relatively unknown character like Peacemaker into a great show.

Stargirl (2020–2022)

Anotger Mediocre Show from DC

[6/10 · 20 February 2022]

I read from the Trivia section of this title that the series is a tribute to the producer's sister. I respect that, and the reason why it is family themed. But, things got badly executed.

First of all, I used to read JSA comics and that's my main reason got hooked to the show.

Now, I think it is badly executed from beginning because it is stupid that a teenage girl who has no experience at all could fight a seasoned super villain on Day One. Even if you give me a very good weapon, I do not think an average person like me can beat a Marine, not to mention a super villain that killed The Flash and Green Lantern.

Also, I am not sure if this is DC version of Power Ranger or what, because everything looks comical and kid targeted, yet they showed many getting killed, including kids.

Well, at least, the Wild Cat cast, character and action are cool. She is much better than the comical main character. And, not surem why they had to kill Brainwave Jr., who had good character development.

Also, the Solomon Grundy is the best seen in DC show. It embodies the character well, unlike that comical one in Gotham. I know it is CGI. If you cannot create Grundy, please do not shown him as a powdered fat man.

Hawkeye (2021)

Best Entertainment by Marvel

[10/10 · 22 December 2021]

First off, I am not a Marvel fan boy and while I am not a critic, it is difficult to give a movie a 10/10, due to personal taste and so on. Personally, I found this series is even much better than the Infinity Wars and End Game.

But everything in this series is just perfect: the story, the cast, the dialog, the action, the humor and the drama, even the musical at the end.

WandaVision maybe good and artful, but Olsen and her character literally carried all the episodes by herself till the end.

Here, every cast is just perfectly fit into the story, even the goons.

The real pleasant surprise also delivered when Pugh joined the story.

Again, I am not a Marvel fan, but I greatly thank Dismey for this great entertainment. And, without spoilers, just go and watch this series if one wanta to be entertained.

Beckett (2021)

Die Hard on Vacation

[4/10 · 7 December 2021]

Well, I don't know how to begin without spoilers.

So, here was this guy who suddenly had police tried to kill him. OK, the police was corrupt. We got that, but then the embassy guy? I am not saying that all embassy guys are saints, but this part was really unnecessary for the story telling.

Too many obvious plot holes also in the movie.

Also, in the end, a non-military guy suddenly turned into Batman, or Black Panther by jumping saveral stories with hurting hand?

I was even questioning why Vikander would be attracted to this project. Maybe, the pay is good?

Non-Stop (2014)

Great Show

[7/10 · 6 December 2021]

This movie somehow reminds me a lot of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express.

This movie is very entertaining, but Moore's character plays very small role and might be unnecessary at all, since the story and plot already has Michelle Dockery's character that she plays very well.

Fukushima 50 (2020)

Overall Good Movie

[7/10 · 5 December 2021]

Watched this on HBO and have to say that overall it is a good movie that shows people under distress and pressure.

The biggest flaw in this movie is the US part (scene) that shows as if the US would be and have the mean to save Japan from disaster and when they decide to act... it is to deliver bottled water. Really. It should have stopped at the helis leaving. Some botled water in a nuclear disaster. Really.

Susi Susanti: Love All (2019)

Very Well Made Movie

[9/10 · 2 December 2021]

I might be biased to say that this movie is almost perfect.

The cinematography is great. I am impressed they could find and make the prop from the eighties looks very real.

The music also great.

The casts act well and, in fact, she looks kind of similar to the real character.

The plot is not dragging and without stupid meaningless dialogs found in many movies

And, ultimately, the story is very well told.

This should be the Indonesian 'national movie', compared to the G30S. It reminds how one can love oneself and also love and contribute to the nation.

The Fable (2019)

Great Entertainment

[7/10 · 30 November 2021]

This movie reminds me a lot of the comic City Hunter. Although, this movie is comical comedic, the actions are not. They are very well choreographed.

Recommended for comedy and action fans.

Now, I am going for the part two. Hope it is as good.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Not as Bad as People Say

[7/10 · 20 November 2021]

Just watched this movie in HBO, since still trying to avoid crowd as much as possible due to Covid-19. To be honeat, I have mixed feeling about this movie (like people will care), although not as bad as IMDB rating.

The Good: 1. Gal Gadot

2. Gal Gadot hushing

3. OK, the story is good, especially the transfomation from Barbara to Cheetah. But, it reminds me a lot of Pffeifer's Catwoman story. Just, (maybe and no offense) they could find a better cast for that character to make the movie better.

4. The Steve in WW84 is more interesting than the previous one.

5. Lynda Carter's cameo and what she said in the end, "I've been doing this...long time..."

The Bad: 1. Since this is a superhero movie, I too little superhero act(ion) for a superhero movie.

2. Relating to #1, at times, the movie felt like a chic klit drama.

3. The telling (and cast) of Max Lord (somehow) is not interesting, although love the way they made it as a background to thw origins of Cheetah. Maybe, Pascal was just not suitable to be an antagonist.

4. Introducing that WW can fly is not necessary, because it is irrelevant to the plot. And, in DC cinematic, maybe they better to keep it exclusive to Superman first.

3. Love the Steve here, but their last goodbye was so uneventful.

4. Hans Zimmer's effect was very subtle in this movie, unlike his other movies, like Dune, except for the original WW theme.

At the end of the day, I think the bad rating ia due to lack of actions in a superhero movie for a major character like WW (in DC, she is the female parallel od Superman), but not that bad.

Found (I) (2021)

Good Watch

[8/10 · 20 October 2021]

Watched this on Netflix just now and I found this documentary has many angles.

The documentary tells about the One Child Policy in China that left many babies stranded and given away by poor families and how many many years later three girls who were adopted by American parents trying to find their biological parents in China.

The documentary invokes questions about the policy itself. On one side it was a bit harsh since poor family that could not afford to pay the fine of USD8,500 must give away their child(ren). On the other side, had China not adopted this policy, could China who were a poor country rise to be the economic power today?

The documentary also tells about human nature in general: all parents love their kids, adopted or not, no matter where you come from.

The documentary also shows that people are at the core all the same. Thus, all the current conflicts are pointless and stupid, fired by those with political hunger and ambition.

Again, this documentary tells much more than just the journey and effort of the three girls trying to find their biological parents.

Oh, like any movie today, it has a plot twist.

The Forgotten Battle (2020)

My First 10/10 in IMDB

[10/10 · 18 October 2021]

I believe this movie is perfect in everything. The cinematic. How the recreate the WWII world. And that flooded town, considering this is not a Marvel scale budget movie.

Also, the acting is impressive. I am especially impressed by the actor who played Marines. Even his eyes speaks. Also, the girl that played Teun.

The only thing I do not like about this movie, and every war movie, is it is reminding of how futile war is. All those young gone too soon. Just so depressing.

Rurouni Kenshin: Final Chapter Part II - The Beginning (2021)

Bittersweet Story of Kenshin

[9/10 · 12 September 2021]

Rurouni Kenshin is one of the manga I enjoyed a lot, even as a mature reader. It has everything. Actually, the anime Demon Slayer reminds me a lot of this series.

However, the live action is different from manga. The live action cannot incorporate the comical aspects as they were in the manga. On the contrary, as the story is about an (ex) assassin, the live actions tend to be on the dark side. And, The Beginning has the most somber theme of all.

Actions are here and there with the iconic Kenshin poses, but the main focus here is the deep thought of Kenshin about his murderous battles and his relationships with Tomoe who is very well acted by the cast.

If there is anything lacking, this is the prequel to the 2012 movie telling about events ten tears earlier, yet released in 2021. As the result, the casts looked ten years older, while they should be ten years younger. Well... it is still a good movie.

Also, to me, this movie should be titles The Origin, and the 2012 movie should be The Beginning. Maybe they didn't think about this when making the 2012 movie.

The live action series do not disappoint the source material and this part actually exceeds the manga since Kenshin and Tomoe are acted very well by their respective actors, especially Tomoe who could really deliver the emotions of Tomoe.

Inuyashiki (2018)

Worth Seeing

[8/10 · 11 September 2021]

I just watched this streamed from Netflix.

First off, I did not read the manga or know anything about this title so I cannot compare to the original source, which was also an added bonus for me because then I was not sure about what going to happen next.

This movie is amazing in the visual department, almost comparable to the Marvel big budget movies. And, the main reason I am logging in here to write this review is I literally dropped my jaw during the old man first transformation for many seconds. Something I don't remember doing in watching so many movies, be it sci-fi, fantasy, horror or whatever.

If there is one thing lacking in this movie, maybe is the main antagonist cast. The actor is perfect as Kenshin, but here he could not express the why he became the sadist he was. I know it was told: family and social background mainly, but he was so flat. I guess he is better suited for protagonist role.

Overall, this is a great movie which in my personal opinion in the score of 7/10, but I really want to see more movies like this from Asia, or any non Marvel or DC sources.

Swamp Thing (2019)

Great Idea Not So Great Execution

[7/10 · 4 September 2021]

First of all, I read many Swamp Thing books, but what this has nothing to do with my opinion here.

Let me start by saying this show has a good concept, comic book superhero delivered in a dark horror theme, yet it seems the people behind it did not know how to deliver it.

First, the main character from CDC is really hard to watch. She is pretty. Very pretty, indeed. But she does not look like a believable character. A CDC expert who went investigating all suspected contagious locations without bringing any tools, but a flashlight. A senior CDC expert who investigated potentially infectious spots with no mask, gloves or any medical protection. Maybe they wanted her to be just an eye candy.

Also, the acting of some other supporting casts are really bad.

Well, again, I love the series and the concept, but sometimes watching some episodes were a forced avenue.