This "special" episode of the excellent Netflix Korean zombie show Kingdom reveals a decent backstory to Ashin, the mysterious woman shown in the season 2 finale, but is a disappointing continuation of the overall series. Several "twists" in the story were obvious to me, and the acting could've been better. But the cinematography, visuals, and tone are all great. Still looking forward to season 3.
Reviews
10 Reviews
Invincible
(2021– )
It's great
31 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A spectacular show filled with great voice acting, disturbing imagery, and interesting satire. The way it explores what it truly means to be a hero and defender of a place (or planet) is explored well through our main character Mark Grayson. What he has to go through in this show is interesting but also devastating to watch. The world-building is excellent and most of the jokes are great. Not a single weak episode in this great first season, but there are odd character decisions and some unfunny jokes. Overall, it's awesome.
The train scene is the most disturbing thing I have seen in a while.
The train scene is the most disturbing thing I have seen in a while.
Surprisingly honest and in-depth look into animation behind-the-scenes
5 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Rest in peace Ryder Buck. Jennifer Lee is going to do a great job as CCO of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Her giggling with glee and then crying tears of joy at the finished Into the Unknown scene is the perfect mood. Very good docuseries that isn't pretentious and it doesn't seem like it was altered to make any particular person look better. I'm surprised that Disney allowed this to be shown to the public at all.
The Last Dance
(2020)
As someone who isn't really into basketball or sports in general...
19 May 2020
...I loved it.
Obviously I've heard of Michael Jordan, but I knew close to nothing about his skills, stats, and personal life. I wouldn't have been able to tell you anything about his teammates on the Bulls. To be honest, the only thing I really knew about Jordan was that he was a basketball player and that he was in Space Jam. Prior to watching this show, I never heard of Scottie Pippen, Steve Kerr, Phil Jackson, etc. Now, after having seen the show, I feel as if I know all of these people and actually grew to care about them as if I know them in my personal life.
A big positive of this show is how intimately and delicately this show delved into all of the championship games, as well as the personal lives and thought processes of Jordan and other Bulls players. I was genuinely surprised that Jordan was willing to appear in this despite the fact that he isn't portrayed in the most positive light. I was also surprised whenever the show delved into his psychological views towards basketball or his gambling controversy. This show does portray Jordan and the Bulls in an extremely positive light overall, but it does take some praiseworthy risks by showing some of Jordan's flaws and delving into events that don't seem like they are connected with the Bulls but actually are. Another big positive is that this show got me much more invested in basketball: the actual games and the process that goes into actually playing and drafting/trading.
As someone who doesn't really care much about sports at all, I loved it. This is a near-perfect show that was constantly entertaining and surprisingly intimate and critical at times. You may not enjoy this if you're not a basketball fan, but I say maybe consider giving this a chance since I am not a basketball fan but, again, I loved it. If you are a basketball fan, this is a MUST-WATCH.
Obviously I've heard of Michael Jordan, but I knew close to nothing about his skills, stats, and personal life. I wouldn't have been able to tell you anything about his teammates on the Bulls. To be honest, the only thing I really knew about Jordan was that he was a basketball player and that he was in Space Jam. Prior to watching this show, I never heard of Scottie Pippen, Steve Kerr, Phil Jackson, etc. Now, after having seen the show, I feel as if I know all of these people and actually grew to care about them as if I know them in my personal life.
A big positive of this show is how intimately and delicately this show delved into all of the championship games, as well as the personal lives and thought processes of Jordan and other Bulls players. I was genuinely surprised that Jordan was willing to appear in this despite the fact that he isn't portrayed in the most positive light. I was also surprised whenever the show delved into his psychological views towards basketball or his gambling controversy. This show does portray Jordan and the Bulls in an extremely positive light overall, but it does take some praiseworthy risks by showing some of Jordan's flaws and delving into events that don't seem like they are connected with the Bulls but actually are. Another big positive is that this show got me much more invested in basketball: the actual games and the process that goes into actually playing and drafting/trading.
As someone who doesn't really care much about sports at all, I loved it. This is a near-perfect show that was constantly entertaining and surprisingly intimate and critical at times. You may not enjoy this if you're not a basketball fan, but I say maybe consider giving this a chance since I am not a basketball fan but, again, I loved it. If you are a basketball fan, this is a MUST-WATCH.
Devs
(2020)
Interesting...
11 May 2020
I wanted to binge this in 1-2 days, but it ended up taking me 5 days to finish this (due to a hectic work schedule and my desire to watch Bad Education asap).
As an admirer of Alex Garland's ambitious-ness (I don't like that word but I'm not sure how else to describe it), I was hoping that this would be more like Ex Machina than Annihilation. Thankfully, it is; but there are some major issues.
Episode 1 is great. Episode 2 is boring with an unintentionally hilarious ending. Episode 3 is a big improvement over 2. Episode 4 is AMAZING. Episodes 5 & 6 are decent but I couldn't completely focus because of distractions at home and stress in my personal life. Also, they could've been combined to just be one episode. Episode 7 is trippy in a good way. Episode 8 is a risky but satisfying conclusion for me personally.
Watching this ambitious and visually spectacular mini-series was a frustrating experience due to trouble while watching it and flaws I have with the show itself, but overall I appreciate and admire the ambiguity, filmmaking, style, and tone.
As an admirer of Alex Garland's ambitious-ness (I don't like that word but I'm not sure how else to describe it), I was hoping that this would be more like Ex Machina than Annihilation. Thankfully, it is; but there are some major issues.
Episode 1 is great. Episode 2 is boring with an unintentionally hilarious ending. Episode 3 is a big improvement over 2. Episode 4 is AMAZING. Episodes 5 & 6 are decent but I couldn't completely focus because of distractions at home and stress in my personal life. Also, they could've been combined to just be one episode. Episode 7 is trippy in a good way. Episode 8 is a risky but satisfying conclusion for me personally.
Watching this ambitious and visually spectacular mini-series was a frustrating experience due to trouble while watching it and flaws I have with the show itself, but overall I appreciate and admire the ambiguity, filmmaking, style, and tone.
The Eddy
(2020)
A flawed, tonally inconsistent show with great music and acting
11 May 2020
As a fan of (most of) Damien Chazelle's previous work and the main actors involved, I was really looking forward to this. Unfortunately, while it does have great moments, I was ultimately left disappointed.
Where this show does not disappoint is with the acting and music. All of the actors commit to the script and do an excellent job (for the most part). With all of his films, Chazelle has a way of drawing you further into the setting and characters' lives through flawlessly edited musical sequences that also provide as subtle exposition. The last episode especially is extremely well-crafted and entertaining. If I were to rate the whole show based on the final episode, I would give this an 8 out of 10.
Where this show does disappoint is with some major tonal inconsistencies, pacing issues, and two separate storylines that are meshed together in a very jarring and messy way. I wish that the show would commit fully to either the mafia storyline or just the club band players' lives. Having those two very different storylines alongisde one another didn't work for me. The first four episodes are definitely too long; in fact, all of the episodes (except for the last two) could've been trimmed down a little in post-production. Most of the time, the humor in this feels out of place, but this is just a minor issue. Another minor issue is that Joanna Kulig, who I love, does leave a bit to be desired in terms of her acting. This isn't really her fault, since English isn't her first language and about half of her dialogue is in English.
Overall, this is a flawed and tonally inconsistent show that does have great music, acting, and emotional moments. This definitely isn't going to be for everyone, but some will really enjoy this. I don't think I'll ever watch this again, but I don't regret seeing this.
Where this show does not disappoint is with the acting and music. All of the actors commit to the script and do an excellent job (for the most part). With all of his films, Chazelle has a way of drawing you further into the setting and characters' lives through flawlessly edited musical sequences that also provide as subtle exposition. The last episode especially is extremely well-crafted and entertaining. If I were to rate the whole show based on the final episode, I would give this an 8 out of 10.
Where this show does disappoint is with some major tonal inconsistencies, pacing issues, and two separate storylines that are meshed together in a very jarring and messy way. I wish that the show would commit fully to either the mafia storyline or just the club band players' lives. Having those two very different storylines alongisde one another didn't work for me. The first four episodes are definitely too long; in fact, all of the episodes (except for the last two) could've been trimmed down a little in post-production. Most of the time, the humor in this feels out of place, but this is just a minor issue. Another minor issue is that Joanna Kulig, who I love, does leave a bit to be desired in terms of her acting. This isn't really her fault, since English isn't her first language and about half of her dialogue is in English.
Overall, this is a flawed and tonally inconsistent show that does have great music, acting, and emotional moments. This definitely isn't going to be for everyone, but some will really enjoy this. I don't think I'll ever watch this again, but I don't regret seeing this.
A Parks and Recreation Special
(2020 TV Special)
Exactly what I need right now
1 May 2020
Things have been really stressful for me during these tough times, mostly because I am still working and have to deal with some customers who are ignoring social distancing rules. Like many people, 2020 is not going the way I had hoped it would so far. Home and work are the only places I can go...until today, when I travelled virtually to Pawnee, Indiana. There, I got to see once again some of my favorite characters from one of my favorite shows ever. This half-hour reunion special is funny, clever, and informative. Thank you to NBC and the wonderful cast and crew of Parks and Recreation for doing this. You all are 5000 candles in the wind!
Steven Universe
(2013–2019)
Possibly my favorite modern animated show (definitely top 10)
30 March 2020
This is a visually and emotionally beautiful show that contains hilarious jokes, likable characters, heartfelt moments, and important life lessons. This excellent series concluded wonderfully. I love the title character so much! I applaud creator Rebecca Sugar and everyone involved in the making of Steven Universe for all their hard work.
Season 1: 8/10 Season 2: 10/10 Season 3: 10/10 Season 4: 10/10 Season 5: 10/10 Future: 8.5/10
Season 1: 8/10 Season 2: 10/10 Season 3: 10/10 Season 4: 10/10 Season 5: 10/10 Future: 8.5/10
Star Wars: Rebels
(2014–2018)
It's not terrible, but it is definitely lacking
2 October 2019
I love Star Wars. It's my favorite fictional universe and favorite movie franchise. I love the predecessor to this show, The Clone Wars (2008). It's hard for me to dislike anything in Star Wars. I even find occasional enjoyment in Attack of the Clones, despite the fact that it is an objectively HORRIBLE movie. I have never gotten bored watching anything Star Wars-related...except when I was watching Rebels.
Now, it's not a terrible show. I don't like it, but I also don't hate it. Those who do love it or hate it, I totally understand their viewpoints. There are definitely moments in Rebels that I smile at and appreciate, like whenever a character from the prequels or original trilogy show up. But, unfortunately, I'm not as invested as I wish I could be. In fact, sometimes I get bored watching this show. There definitely are moments and characters I like, but overall it's just...meh.
I think my biggest issue with the show is the lack of focus on different worlds and characters. Ezra is the main character in Rebels, and he is objectively the most boring and occasionally the most annoying character. I don't hate Ezra, but he is my least favorite character for sure and I wish that the show would focus more on other characters rather than him. I'm not mad that he is around, but I do think it is annoying how we're constantly seeing things from HIS perspective. Also, surprisingly this universe feels smaller in Rebels. One of the best things about Clone Wars is that they made the Star Wars universe feel grand and worth exploring. Most of the worlds in Rebels are just...there.
Overall, I don't hate Rebels. It's not awful, but it's definitely not as interesting or as inspiring as it could be. This, along with Solo and Rise of Skywalker, are probably the only Star Wars programs that I don't ever feel like rewatching.
Now, it's not a terrible show. I don't like it, but I also don't hate it. Those who do love it or hate it, I totally understand their viewpoints. There are definitely moments in Rebels that I smile at and appreciate, like whenever a character from the prequels or original trilogy show up. But, unfortunately, I'm not as invested as I wish I could be. In fact, sometimes I get bored watching this show. There definitely are moments and characters I like, but overall it's just...meh.
I think my biggest issue with the show is the lack of focus on different worlds and characters. Ezra is the main character in Rebels, and he is objectively the most boring and occasionally the most annoying character. I don't hate Ezra, but he is my least favorite character for sure and I wish that the show would focus more on other characters rather than him. I'm not mad that he is around, but I do think it is annoying how we're constantly seeing things from HIS perspective. Also, surprisingly this universe feels smaller in Rebels. One of the best things about Clone Wars is that they made the Star Wars universe feel grand and worth exploring. Most of the worlds in Rebels are just...there.
Overall, I don't hate Rebels. It's not awful, but it's definitely not as interesting or as inspiring as it could be. This, along with Solo and Rise of Skywalker, are probably the only Star Wars programs that I don't ever feel like rewatching.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
(2008–2020)
The show that made the prequels watchable
2 October 2019
I LOVE THIS SHOW SO MUCH! It definitely has issues, like how sometimes the characters move a little too smoothly and the animation being a bit too cartoonish. But I love this show thanks to the incredible world-building and how the writers improved the boring characters from the mediocre prequel trilogy and actually made them interesting and built on their personalities. Anakin is actually awesome in this show and not a whiny, creepy, brat like in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. I love how big the world of Clone Wars feels and that the focus is on multiple characters through the series. If you haven't seen this show yet, and you're a fan of Star Wars, DEFINITELY check it out!
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