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jqsimms
Reviews
X-Men '97 (2024)
So stupid and so fun
Really wasn't expecting to be this entranced by the 90s animation, but felt like I was 15 again. They did leave a lot of cliffhangers when the original show aired, hopefully they will conclude some of the subplots. But geez, after digesting so much modern anime, I thought I would balk at the decision to resurrect the same animation style from the original series, not so. It's fun in a way that old-school cartoons captured, and has enough crisp (although 90s style) dialogue to be intriguing. I'm only into the second episode, but so far, so good. Do yourself a favor, watch it, but don't take it too seriously.
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Theatrical release is really a 7, Director's Cut is a hard 9
Like many, I saw this movie when it came out in theaters and was drawn in by the amazing cinematography and strong performances. It really is a beautiful film. However, there were many elements of the plot that didn't seem to be well fleshed out and many characters that felt very static. Well, the Director's Cut more than solved all those problems.
I get why they didn't want to release a 3+ hour movie in the theaters, but they missed the rich themes that were strewn throughout by cutting what I see as some of the most essential elements of the movie.
If you saw the original movie and thought it boring with no need to watch a new version with an extra hour of footage, you need to watch the Director's Cut, you will be richly rewarded.
If you haven't yet seen the movie, skip the theatrical cut and go straight to the Director's Cut, you will be rewarded with Oscar quality film that was overlooked because of the poor choice of edits on the original release.
Andor (2022)
One of the best shows, period.
The amazing acting, the brilliantly conceived sets, the crisp and insightful dialogue, this is one of the best shows I have ever seen, and it keeps getting better.
The dynamic growth of characters is something we rarely see in even some of the better shows on television. I think when the 24 episodes leading to 'Rogue one" are completed, this will be remembered as one of the most fully formed, well-choregraphed cinematic achievements in film history.
Another strength is the way that they form complete story arcs within the series. It can almost be read as a series of 4 movies, each with a different theme, set, and characters. Anchored by a plethora of strong performances from a myriad of seasoned and talented actors, it continues to defy my expectations.
My score went from an 8, to a 9, and now finally to a 10. It's hard to imagine Andor continuing to elevate, but I can't wait to see what is in store for the rest of the series.
I think it is a shame and a missed opportunity in marketing, this should have been billed as "Andor" with the subtitle of "The Birth of the Rebellion". This is showing the genesis of what sparked the Rebellion as well as Andor's personal journey from scoundrel to anti-hero, and it should be acknowledged as such.
I want more people to be enthusiastic about this show so that they make more like it! If you love the show, spread the word.