Underwhelming finale to an otherwise pretty good season of The Boys. Disappointing last episode, especially when compared to the previous two episodes which were series best. I think the biggest problems with this episode was the incredible buildup all season long to this mediocre final fight with ZERO consequences. It was just not interesting and everyone survived so, like, what's the point lol. At least there were some good resolutions, and I liked the humor in this episode but not much else.
Reviews
10 Reviews
Zack Snyder's Justice League
(2021)
Four hours I'll never get back...
13 February 2022
The goofiest, strangest, most absurd, muddy four hours that I'll never get back. The story makes no sense, weak villains, horrendous script & dialogue, weak character motivations that make no sense, bad acting, and no motivation for the 4:3 aspect ratio and B&W grading. Barry Allen's whole arc this entire movie is the biggest waste of time ever, it literally feels so out of place and makes no sense. Glad Synder was able to finish off his "magnum opus" and I'm glad people are enjoying it. But objectively, a poorly written and edited mess of a film.
Inconsistent storytelling, bad writing, and muddy characters
10 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was the most back and forth (not in a good way) episode of this show yet. Visually stunning, but the writing is so bad. Character motivations make NO sense and the dialogue is some of the worst I've heard in recent memory. Literally, at the end of the episode after securing Mos Espa (Boba's whole motivation this entire season), he tells Fennec that this isn't for them??! What?? Why waste all of our time like that? What was the point of this show? Boba was a horrible and inconsistent character (despite Temera's best effort). Boba is a slaver and one of the most notorious bounty hunters in the entire galaxy, and he's suddenly worried about the "people of Mos Espa" (a population of about 8) and reminding everyone that his name is Boba Fett? Why is he not feared anywhere? What is the inciting incident that changes Boba from big bad villain to soft lovable hero? The dialogue is so forced in this show, especially this episode. The only thing that saved this episode and entire series is the return of Mando and Grogu: actual characters with motivations, engaging stories, and characters that actually make us CARE. Why should we care about Boba and his "struggles"? There's no reason to care because they don't give us a reason to care, other than it's Star Wars so you should care. Just a poor attempt at a show. Glad people are enjoying it for sure (I'm not trying to gatekeeping the enjoyment of this show), but it's not an objectively good show. There are so many narrative problems, and problems with the script (particularly the dialogue and characters).
When the Sun Sets
(2021)
Heartwrenching, intimate portrayal of a real life event..
9 February 2022
Heartwrenching, intimate portrayal of a real life event in less than 15 minutes. Gorgeous cinematography (particularly the lighting, and composition), amazing acting, seamless editing, and a really good script. Not really any negatives, AND it's included with HBO Max. Give this short film a watch, and support an important filmmaker. History needs to be learned from, and the apartheid in South Africa is an important historical event that needs to be more widely known and studied.
Best Episode of Book of Boba
1 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This is the best episode of the Book of Boba Fett so far, because it 1) has Mando, a fleshed out, consistent, well written character, 2) has stakes, goals, conflict, and a reason to CARE, and 3) isn't about Boba and Fennec wasting away their useless lives in Jabba's old palace. Such a breath of fresh air in a horrible show. Can't wait for Mando Season 3.
Although, this brings up a massive issues with the show.. if your best episode is entirely about another character from another show, you need to reevalute what your story is about and what you can do to improve on the series. Boba is not an interesting character. His wants and needs are not apparent, or far too weak to be apparent. He contradicts everything he has ever said. This episode, more than anything, proves what a bad show Book of Boba is, and should show the showrunners what to improve upon going forward.
Although, this brings up a massive issues with the show.. if your best episode is entirely about another character from another show, you need to reevalute what your story is about and what you can do to improve on the series. Boba is not an interesting character. His wants and needs are not apparent, or far too weak to be apparent. He contradicts everything he has ever said. This episode, more than anything, proves what a bad show Book of Boba is, and should show the showrunners what to improve upon going forward.
The Book of Boba Fett
(2021–2022)
A Show of Two Parts: The Past and the Present
21 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A strange mix of a boring story, flat characters, weak coverage, lacking inspiration and creativity, stupid logic, poor editing BUT with great visuals, sound design, music, art direction, flashbacks, and some truly exciting moments. The characters are the biggest problem here... What are their motivations? What are their goals? Why should we care? What's the meaning behind their actions? Boba is portrayed, in his own show, as a very stupid person. Although the performance by Temora is nothing short of great. The story's pacing, and structure are also huge problems. Some of the side characters are ridiculous and totally out of place, making no sense as to why they're included. The setups and payoffs are poorly conceived. There's a lot of talk about how the streets of Mos Espa are riddled with scum and villainy, but we never see it
we only see a band of side characters straight out of Grease or Rebel Without a Cause. Also, lacking interesting shot variety and emotional investment unlike the Mandalorian which has a lot of ingenuity and is a really amazing show. The flashbacks are the big reason I keep watching. Really well written, well acted, really cool, and actually shows Boba as a 3-dimensional character. Overall, not great so far. Definitely capitalizing on the infinite check provided by Disney and the name of Star Wars to lure people to watch this meh show. Not impressed.
The Matrix Resurrections
(I) (2021)
As a huge Matrix fan, this one fell flat for me..
25 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
As a huge Matrix and Wachowski fan, this one fell flat for me unfortunately. I had high hopes, but it was overall, a pretty meh film. I was skeptical of another Matrix film anyway, especially how Revolutions ended Neo and Trinity' story so well, but the second trailer hooked me.
First, the good:
The visuals are undoubtedly gorgeous, Keanu and Carrie's performances are top notch (as well as newcomers to the franchise - Jessica Henwick and Neil Patrick Harris), the fight scenes are pretty good (although not quite on the level of the trilogy), the soundtrack is spectacular (LOVED IT), and I appreciate what Lana was trying to achieve, but I fear the execution was subpar. I also liked all the nostalgia and tidbits added in from the previous films. It didn't feel too contrived or forced or purely for fan service. Also, anytime Neo and Trinity are on the screen together is truly magical, and beautiful. Probably my all-time favorite screen couple.
Now, the not-so-good:
The writing is not great. The dialogue in particular is far too meta, self-referential, and wooden. I know a lot of the trilogy's dialogue was wooden as well, but it was fitting and it was still well written overall. The dialogue and characters are just not it in my opinion. They fall flat, their dialogue is awful. Although the worst part about this film is the plot. We find Neo as a game developer with a bunch of bro-y coworkers who won't shut up. They're so annoying. Anyway, he's a game developer for a company that made the Matrix Trilogy (basically Neo's real story) into a successful video game franchise?? It makes no sense and is so contrived. I was hoping the story would make sense, because why else make a Matrix 4 when the 3 resolves everything. So there really wasn't a reason to make this film. Bummed this wasn't a better film.
Still, check it out if you're a Matrix fan. But, I wasn't feeling this one. No wonder Lilly didn't want a part of this film.
First, the good:
The visuals are undoubtedly gorgeous, Keanu and Carrie's performances are top notch (as well as newcomers to the franchise - Jessica Henwick and Neil Patrick Harris), the fight scenes are pretty good (although not quite on the level of the trilogy), the soundtrack is spectacular (LOVED IT), and I appreciate what Lana was trying to achieve, but I fear the execution was subpar. I also liked all the nostalgia and tidbits added in from the previous films. It didn't feel too contrived or forced or purely for fan service. Also, anytime Neo and Trinity are on the screen together is truly magical, and beautiful. Probably my all-time favorite screen couple.
Now, the not-so-good:
The writing is not great. The dialogue in particular is far too meta, self-referential, and wooden. I know a lot of the trilogy's dialogue was wooden as well, but it was fitting and it was still well written overall. The dialogue and characters are just not it in my opinion. They fall flat, their dialogue is awful. Although the worst part about this film is the plot. We find Neo as a game developer with a bunch of bro-y coworkers who won't shut up. They're so annoying. Anyway, he's a game developer for a company that made the Matrix Trilogy (basically Neo's real story) into a successful video game franchise?? It makes no sense and is so contrived. I was hoping the story would make sense, because why else make a Matrix 4 when the 3 resolves everything. So there really wasn't a reason to make this film. Bummed this wasn't a better film.
Still, check it out if you're a Matrix fan. But, I wasn't feeling this one. No wonder Lilly didn't want a part of this film.
No Sudden Move
(2021)
Solid writing, good direction, and a great cast - despite the slow burn
4 July 2021
As per usual, a well directed film from Steven Soderbergh. Particularly, I thought the use of a wide angle lens (my guess would be somewhere between 10mm - 14mm) throughout, even for closeups, was an unique directorial decision. The use of the wide angle lens distorted the edges of the frame, and made what should be straight lines, less straight. This adds to the 1950s Detroit he was going for. Good twists and turns, albeit a little slow occasionally. It wasn't quite as compelling as recent mystery thriller Knives Out, but it's a solid film to watch on a lazy Friday, Sat, or Sun. Recommended for fans of crime dramas and thrillers, and mystery period pieces.
The Devil All the Time
(2020)
Put me down as deeply disturbed
6 October 2020
The Devil All the Time is a slow burn, thriller and melodrama with outstanding acting, exceptional editing, and precise cinematography. I love the focus on the theme of evil disguised as good. The film focuses on people who are thinking they are doing good under the guise of religion, God, and divine right instead of the harsh reality that they are terrible people committing terrible atrocities. Unfortunately, this is true to life. Obviously, this isn't saying all religious people are evil. It's more so that people are using religion as an excuse to commit crimes. The performances are all really good, and provide a look into the minds of sick, vile humans. The film is deeply disturbing because of how true to life it is and how it focuses on real life themes. It's extremely well crafted, and I love how it's presented, using voice over narration to dictate the flow of the film. The plot is a little convoluted, and the story could've been more thought out. Get ready for a slow descent into disturbing madness. This is one for the ages.
A poignant and dark, post-apocalyptic epic...
6 November 2017
A poignant and dark, post-apocalyptic epic with exceptional acting, phenomenal cinematography, and ground-breaking visual effects.
Andy Serkis, Toby Kebbell, Karin Konoval, and Jason Clarke lend their incredible acting talent to Matt Reeves' wonderful direction and writing, and Michael Seresin's outstanding cinematography. They create a rich, detailed world of loss and yearning and create immense tension between the humans and apes. The characters are so well- written and instantly create an emotional connection with the audience. Caesar is easily one of my favorite movie characters of all time and the same goes for Koba. Dawn is an incredibly deep and enthralling masterpiece about apes that's surprisingly human.
10/10
**Took me several viewings to fully appreciate Dawn**
Andy Serkis, Toby Kebbell, Karin Konoval, and Jason Clarke lend their incredible acting talent to Matt Reeves' wonderful direction and writing, and Michael Seresin's outstanding cinematography. They create a rich, detailed world of loss and yearning and create immense tension between the humans and apes. The characters are so well- written and instantly create an emotional connection with the audience. Caesar is easily one of my favorite movie characters of all time and the same goes for Koba. Dawn is an incredibly deep and enthralling masterpiece about apes that's surprisingly human.
10/10
**Took me several viewings to fully appreciate Dawn**
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