Ajanif Reviews

Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

Game of Thrones changed TV forever

[8/10 · 2 October 2022]

I recently rewatched it again - reluctantly as season 7 & 8 were just a shipwreck and a gut punch to all the fans. But when I started it again I remembered why I regarded GoT as THE TV Series. What Season 1-6 were able to create is epic - no other for word it.

The production value, costumes, acting, pace, action, suspense, world building - it was and still is on another level.

No one can deny that GoT changed TV forever. And even if a lot of new series have tried to imitate it, none has ever gotten close.

Season 1 started so incredibly slow but it gave us the opportunity to get to know the world, the characters, the lore and to fall in love - and then we got to learn that no one is save. And GoT was able to ride this wave and keep up the value of their story for 6 seasons.

Battle of the Bastards and Winds of Winter are my all time favorite Episodes of TV. Truly. Never seen anything like it and probably never will again. The hight of what can be achieved, with everything - acting, story, music (oh the music!) - falling into place and creating art.

It sucks that the ending was so rushed. And whenever the White Walkers come on I feel like being punched in the gut - what lost potential this story had. But as mentioned before: Seasons 1-6 are epic and worth a (re)watch. And from there just imagine your own ending - you'll be happier for it.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022– )

So much production value - so little heart

[5/10 · 26 September 2022]

I went into this blind, having only seen the movies by peter Jackson. I really wanted to give Rings of Power a chance....

...and whilst this show truly has incredibly production value with great CGI, stunning locations and more or less good acting the show simply has no heart. There's no one you root for, no one you hate...it makes you feel....nothing.

The dialogues are forced, random and don't seem to fit the characters and even by episode 5 I have no clue what the hell this story should be about - it's all over the place, huge plot changing decisions are being made within heartbeats and we skip forward or switch storyline.

The only thing this show made me feel is flashbacks to what shipwreck season 8 of GOT was. I feel very bad for all the people that worked hard on this show.... I wish the writers and producers would have put more effort in it to make it pay off.

Moon Knight (2022)

Something new - but wanted to do more than it was capable of

[14 May 2022]

Went into this with 0 expectations and was initially quite hooked. Really liked the first and even the second episode. Lots of suspense and promising character building. But it quickly went the other way a few episodes in.

The Mark/Steve thing get's rather irritating and boring after a while and it's also sad we don't see them or Moon Knight more in action. The black-outs (after the first few episodes) of the characters seem more like lazy filming than really necessary plot-vise.

I think I have two main issues:

Egypt/Gods Man, I was stoked to finally see some different cultures in more main stream media. I love Egyptian history and therefore was so happy to see them dive into that. Except they actually didn't. All of this seemed more like a facade than something fleshed out and properly researched. The gods seemed rather useless and I honestly think you could erase them from the story and the plot would not really change - which to me is never a good sign when looking at script and world building.

Personality Disorder Again, great to see mental health issues portrayed. And I honestly believe they managed to do it rather well untill episode 5. There we would have had the perfect set up for proper and deep character development...but they screwed it up. Mark faced his past and even if he hasn't completely worked through it yet, I think this would have been the best time for him to let Steve go. From a character development point of view this would have been amazing in my eyes. This wouldn't have to mean that Steve could never reappear (he's his emotional protection) but just that he started to work through his past and with it get emotionally more stable. Not leaving Steve behind just reaffirmed my issues I always have with MCU: the heros are ALWAYS safe. So why would we care what happens to them? This just takes a lot of suspense out of the story.

All in all Moon Knight isn't a bad show. I just think it wanted to do more than it was capable of. Anyways, it's an entertaining watch and at least something new. I honestly take Moon Knight over any other MCU movie/series simply because it seems to be more it's own thing (which is probably something hardcore MCU fans won't like).

Halo (2022– )

A good watch when you're a casual viewer

[8/10 · 25 April 2022]

I have never read the books, never played the game. And as such, I do find this series a lot better than many reviews make it out to be. It has decent acting, explores a huge world, has several characters to follow and identify with and has an intriguing and suspenseful story.

But yes, watching it I thought there must have been more potential in there somewhere. My main issue is Masterchief (not with Pablo playing him, I actually think he fits the role very well). He's said to be this ruthless machine that was the reason they were able to win fights. But we never actually see him do it. We start the series with a very confused and rattled Masterchief and only hear other character point out how he was and how he's changed. I think there is some character development missing that bugs me and that I think could've been done better. I think it's great to show Masterchief becoming more human and questioning his past and his orders. But in order for the change in him to have some weight, it's necessary to show how he was before so we can actually experience this shift in him.

There are also many people complaining about 117 taking his helmet off. I don't mind it and also understand that the actor might want to be seen from time to time. But from what I gather a Spartan only very rarely takes off their helmet. So again, I think this could've been a great tool to show 117's change in character, that he suddenly starts taking off his helmet. But in the series it seems to be a very normal thing to know what he looks like. Some missed potential there, but does it ruin this series as a casual viewer? No.

I think for people that love the books and/or the games it must be hard to see the series not play out the way they hoped it would. But if you don't know the Halo franchise - like me - this series really is worth a watch. I bet if there wouldn't have been books and games and this series would've come out just like that, people would certainly show it way more love. Because it is a series with a huge budget that got spent wisely. It has stunning cinematics, mostly good CGI, intellectual dialog and just the right amount of action. So give it a go!

Our Flag Means Death (2022–2023)

Give it a chance!

[8/10 · 14 April 2022]

Was really surprised by this series. Such unique comedy, I really haven't laughed like this in ages.

Even with all the humor the series also deals with very modern world views but - and this is super rare - in what feels like an authentic and honest way.

I think the first few episodes really are the strongest from a comedy point of view and as we get closer to the end the series gets a bit more into the drama genre.

If anything, this show will for sure give you some laughs and I for one can't wait for a second season!

Bridgerton: The Viscount Who Loved Me (2022) Season 2, Episode 8

Surprisingly good

[8/10 · 25 March 2022]

I didn't much care for the first season of Bridgerton. It seemed to be very much counting on the fact that sex sells - which it apparently also did with the season being renewed for a 2nd, 3rd and 4th season. I'm glad that this part got toned down this time around.

Season two very much surprised be in the way that it did go more into depths on certain characters psyche and character development - mostly Anthony. The newer take on a love triangle as well as the beautifully portrayed inner conflicts of many of the characters helped over look the sometimes rather long stretched side plots and the not so well scripted and "in your face" empowerment lines.

Overall a big improvement and a season that will keep you rooting, crying, laughing and - of course - entertained.

Shadow and Bone (2021–2023)

A Good Watch With Potential

[7/10 · 23 April 2021]

Shadow and Bone is a good watch. It'll keep you entertained and the actors and actresses did a good job. The script was sometimes a bit dull, as was some of the CGI and the costumes. But for me, the show kinda fell apart the same way most fantasy Netflix shows do: pace.

I would have loved a bit more world and character building. With a slower pace this would have been possible. The way they did it was neither a super fast action pace to keep you at the edge of your seat, nor was it a slowly building story where you could get invested into all the characters.

Also most characters that appeared really weren't that relevant to the plot. Especially the Crows and Nina/Matthias. They were entertaining but there was so much else going on, that these 'fillers' wouldn't have been needed. The Crows did bring a lot of humor into the show and I loved the casting there, but still, I felt like it would have been better to hold their storylines back for the first season and only explore the world we find ourselves in and properly develop the three main characters of Alina, Mal and the Darkling.

I think if we'd have gotten more time with the characters, the actors/actresses could have really showed all their potential and the world could have been much richer. This would have meant to put a bigger part of the plot into the following seasons, but I would've been fine with that. I'm aware that that might not be everyones cup of tea, but I'm a sucker for character study and deep and emotional storylines.

The show has potential and as I mentioned earlier, it is very enjoyable. Just don't imagine a second GoT (earlier seasons) or Harry Potter. For me, Shadow and Bone is really more a stand alone new fantasy that will certainly mostly attract a younger audience but is binge worthy for all ages.

Gold Digger (2019)

Relatable and keeps you at the edge of your seat

[8/10 · 13 April 2021]

I really don't get the bad reviews.

Gold Digger is a great series. Very entertaining, keeps you at the edge of your seat, is in many (if not quite such dramatic) ways relatable, has through and through good acting and exceptional videography, great character development and draws you completely in emotionally.

I loved the tension with which they built the story, so that you always had to be guessing, who is bad, who is good, what are their intensions and they did it very authentically and with a fresh take.

As a person with a similar familyhistory as Julias kids, Gold Digger was somehow also very eyeopening and therapeutic. I guess and hope it can have similar impact on other people how suffered a very complicated and difficult relationship with their parents/family.

Have to say, that the last few minutes were not my preferred outcome to such a dramatic story. Nonetheless it truly is a series I can wholeheartedly recommend!

Outer Banks (2020– )

Teen drama done right

[7/10 · 13 January 2021]

Wow, I really didn't think I'd enjoy this series as much as I did! I went into it thinking it would be a light hearted and cheesy teen drama...and it sort of is but finally with some really decent actors, a good skript and a compelling story. All the dialog as well as the acting felt so authentic! The story is not exactly new and sure as hell not realistic but it doesn't matter really. It keeps you at the edge of your seat, you fear and feel for all the main characters and the humor here and there feels very honest and lightens up the mood. What really didn't sit right with me is that we're supposed to believe these 'kids' are but 16. They do really look a lot older than that and also their actions don't seem to fit what a 16 year old would do. Apart from that I truly truly enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who's looking for a steamy and humorous treasure hunt drama with some decent action in it. looking forward to season 2!

Bridgerton (2020– )

Enjoyable guilty pleasure

[6/10 · 27 December 2020]

This series seems like a mix of Gossip Girl, Downton Abbey and a little bit of Pride and Prejudice. It does however lack the production value of Downton Abbey and the Script of Pride and Prejudice. That being said, it is an enjoyable watch and binge worthy. The actors and actresses are decent enough and the story - if not new - rather compelling. It started out more or less innocent and became rather hot later in the season, which I truly didn't expect but felt quite new to this genre which made it a nice surprise. The series is very 21st century like. So don't expect a story, characters, costumes and the society to be all that accurate. It seems they wanted to do a more fictional, new take on this era and if it isn't sold as an historically correct show, I see no problem in that. All in all it is worth a watch if you're looking for a light romance series. Don't expect too much from it, then I think you'll find yourself enjoying this guilty pleasure series.

The Mandalorian: Chapter 16: The Rescue (2020) Season 2, Episode 8

Why?!

[5/10 · 18 December 2020]

What I loved most about the Mandalorian was, that it was set in the Star Wars universe but had completely new characters. I had hoped it would not include too much of the Star Wars Franchise and would be more of a stand alone thing. I'm not a huge Star Wars fan but kinda liked some aspects too it an The Mandalorian seemed to have such a refreshing take on this universe. It sucked so much that Luke had to be the Jedi to answer Grogus call...I mean there are still a few other Jedi left and it would have been so much more interesting to see them and learn more about them than to time after time be forced to deal with the Skywalkers...a stoy we had 9 frickin movies about. I also think this episode showed perfectly, what Disney sees in The Mandalorian: Money. I though it was so disrespectful the tease another show at the end of this one. Does this mean The Mandalorian is over? Do we now only see Boba Fett? I mean, it's not like they don't have the money for advertisement on other channels. I'm so pissed at Disney for ruining this. Pedro Pascal delivered a great performance as always but I feel like he was let down by this series. Man, I hoped this would be a different series...not sure if I'll watch the third season...and surely I won't put any more money into Disneys pocket by going to see The Book of Boba Fett. Very disappointed!

Supernatural: Carry On (2020) Season 15, Episode 20

Supernatural isn't the best series - and why it is

[9/10 · 29 November 2020]

Supernatural isn't the best series. It lacks a lot of things, has a lot of plotholes and probably was dragged out for too long. In this sense it can never hold up to series like Breaking Bad or Chernobyl for example. But Supernatural has created something so much more special...let me explaine. As so many more, I stayed with supernatural for the family. I never got to go to a convention, but I watched pretty much all the youtube videos of the cast giving their all to their fans, telling stories and jokes, letting us take part in their lifes - on and off screen. Supernatural was always and will always be a safe haven for me. Already a few seasons back, I stoped watching it for the story. It started to lack depth and a good script but what stayed was the family, the (self-)humor, the love for the boys. I always knew I could count on it making me laugh and cry, forgetting my most recent worries and just step into the loving SPN family for a little while. Not having that anymore has left me more defasteted as I would have imagined. I'm sure I can go back and watch all the seasons and all the youtube videos. But still, there's now the knowledge, that there won't be a new season next year. No new episodes to make me laugh and cry. No new gag reel. No conventions. I don't really care about the ending, how they chose to do it. I think if we were being honest, there wouldn't have been a one perfect ending to this story. Supernatural - when only looked at the story - should have ended at least five seasons ago, if not earlier. I'm happy that the actors could let go of the characters and that they can start new projects. I myself needed this ending, or at least *an* ending. I needed to be able to say goodbye too. And I was able to do that at least. Hell, I cried my eyes out in the last two episodes. Even if neither the season nor the last episode would earn it, I give Supernatural - as a whole - a 9/10 rating. As the show and Jared and Jensen showed us over the years: love and family is what matters most. And Supernatural has of yet been the only show, that I can say I truly love. Thank you, Supernatural, I'm so so happy I overcame my fear and started this series nearly a decade ago. It began scary and suspensful, turned funny and heart wrenching, had some let downs along the way. But hell, what ride it has been. THANK YOU for being there, THANK YOU for making me cry and laugh, THANK YOU for choosing an end and finally, THANK YOU for creating a family!

1917 (2019)

Art doesn't have to be realistic

[9/10 · 2 April 2020]

I think people miss the point. Yes the story seems very unrealistic at times. But this isn't a documentary. This is a movie that tries to give you a glimpse into WW I and is so much more about the feel than about the story. It's about never resting, always running from something and to something, loosing friends, being torn between helping or killing, about the massive scale (both in distance and in human bodies) of this war, how bloody young these men were and what they were forced to do. The longer I think about the story I too think it probably is much 'too epic' and unrealistic. But as I said, for me it's not a documentary, it's art. Go into a museum and look at paintings. Which ones are the ones that draw you in the most, that make you feel like you're there, that let you feel the atmosphere and that won't let you go? Well, for me these mostly aren't the realistic paintings. It's the expressionistic, the surrealistic and the impressionistic ones. Because it's not about how real it is, but where it takes you and what it makes you feel.

Legend (I) (2015)

Some issues, great performances

[7/10 · 28 March 2020]

I'd have to agree with most reviews here. Tom Hardy delivered an excellent performance! Actually all the acting, costumes and cinematography was great. Where the film failed in my eyes, was the pacing. I do love a slow paced movie or series, but Legend couldn't be placed anywhere on the spectrum. Some parts are dragged out and you can't help but loose interest, other times it takes huge time jumps leaving you wondering what the hell actually happened. I guess it would have worked great as a series. There they could've dove deeper into the personalities and the side stories without making a mess or leaving the viewer bored. I can't say anything about the accuracy of the story as I've never heard of the Kray family before watching the movie... All in all (but mostly for Hardys amazing portrayal) I give it a 7/10. In an other format or with better pacing it would be a movie I really love.

The Witcher (2019– )

Not quiet living up to it's potential

[6/10 · 20 December 2019]

Well...I was super hyped for this series, even if at first I thought Henry Cavill wouldn't be the best fit for playing Geralt. Turns out he is actually the main reason to keep watching. For me, Cavill plays the most convincing and you can clearly see that Geralt is the only character that has been truly worked out. I REALLY didn't enjoy the first few episodes but after watching further it got better and I grew to quiet like it and even love it at times. My main issues are that so much (sadly) doesn't feel right. Things are rushed that shouldn't be (the complexity of Geralt, meaning his conflict between feeling emotions even though as a Witcher he shouldn't) and some are dragged out to a point I was happy I could skip it (Ciri in this weird forest and Yennefers backstory before she became a sorceress). Too much fighting in Cintra for my taste, rushed and over dramatized backstories, sometimes really bad writing and directing. Now, why is it still worth 7 stars? Pretty much any Geralt scene was great. Loved his interactions with Jaskier and Roach and when he was off fighting some monsters. I liked the humor and the sword fights. I think they just wanted to put too much into one season. Why not only focus on the backstories and then go on ahead. Or just leave them out and show glimpses of them. Let the viewers adapt to this world, let them go with Geralt on monster hunts, into some taverns and after all that you can introduce all those characters you want in there too. In a way we got all of that but it felt like it was all over the place and only for such a short time before it changed back to Yennefer or Ciri (wich for me sadly weren't written all too well). The series failed at gripping you and pulling you into this universe. I hope they will improve some stuff for the next season as this series and Geralts story has so much potential!

Carnival Row (2019–2023)

Stunning world, bad casting

[7/10 · 16 September 2019]

Just finished the show. Story wise it's not spectacular but it sure keeps you entertained. I really loved the world they created, it feels so unique and seems to work as a whole. Some funny and interesting side stories that I feel like are nicely put, never too long so you forget about the main story but long enough to get invested with all the other characters. I just can't be convinced by Bloom and Delevingne. No chemestry between them and in every shot I feel like they act too much so I never truly feel like they *are* the character they try portray. Overall a good watch but I wish they had casted some better fitting actors.

Jack Ryan (2018–2023)

Finally a multilayered action series

[9/10 · 24 July 2019]

Stumbled over this series and thought to give it a chance since I had nothing else to watch. I was really really surprised by how good it was! I could mention the huge and very realistic sets, the phenomenal acting and casting (eventhough at first I wasn't sure about Krasinski) but what got me hooked the most about this series was the pace and the fact that it had so many layers for both the 'heros' and the 'villans'. The pace was a perfect mix between slow and fast. The story never dragged behind, yet you never felt like it was rushed which happens quite often in action films/series. The action was never over done and was always there for a reason, not just for the sake of it. When I first started, I thought it would be the same 'American Hero' story as mostly is with these sorts of films or series. You know, the kind where the bad Islams want to destroy America just "because", only to be stopped by a war hero that at first didn't want the job. If you would summarize the story of Jack Ryan, yes, is does have the same aspects. But what makes it fresh and interesting is the fact, that they showed you so much more about the situation in these countries (Syria, Lebanon, Yemen...), told the story of how a man can be driven into such actions, get you what feels like a very realistic glimpse into the CIA and the operating military and picked up the recent topics of human trafficing and (war) refugees. Can't wait for the next two seasons!

Sons of Anarchy (2008–2014)

Like nothing else

[10/10 · 11 June 2019]

I started watching SoA a few years back when I found it on Netflix and binged it till season 4. I thought it to be good entertainment but after a while got a bit fed up with everything going wrong. So I stoped and it wasn't until a few weeks ago that I started watching it again. And then I started to realize what a beautiful story SoA actually tells and how brilliantly it does so. It's not a story about some ruff bikers dealing guns, playing cool and killing dozens of people along the way. It's about family, the one you choose and the one you can't choose. About a guy that tries his best to live up to the person he wants to be but being confronted with his actions and reality time after time. It's about manipulation, power play, love, honor, fate, morality, loyalty and finding your identity and path in life. Everything that happens, happens for a reason. Every foreshadowing has its purpose and the characters are so beautifully written, so honest and real, you feel like they are a part of you. I would not have given SoA 10/10 as sometimes the storylines do seem a bit dragged out. Yet I feel like I wouldn't do it justice by giving anything under a 10/10 rating...why? Because SoA touched me deep within my core. It's hard to point my finger at what it is exactly, that makes it so special. I guess it comes down to a main character as real, dynamic and complex as it gets, a story that, as a whole, is complete and makes sense, great acting (especially in the last few seasons) and a very unique setting. I'm very glad to have given it a second chance and hope many more people get to enjoy this masterpiece!

The Punisher (2017–2019)

What did they try to portray with this?

[5/10 · 14 January 2019]

The first two episodes of The Punisher seemed promising but after that it just became clear that this show wasn't my thing at all. I sat through the episodes of the first season though. Is the show about 'awesome' America? Is it about how bad soldiers are treated after they get back from war? Is it about how soldiers love war? Is it about gun laws? Interesting themes for sure and the show picks them up more than Franks revenge (what the show should actually be about, right?) but fails horribly at finding suitable arguments, which leaves you wondering what they actually want to tell you. It has great actors which lets me rate this 5 Stars but plot wise...? The Punisher lacks reasons for action and consequences, character development and reasonable arguments for their 'trying-to-be-political' statements throughout the episodes. It has violence just for the sake of it, without any consequences for the character applying it. Plus the show runners really don't have a clue about medicine. Still can't get over how stupid you have to be to disinfect your hands and then wipe them off on your pants before stitching someone up. And why the heck would you burn a wound you just stitched up?!

Midnight, Texas (2017–2018)

Good entertainment

[8/10 · 6 January 2019]

I wasn't sure if 'Midnight, Texas' was a show for me but decided to give it a go. After the first few episodes I was hooked. It might not have a lot of depth and a huge character development but it is a good watch if you're in for a southern supernatural drama. It felt "real", well acted and the script surprised me too. Midnight has this southern 'True Blood - Vibe' and I couldn't help to draw some lines to 'Supernatural'. All in all you have a good entertainment with 'Midnight, Texas' , well drawn characters, authentic script, solid acting, a bit of action and here and there some (self-) humor. Really sad they aren't able to make a third season, would have loved to see the show progress. I gave it an 8 instead of a 7 cause it really surprised me how much I began to like the show and it's characters and in hopes a good IMDb rating would help them get picked up by another network *fingers crossed*

Siren (2018–2020)

Budget wrongly spend

[4/10 · 4 April 2018]

I was really looking forward for this series but I have to say, the first two episodes have let me down completely. Not only do they act poorley but they also keep falling out of their american accent (the british cast). Eline Powell truly has the looks to be a SIREN (she's not a mermaid, if it's your show you should know, just saying) but she over does it with her acting which is quite the bummer. I might have been able to overlook some missing acting skills but where the show fails in my opinion is in keeping the story interesting. It's to fast paced which also doesn't allow the viewer to really sink into the mood an the feel of the story. If they had spend more money in believable actors and authentic scripts/dialog and not on all the helicopters and military stuff the show might have done well.