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Reviews
X-Men '97: Remember It (2024)
Insane
Everything from the drama, to the build up, and ending was excellent. This is what I had expected to see after the first 2 episodes, or even better. The writing and animation went on another level. It's easily one of the top 5 episodes in any Marvel show or even Disney+. The last episode I was getting worried but I see now after this one that this show's creators really love, admire, and appreciate good x-men storytelling. There are true fans behind this series. I'm not expecting it to be perfect at all times but after this episode I completely understand why they want to tell the story they are telling with this specific series and chose the right people to do it because they love the comics and the original animation.
Barbarian (2022)
Pretty good time
My friends and I had a lot more fun watching this movie than we anticipated it's definitely not perfect in any way. It also isn't the scariest film, by the second half I had clenched a few times. The first half definitely were the best parts. It was slow but tensions were high. Bill Skaarsgard definitely was the standout actor, he helped keep the tensions up. The second half of the film is not bad like people were saying. It was bit frustrating that it slowed down for a little and Justin Long's character was horrible but by the time the house showed back up it still felt like it went back to where it left off. It was pretty scary at times and I was personally interested in the where the story went and the lore of that house and I wasn't left dissatisfied like the majority of horror films. We laughed a couple of times at the end but lets be real most horror film you bust out laughing a lot at how stupid it is.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Lacking
It was entertaining at times but the first have was definitely over-bearing on empty 12 year old comedy just to tone down the serious moments and/or cover up lacking character arcs. What a way to waste some potentially great characters and actors. Natalie Portman really could have delivered well with the jane story-line but they gave her entire role a comedy aspect to it?? I know it ties to old thor films but those films didn't work so this was the chance to really change her character around and they failed majorly. What happens to Jane is still interesting and probably the second most interesting arc in the film but they tone it down horribly. As for Bale? Not only barely in the movie but they also severely watered his storyline down. Although, he actually delivered on the performance. Two of some of the best Thor storylines really just tossed in the trash shoot. Every other character was also horribly utilized and I would have been okay with Thor's repeating character arc and goofiness if everything else in the film was turned up a notch. Or actually given creative and serious thought. I will say the moment they entered the world where Zeus and all the Gods were till the moment where the black and white scene ends, my eyes were glued to the screen. They were good getaway scenes and had the action comedy, romance, and entertainment I was expecting. Thor questioning the Gods himself and Jane's one serious moment, it looked creative specifically the black and white scene and Gorr actually seemed like a Villain I wouldn't want to go against for a minute. The comedy was paced in much better in these moments and in general It was the only effective scenes of the film. I would call it the middle act, whereas it is squished inbetween two other acts that were pointless, lazy, rushed, and all-around ineffective. The new character at the end seems like they could be interesting in the future but made the character that brought that character into the film feel even mire lazy. At least Multiverse of Maddness actually put in effort in the all around story, the comedy was in the back seat, and most sequencers were entertaining; it was just the writing that was weak. I can't even say what it is about Thor that they failed at because it kind of seems like they through anything at the wall to see what lands.
Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
Boring
This is the type of movie that'll have you on your phone, there is nothing to think about or fathom stroy-wise. Things just happen just to happen. People complaining about diversity and although it is definitely there is the least of it's worries. Its just bland, lazy, un-inspired. Probably just a cash grab. The bad CGI Dinosaurs didn't do anything for me. And the action or fight sequences are easily the most lame in the whole series. MCU might one big cash grab but they still manage to make it watchable without wanting to grab your phone at least. This movie exists just to exists.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part III (2022)
Pretty bad
This is what I imagined a star wars CW show to look like with a little more budget. I can't believe this is from the same director that had 2 of the best episodes from season 1 of Mando. The storytelling again feels like something that is better in paper than it is on screen. The writing is mostly the worst offender. At first I wanted to blame everyone the writing reminds me of The Multiverse of Madness where it just seems like they are phoning in a script that will cash in a lot of audience because the name/story attached. Very half-assed on the depth/substance/character arc. At least multiverse of madness had a director that actually crafted the visuals in its entirely well. Disney was always a big cash grab but it's feeling like that more than ever. At least hire people who can write and care about these characters.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
Little disappointing
The ideas are not bad but the execution is horrible. Which is surprising because of the director. There are good shots thanks to her; the sets and music are also good. Everything else is lacking or just choppy especially the acting and writing. It's very tv. The chase scene was absolutely awful and the writing may seem like it be okay on paper but the translation to film is just awful. This is just based off the first 2 episodes hopefully it changes.
Shadow in the Cloud (2020)
Decent I guess
For those complaints about feminism. Men being called out for their wring doing is not feminisms. They way the men behave in this movie is scarily realistic. Just because you never experienced doesnt mean it doesn't exist. As for rest if the film, it is pretty well-directed and good music and Chloe delivers a solid performance, but the story does get a bit ridiculous specifically when the gremlins get involved.
WandaVision (2021)
The (disappointing) Wandavision experience.
I originally gave this the finale an 8 after riding the hype of the finale. But I had to lower my score to a "mid" level rating after months of thinking about it.
'Wandavision' was generally a pretty good (potentially great) series. I actually admired the imaginative and creative theme of television throughout the decades. And for the most part they delivered on the drama, fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery elements of the show. Despite it being slightly inspired by a couple of comic books, the moral of the story that Wanda was acting out violently and blindly by grief after losing everyone she loved in her life (the robot being the 13th reason), is easily some of the most original, best, and grounded storytelling the MCU has ever to offer.
That being said, they ruined the show with the final episode.
Similar to GOT, the final episode left a lot of people (including myself) with a sour taste in the mouth for the entire show. Which is ultimately sad considering the effort that was put into the rest of the season. It may not have been quite as much as a jaw dropping bad experience of GOT; however, they basically shared a similar tainting contribution to almost ruin an entire series.
The whole experience from the amazing set production, costume design, writing and directing from the entire series makes a prominent lighting downfall in the final episode. The only thing that stuck to the wall was the acting thank you to the already established actors of the show.
Aside from the obvious lack of quality in the finale, the plot is what mostly took the real toll on me. My main gripe was how the entirety of the existence of the supporting characters essentially went no where, besides Agatha. However Agatha was a bit disappointing as well, despite Hahn's good performance. The supporting characters honestly shouldn't of even have been in the finale. They took away what could have been a fully (and better) developed plot of Wanda.
Wanda takes and entire city hostage and tortures them. She now has to give up her kind of already dead boyfriend and fake children to have the town go back to normal. And although fantasy blindly hurt the town residents and she ends up releasing them after realizing she had real people in her fantasy, she still did a bad thing.
The line that Wanda had to "sacrifice" for the town, although may be true, it had no affect on the audience because we obviously mostly only feel bad for the kidnapped victims. Maybe they should've added on by Wanda establishing what she did was wrong? She made a mistake and learned from it, that should have been the moral of the episode, not that she was the hero. Im okay with the fact that she ran away, if anyone had her abilities they would have done the same.
Back to the supporting characters, none if them served any purpose in the finale except Agatha and maybe the white Vision. Monica was actually a well-developed character from all the episodes only to only a moment in the finale to be taking a bullet from kids that can save themselves from taking a bullet. It was a lame attempt to show her powers. Same for Darcy, Hayward, and the kids. Haywards only moments in the finale should have been when Jimmy Woo told him he did a crime and then when he got arrested. The kids trying to fight was a lame Dinsney-esq attempt at an "Incredibles moment" I would have honestly have taken those scenes out or just have better developed versions of them. The Ralph Boner moment is by far the most pathetic attempt to toy with audience and waste if a good character (and actor).
As for any other negatives? Don't even get me started with the poorly executed action between Wanda and Agatha.
The moments I actually liked: the way the fights between the two Visions and the two Witches ends well. Actually better than most superhero fights. They ended in conversation pretty much or by outsmarting the other character. The scene where Wanda is walking home with Vision and the children to say goodbye to them was very well done, it was as good as the content of the rest of the series and what is somewhat the quality I expected from the finale. Too bad it was the only great moment in the episode.
All in all, the finale felt rushed except that one scene. It just could have taken more time to develop. Take away the unnecessary scenes and develop the others more. The dip in quality says it all.
WandaVision: The Series Finale (2021)
Hmm
I originally gave the final episode an 8 after riding the hype of the finale. But I had to lower my score to a "mid" level rating after months of thinking about it.
'Wandavision' was generally a pretty good (potentially great) series. I actually admired the imaginative and creative theme of television throughout the decades. And for the most part they delivered on the drama, fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery elements of the show. Despite it being slightly inspired by a couple of comic books, the moral of the story that Wanda was acting out violently and blindly by grief after losing everyone she loved in her life (the robot being the 13th reason), is easily some of the most original, best, and grounded storytelling the MCU has ever to offer.
That being said, they ruined the show with the final episode.
Similar to GOT, the final episode left a lot of people (including myself) with a sour taste in the mouth for the entire show. Which is ultimately sad considering the effort that was put into the rest of the season. It may not have been quite as much as a jaw dropping bad experience of GOT; however, they basically shared a similar tainting contribution to almost ruin an entire series.
The whole experience from the amazing set production, costume design, writing and directing from the entire series makes a prominent lighting downfall in the final episode. The only thing that stuck to the wall was the acting thank you to the already established actors of the show.
Aside from the obvious lack of quality in the finale, the plot is what mostly took the real toll on me. My main gripe was how the entirety of the existence of the supporting characters essentially went no where, besides Agatha. However Agatha was a bit disappointing as well, despite Hahn's good performance. The supporting characters honestly shouldn't of even have been in the finale. They took away what could have been a fully (and better) developed plot of Wanda.
Wanda takes and entire city hostage and tortures them. She now has to give up her kind of already dead boyfriend and fake children to have the town go back to normal. And although fantasy blindly hurt the town resident and she ends up releasing them after realizing she had real people in her fantasy, she still did a bad thing. The line that Wanda had to "sacrifice" for the town, although may be true, it had no affect on the audience because we obviously mostly only feel bad for the kidnapped victims. Maybe they should've added on by Wanda establishing what she did was wrong? She made a mistake and learned from it, that should have been the moral of the episode, not that she was the hero. Im okay with the fact that she ran away, if anyone had her abilities they would have done the same.
Back to the supporting characters, none if them served any purpose in the finale except Agatha and maybe the white Vision. Monica was actually a well-developed character from all the episodes only to only a moment in the finale to be taking a bullet from kids that can save themselves from taking a bullet. It was a lame attempt to show her powers. Same for Darcy, Hayward, and the kids. Haywards only moments in the finale should have been when Jimmy Woo told him he did a crime and then when he got arrested. The kids trying to fight was a lame Dinsney-esq attempt at an "Incredibles moment" I would have honestly have taken those scenes out or just have better developed versions of them. The Ralph Boner moment is by far the most pathetic attempt to toy with audience and waste if a good character (and actor).
As for any other negatives? Don't even get me started with the poorly executed action between Wanda and Agatha.
The moments I actually liked: the way the fights between the two Visions and the two Witches ends well. Actually better than most superhero fights. They ended in conversation pretty much or by outsmarting the other character. The scene where Wanda is walking home with Vision and the children to say goodbye to them was very well done, it was as good as the content of the rest of the series and what is somewhat the quality I expected from the finale. Too bad it was the only great moment in the episode.
All in all, the finale felt rushed except that one scene. It just could have taken more time to develop. Take away the unnecessary scenes and develop the others more. The dip in quality says it all.
Gossip Girl: Salon of the Dead (2012)
Good Reveal
It would make sense how Diane knew Jack and Nate's grandfather now. But you would think Lily would have run into her at one point in the past. I dont like what theyre turning Lola into, she's becoming desperate to be apart of the world suddenly. And Serena proves time and time again that she's one of the worst and selfish characters ever seen on television. Dan and Blair's relationship is already starting to get boring they should've never went through with it.
The New Mutants (2020)
Potential
First things first, the concept of this movie is honestly very strong. Young, dangerous, and vulnerable mutants being worked up to eventually be controlled by a bad organization that IS in fact connected to 'Logan', is a great idea. The problem was it's execution, mainly the directing and writing. You can tell there were production cuts for sure but I still feel like the directing didn't know what it wanted to be, you can't tell if the idea of the film was to make a much smaller film about mutants or a kinda bigger film about powerful mutants that could potentially join x-men. The characters are never properly developed and most of the dialogue is very weak which turns the movie being boring. The idea that all the kids are there because they are dangerous and killed people is neat but it doesn't make sense, these mutants aren't powerful enough to take out one doctor that's by herself in a barely running hospital but they clearly are well suited to take out some monsters. Except, they nerfed their power at the end for a lame attempt to have to get the main character to have her moment. Weirdly, the characters are all pretty interesting and all have interesting powers and personalities but again, they were never developed properly and they just felt empty at the end. Again, it was mainly bad writing. The accents accents were pretty bad, but Obviously those actors would have done better under a better director, and there is proof to that. I honestly did not have a problem by how little the action was because it did feel small but then they built them up to be powerful and it turned out underwhelming by the end. They really should have just given the idea to someone else to write and direct it.
I do disagree with many of the 1 star reviews here tho, people saying this is the worst film they have ever seen clearly don't watch many movies, which honestly is good for them because there are seriously much worse movies that come out every year. But also a lot of the criticism is absurdly senseless. Most of the 1 star reviews are from people that have no idea how to watch a film. They literally explain all their questions throughout the film, yeah they do it badly and boringly but nothing in this movie is confusing. The worst criticism is how does it have to be connected to the x-men. Mutants exists outside of the x-men in the comics as well it doesn't have to be an x-men movie and it wasn't advertised as so. Again, I imagine the criticism is mostly from people that don't know how to watch films or have watched many films, as well as read an x-men comic. Either way I suppose it doesn't matter because Fox x-men is dead, it is unfortunate that we will probably never see these characters again because if you know anything about mutants in the comics, those are some pretty popular characters with actual good stories to tell.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: The Whole World Is Watching (2021)
Finally
The first 2 episodes were honestly underwhelming and forgettable. The third episode got better mostly because of Zemo. But wow, FINALLY this episode somehow made all the characters actually interesting. I still feel like the storytelling is weak, the directing is not the best, and I noticed the dialogue was especially weak this time around. The action is a bit choppy, but somehow this was still entertaining throughout. This episode proves that this was a film stretched out to a longer boring tv series because of how much they stuffed this episode, like how the dora milaje did felt like they were shoehorned in but it was honestly very exciting to see them after 3 years, their presence is done effectively well. Carly and John Walker are finally getting interesting character development and Sharon does feel like she is part of a bigger picture and the mystery is intriguing. Hopefully the next 2 episodes are at least as pretty good as this episode.
WandaVision: Previously On (2021)
Wow
This episode is what MCU was never able to accomplish, real emotion. From the directing, acting, and writing they are able to show real deep emotions of a character. Elizabeth Olsen probably won't get the credit she deserves for the role she plays here and the amount of depth the creators are giving the character. Nothing in the MCU can relate to the character building that this show has done. Even the music was great. I will say now that the episode isn't perfect, mostly because it was oddly placed in between the last episode and finale but when it really comes down to it, they had no other choice. We did need to see some backstory eventually and it made her being an emotional mess make more sense. But the episode itself didn't answer any questions except that she did in fact create a small reality all on her own. But I also understand the frustration on why some other people won't like this episode because not all other big questions were answered. I Like that they just wont give us what we want right away and that they build it up exceptionally, MCU fans are also so used to get everything at once because it was all films before and this is the first time we have to wait weekly, but at the same time, learn patience. When you watch this episode just know they are telling Wanda's story, it's not about Agatha, Maphesto or Monica. It's Wanda's show and this episode was very necessary and you couldn't of placed a backstory episode in the beginning of the show because it literally ruins the mystery of the first like 6-7 episodes. This episode wanted to accomplish one thing and that is to show Wanda's loss and grief, and I think it did do a great job at it, some of the MCU's best work. What also brought this episode down from being perfect was that there is only one more episode and it has to be only an hour or an hour and a half in length, considering the show is confirmed to be a 6 hour runtime. So they would have to cram those many unanswered questions into that episode. Hopefully it is not rushed.
WandaVision: Breaking the Fourth Wall (2021)
Amazing reveals!!!
Still appreciating the attention to detail to mimicking tv throughout the decades. It was very much like Modern Family and Elizabeth Olsen once again shows her versatility in a new sitcom role while also facing the reality of anger and fear towards the end. Unfortunately, I dont like modern family. Not that I dont like it, that type of style of sitcom isn't my favorite so the comedy took me back a little, but I still appreciate how detailed it was mimicking the style (like the past episodes) from the edits, to the filming, down to the music. What really got me into the episode were the reveals. Everything from Monica getting her powers to the Agnes being the villain all along was some of my favorite moments in the entire show. Looking forward to the final two episodes that should hopefully longer this time, especially now that there shouldn't be anymore sitcoms to mimic.
Raised by Wolves: The Beginning (2020)
The reviewers on here are dense.
Since the very beginning it was obvious there was going to be a giant snake show up since they always showed the bones and serpent holes. Very much close to the beginning there was obviously some sort of dark magic component to the planet when the evil ghost of Tally first arrived. So none of this should really be a surprise to anyone. If the show didn't end on multiple cliffhangers no one would be complaining nearly as much. The Lander went through the planet because the planet is obviously ran by some sort of magic being/s that also turned Marcus and Paul crazy for the sake of getting what they want and infiltrated mother's simulation to put a snake in her. There honestly wasn't a single surprise from this episode because it all very OBVIOUSLY led to this moment. Do I personally like it? It's entertaining I guess, the writing wasn't as good as the previous 9 episodes, but the whole point of the this season finale was to leave you wanting to learn more about that planet and its beings. There is literally nothing to be confused about. People want to put too much damn logic into this because it's a sci-fi. Well, it's also a fantasy. It's not meant to be a realistic future. This is still 10x more creative and better made than an average network television series. Y'all just want something to be mad about because it didn't turn out as simple as you wanted.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 3: The Sin (2019)
Keep this director.
First two episodes were good enough to have me watch the rest of the series. But this episode was finally the one to really reel me into becoming a fan. The action was the best so far in the first three episodes and in whole this felt the most star wars (if that makes sense). Unlike the first two episodes I felt satisfied and hungry for more at the same time. Progression and use of the surprisingly short run-time was also the best. Curious to see how they will be like now that Favreau is out of the picture. And the director clearly knows what she's doing, happy she will be working on the Obi-wan series as well.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Loved it
Very enjoyable and the action got me hyped. This is everything Ready Player One and Ghost in the Shell needed to be. I have to agree the romance was a bit dead in this film. Hugo should have died they first time around honestly it would have more an impact on the audience because the second time I didn't care at all. Other than that, everything about the world and characters are great. I want to learn more about this world and Alita. Confused why some of the "Critics" say the "special affects" are bad, The visual effects* are amazing and clearly a stylistic design to have some things look a bit animated. The action is also just amazing.
X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
Falls very short
Why would Fox want to go out like this? Why would they even green-light this movie? The main problem with this film is the script, it's rushed and flat. Things happen in the movie but it feels like nothing happens. Even the action scenes don't deliver much. None of the characters are important except Xavier and Jean. Not to mention that those two are the only actors that tried in this film, maybe Chastain as well but her material to work with was absolutely ridiculous. As for the rest of the cast, they were just there for a paycheck. Actually, not even sure why Evan Peters or even JLaw was even in this film. Say what you want about how bad they turned JLaw's Mystique into at least she can deliver lines solidly. As for Sophia, not sure what the hate is for her, with better writing and I think she could hold it pretty well, her acting was fine, but not 100% sure she can hold a lead for a movie. The only good aspect in the film is movie, it captured my attention multiple times when the movie didn't and actually took en out of the movie a few times too. When the last battle ended, I just wanted to get out of the theatre. Nothing felt important or a reason for the series to end with this film. Not sure how Disney will recover the X-men after this.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Not Bad
I actually very much enjoyed this film. I found the story fun and interesting and all the characters likable except L3. It's definitely weak of a film, the narrative is a bit simple, the twists and turns are predictable, the supporting actors are all playing their usual selves but in Star Wars theme. But at the end of it I had fun there is not really anything to dislike here but there isn't anything to be blown away by either. I liked Ron Howard's directing although for the most part it did seem like it was for a pay check. The color was bit dull but the soundtrack was actually great. In the beginning it was a bit too campy at times but In the end it fit the characters pretty well. As for Solo, they didn't nail his character but it's far better than expected and I actually enjoyed him at the end of the film and his almost well-interpreted portrayal. Most importantly, the relationship with Solo and Chewy worked well.
Game of Thrones: The Long Night (2019)
A little safe
This entire episode was all actually very well done and probably the best made television episode of all time (pace and visual wise) but they definitely played it safe when it came to the plot choices. Maybe it's for the fact that they're leading the idea that Cersei is the actual villain of the series?? Don't get me wrong the stakes were high in the episode and in an excellently done way, but you'd expect it to be a bit harder too kill the night king after 7 seasons of building him up and for Bran to actually serve a purpose in this show.
I actually liked that Arya was able to sneak past the army of white walkers because they developed her character to be that way, so not sure why people are complaining about that. Although, It could have played out differently instead of her easily killing off the night king.
They probably could have killed off a couple more characters like one of the stark kids I guess, but they played it like Marvel did when they had to keep the main Avengers alive for Endgame and only killed off a couple of really loved and important kinda-supporting. Again, it's probably for a good and bigger reason by the end of the show but there could have been more loss in this episode for sure.
In conclusion: it's a bit anti-climatic but the episode was so well done it's hard to get too mad especially when clearly the writers are looking at a bigger picture. At the end of the day they want us to know Cersei is more important than the Night King I guess.