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Dracula (2020)
A enjoyable mini-series ruined by overzealous and ridiculous writing
A brief summary - Enjoy the titillating first episode while it lasts, it's only downhill from there. Episode 2 was a departure from its predecessor but it was still interesting, about a 6/10, the final episode had me losing patience with the hopelessly clichéd and nonsensical plot. Save yourself the trouble and give the last episode a miss as it was AWFUL.
Full review below -
Episode one has solid acting and puts an exciting spin on a classic tale, with the premise of a gay romance and descent into depravity promised from the start. It was gripping and I found myself really enjoying watching how all the pieces fit together with Jonathan, Dracula and the nuns. There could have been a bit more explaining, especially in the latter half of the episode but the visuals and story were still enjoyable. The sense of horror, dread and preternatural being pushed on a pragmatic and sensible character, characteristic of gothic genre were all present. Familiar but different and modern. I was really hooked.
Episode 2 was a change of pace, and I really hoped that it would pick back up and cover the loose ends of episode 1, such as WHAT HAPPENED TO JONATHAN HARKER and other KEY elements from the classic Dracula plotline would be explored. The character elimination and murder aboard the ship was a bit brazen and unsophisticated compared to the story before, sure, but I was interested to see how the characters would adapt to a Victorian Britain so I continued watching. I was disappointed that Dracula's favourite "bride" was not going to make an appearance however I thought this would be expanded on at the end of the episode or in the final episode.
I was wrong.
The skip forward of 120 years was just so... unnecessary???? It honestly baffles me as to why the writers thought this was a good idea. Just why?!?!?! It took everything significant and meaningful and simply ditched it. For what? To explore the silly idea of an ancient vampire exploring the modern world? What was the point, pretty sure most people were only interested in it because it was a period drama anyway for god's sake.
Agatha the nun just dead with no explanation (seeing as she was turning into a vampire?!) Jonathan Harker who was ALSO a vampire and NOT DEAD... no trace? No mention, zilch? The only thing that excited me was the thought that he was actually alive and in charge of the foundation and pulling the strings all along to rescue Dracula. Think that was the only thing that could have saved this, frankly, dumb plot twist.
... And instead, the writers introduce this RIDICULOUS clichéd Romeo-and-Juliet type plotline with vapid, uninteresting, self-centred and frankly underdeveloped new characters. After being QUEER-BAITED by the notion that Dracula and Jonathan Harker had would be together and even had INTERCOURSE in the first episode, all of that gets scrapped and they decide Dracula is actually into girls again. And a horribly irritating and narcissistic one at that, who also miraculously changes personality multiple times in the episode. Even Mark Gatiss' own character was poorly written.
Honestly couldn't help sighing and rolling my eyes trying to sit through this. I should have realised it was directed by Moffat because it has his signature ridiculously convoluted and non-sensical writing all over, especially during the climax of the story. This is like Matt Smith's Doctor Who all over again. And Sherlock. It felt like I was watching some cringy B-movie written by a kid.
Just avoid it and save yourself the time and disappointment. It could've been really good.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018)
Amazing show, well done Netflix!
After reading a couple of the negative reviews here and not being particularly convinced, I decided to try out Sabrina! So glad I did, the show is amazingly well produced. The music, especially in the first season, is top quality, the acting is great and the show creates a really good mix between magic and normal life. The magic itself is very interesting, and if you love lots of Satanic and horror movie references you won't be disappointed. Also a shout-out to the wardrobe which was very well done, especially for Ambrose and the other witches.
Sabrina herself is a really talented and well rounded lead and the supporting cast are all amazing. I can't name anyone whose part I thought was weak. The character development for Sabrina and the others was definitely welcomed, and I appreciated how dark the show actually was.
Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
E.T. 2 (2015)
The film of a generation
The story of the protagonist, Frank, a severely mentally challenged young man finding his first friend in the form of an alien is one of the most moving stories I've seen in a long time. Their growing bond is heartwarmingly intertwined with their very different lives, remember to have a box of tissues handy before watching.
In this masterfully crafted film, especially with its budget, it covers the meaning of existence, friendship, loss, growing up and the descent of two friends down dark paths, with some very moving narratives within. Moreover, Brock Lee is easily an amazing supporting actor.
I recommend 10/10, please watch ASAP, you will not be disappointed.