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Vyaiskaya
Reviews
Scream (2015)
Welcome to Murderville
Scream: the Series, which I will refer to as "Lakewood," offers a beautiful, suspenseful, meaningful play on the horror-thriller genre as characters are given strong development throughout the series, a lore and greater mystery is established, and warm-heartfelt moments are felt, only to be shattered by the recurring life-or-death perils. No place is safe, and no one is free from suspicion, in this complex and masterfully crafted tale of Lakewood.
*Pros*
Character development
Pacing
Story
Rich backstory
Refreshing take
Complex and gripping developments
Mask design
Spooky lullabye
*Cons*
No season 3
Characters die
Serial Killing
Not for the blood/gore/death-sensitive
Could have been marketted simply as Lakewood to reach a fresh audience
Scream: The Deadfast Club (2019)
If a dumpsterfire and flushed toilet paper gave birth
Wow, this was bad. The best recommendation about Scream: "revival" was it? Is to forget it ever existed.
Unfortunately this, for whatever neglectful reasons, was pushed through in place of the finalé to Lakewood. While that is bad in it's own rights, my eyes simply want their time back after watching what should have never made it beyond a hack-amateur's personal (private rather) youtube video, which is unfortunately more of an offense to youtube videographers everywhere than ... Whatever this is.
Ouroboros (2015)
Ouroboros: Kono ai koso seigi
Ouroboros: Kono ai koso seigi (Ouroboros: this love is justice) tells the tale of two brothers as they "descend towards hell," unstoppably moving up the ranks in the government and the Yakuza for an ultimate and bitter goal: knowledge of who killed their beloved mother and why, and subsequent revenge. As they probe into dark secrets of the past, the decisions they must make grow harder and with an ever-heavier price tag. How far will they go for justice? Who is behind the mysterious deaths? What dark secrets await them in unravelling the shadows of an intentionally burried, traumatic and haunting past?
*Pros*
The show does an excellent job with character development as you feel attached to the pain and conflict of the characters, making their every choice and decision that much heavier.
The premise of the show really stands out, and the acting is a perfect fit for the series. This is by far one of, if not, my favourite drama within the Japanese industry.
The music and cinematography also capture every moment in a meaningful way. The soundtrack is haunting/brilliant and carries the weight of the show in every note.
The acting hits home, if you weren't a previous fan of the cast - you will be after this.
*Cons*
Admittedly, there are a few points where it could be claimed the shark was jumped. Given the Japanese drama market, this isn't unexpected, and in my opinion this isn't a major detraction, just something to accept for what it is, albeit this comes down to a matter of opinion.
It would have been fascinating to see a lead up to the events of the series as a normal detective-yakuza series. There is an interesting opportunity for a prologue series here showing each character's rise and interactions leading up to episode one.
Boku dake ga inai machi (2017)
Heartwarming and touching
Boku-machi "Erased" tells the tale of a writer gifted with the ability to jump back in time, into his past selves, an ability which proves the crux upon which his future rests when one day he returns home to find himself framed for a crime he never committed, the death of his mother at the hands of a serial killer.
Instead of turning this into a corny/cheesey, overdone and ability-focused actions piece, BokuMachi instead focuses on the lost arts of film, storytelling and character development to tell a heartwarming tale of heroism without the distractions of blockbuster cgi, explosions and cheap effects, as it traces the real effects and complicated relationship of such a power on the character and his companions while he attempts to solve murders and prevent his own dystopian future.
BokuMachi is an heart-warming tale anyone can enjoy, and strongly recommended for all audiences.
Roswell, New Mexico (2019)
Refreshing retelling
This retelling is refitted to the modern decade.
It's been years since the original adaption aired, but when I saw the cast I was admittedly uncertain whether it was a continuation or a retelling - the cast were well chosen, keeping old fans of the show tightly in the net.
The characters and series follow much of what old fans would expect, but set in the more contemporary time period.
A solid 8.5 in this memorable and nostalgic TV drama. Will anticipate what series three will pull forward.
Shinseiki Evangelion (1995)
Revolutionary
Daring and innovative, Neon Genesis revitalised the medium with stories which actually gave a darn about story, rather than simply watered-down pandering and background noise.
The story starts out with what one would easily mistake for a glamourous version of the genre-conforming shoot'em up mecha of the era, acting as a point of entry for the audience. By the second act however, it becomes clear that this is in fact not the story at all and we dive into deep psychological and philosophical themes, with heavy religious and existential references delivering a must-experience piece which love or hate will make you rethink television and film.
To supliment the series, there are film adaptions which present alternate takes on events, digging into the threads which could have spun in the world.
A work of madness and a rollercoaster which captures the heart of the art of moving pictures.
Evolution (2001)
Terrific comedy!
A cult classic of the 2000's. Its hard to find an enjoyable comedy, but Evoultion hits the mark in this relivable, refreshing tale of aliens, science, and colliding interests.
.hack//Liminality Vol. 4: Trismegistus (2003)
Deep and gripping, but sadly not expanded into a full series in it's own right
While liminality was of course written to compliment the game series vol. 4 absolutely makes you fall in love with the characters and crave more.
*Pros*
fantastic (thematically dark) art style
Engrossing premise and build
Sympathisable characters
Endearing seiyuu
*Cons*
Only an OVA and not a full series, the premises and character build up are so engrossing, they simply deserve more. Vol. 4. presents a gripping, but unutilised, opportunity for a rich and engrossing expanded storyline of it's own within the .Hack// franchise.
.hack//SIGN (2002)
One of the best series I've seen
Genre: Mystery, Philosophy, MMORPG, Character Study/Psychological
Sick of shallow fighting and basic predictable storylines? Looking for something more existential, psychological and philosophical? A series which broke momentous grounds, early depictions imagining what an MMORPG might be, of what our interactions with technology might be, and even what it means to be the self? A lot of deep themes are hit in this beautiful mystery.
The story takes place in The World, a MMORPG which dominates the market after the internet and humanity was nearly destroyed. The characters follow the disgruntled story of the character Tsukasa, who like the other members of the cast is searching for his own means of escapism. The predicament of Tsukasa, being trapt in the World, with no monitor, is met with disbelief, but slowly grasped by those initially reluctant to believe this is possible. The cast is heavily developed, giving life to each player and the depths of their psychology as they probe amongst their groups into the mystery, both of the World and the inner self. The cast comes to realise that there is more to the World than meets the eye as they, as mere players, attempt to resolve Tsukasa's situation, and this installment marches towards that resolution.
This is the series that started it all, the entry point for the expansive .Hack// franchise, and for the modern mmorpg genre. The premises introduced here, and the mystery, only deepen as you dig for more answers throughout the franchise (with many deeply satisfying revelations along the way), as you come to know more and more about the true nature of the World.
*Pros*
Highly-developed cast and cast interactions
Sense of awe and mystery
Beautiful artwork
Realism
Inspirational soundtrack (Thank you Kajiura Yuki)
Deep plot lines and groundwork to the larger franchise
Touches on deep themes in philosophy, psychology, escapism and fantasy
Groundbreaking and far ahead of it's time for 2002 touching upon many taboo topics in a thoughtful and approachable way
Set the stage for a wide genre of works
Dark mature story
*Potential Cons*
Dark mature story
Not something you can half-pay attention to or play in the background
Won't appeal to those who consider Bleach or fighting tournements a good story
the story itself and everything that happens is important and there isn't much, or any filler
Requires empathy, and openness to deeper philosophical themes
Gateway piece for a wide franchise and not all media is easily available (or affordable rather)
Tremors: Shrieker Island (2020)
Positive direction; better than expected
I truly loved T1-4&S1 (and felt it was a shame S1 didn't continue on and the new S2 was cancelled)
I have not had the opportunity to watch 5, but heard it was a poor follow up. After 4, the loss of Stampede Entertainment in the series, was a critical blow to the quality, writing, development and character of the films.
While I was greatly concerned this film would be a follow up of the cringe-fest of six, it proved itself against my fears.
Burt Gummers reprisal and his acting really brings the film forward. Unlike six, he was not fed so many cringeworthy lines, and acts more akin to the gruff and responsible Burt Gummer who has grown on anyone who's seen the series. Michael Gross really is the mann.
Shriekers are back at last. Last having been seen in the series. The story relies a little heavily on the idea of their gene editing and it's not clear how this affected them leading to said results. some conceptual use of such genetic editing seems meaningful. The visuals of the shriekers are however quite pleasing, if not shown long or clearly enough.
Besides Burt Gummer, shrieker scenes are the highlight of the film. Tho they are few and far between, and could have easily been exploited to create a sense of terror, where instead they are underutilised in the writing. A jungle scenario filled with heat-seeking shriekers? The possibilities for high-adrenaline, high-terror were too many. Instead, the writing is more flat and formulaic. While some of the influence from Jurassic Park is appreciated.
Supporting characters are stiff, but a huge improvement over six, this . Apparently, the "PhD" (who seems more like a stoned college freshman), is the star of Napoleon Dynamite. Watching the side chronicles of the party, one can't help but think those should have been scenes within the film, and present the characters better and more naturally thanbin the movie itself. Plenty of potential was lost here, for character development of the entire supporting cast (to make the story feel visceral) and for the potential this character had for comic relief with personal one liners. Instead, individuals appear largely as shells with some attempts of characters to mimic gummer. Some backstory is given for the Californian hispanophone character, tho this is quickly thrown to the side, throwing away opportunities for story development. This leaves the end of the movie with a really weird feeling, that just doesn't sit right or feel respectful enough. Especially given the presumptive demise of Burt Gummer.
On that note, a positive alternative to the presumptive events, would be, that Burt Gummer escaped demise (unlikely, but technically possible), and in a rewrite, having been called into the island by the big game hunter himself rather than conveniently being within biking distance? He then, while presumed deceased, and following the series is shown to be camping out in a survivalist style on the tropical islands, after the group abandons the location and his prospective exit strategy. While such an escape is still technically possible, given the nature of movies, there remains the huge plot hole of how conveniently available and proimative Burt Gummer was in his isolation.
Attempts by side-characters to mimic Burt Gummer jargonese seem out of character.
While the casting itself seems unproblematic, the writing and development for characters leaves much to be desired and falls into flatness. A cardinal sin.
The opening, is solidly carried out. Albeit the death of the non-american character was unnecessary, cliche, and with relation to the two survivors, questionably executed. As well, there shouldn't have been confusion of the "former female associate' of Burt Gummer as to what they had discovered and what danger they were in. Given her background, the reactions didn't make very much sense, and she should have instructed a quick retreat.
An additional point, graboid innards are known to be extremely profuse in smell; be this sensory experience is ignored throughout the film.
Besides this individual, local inhabitants are talked about, but abandoned as part of the plot. Together with the limited use of the jungle environment to any real effect, these elements make the location seem as showed could be "anywhere" wasting the exotic (relative to perfection) location.
Transitions, scenes and cuts are likewise both choppy and rushed. Quickly dashing any emotional development and creating an experience which is difficult to sink into, empathise with or suspend disbelief for. Sometimes less movement and slower transitions, are far far better than quickly jumping around.
The quality of the film itself however, is at least noteworthy. The colours are crisp, clean and vibrant. Both for natural effects and precambrian super predators. Many of the camera angles themselves are also well done. Tho again, the frantic scene cuts and jumping leave to a dispelling of suspense, and the jungle environment as a source of terror is underutilised. Feeling pushed.
Musical score was somewhat okay. While there are scenes where it needs general improvement, overall the music does not excessively interupt the film and can at times go well. Tho, there is a decisive lack of subtlety or fine art to the scoring.
Overall, besides feeling uneasy with the presumed ending, I thought the movie was okay and watchable and a proper step back in the right direction after whatever six was. The Shriekers were well designed. Character development trended up since the last movie. And of course, Michael Gross (Burt Gummer) delivered a memorable performance and deserves a great deal of due credit as the guiding light of the film. Hopefully, movie magic doesn't actually leave the unkillable Burt Gummer dead on this note. Tho, we'd like to see a happy end for the character.
Tremors (2003)
A delightful take!
The series uses the base of Perfection, Nevada with the backdrop of El Blanco, a sterile, albino graboid to explore what occurs for the residents following Tremors 3.
All the precambrian acquaintances make some showing or another throughout the show, both locally and in estranged locations.
The show makes things positively interesting, introducing a new origin of unwelcome terrors; this time right up Burt Gummer's alley, via government conspiracy. This breathes life thru the series, while you never forget you are in Perfection, the clockwork clanging of the warning cans can't let you forget it. ;)
Cast includes several familiar faces, with a few new faces fleshed out and fitted into the familiar demographics of the valley. A respectful development to the series.
(Biggest complaint is no season two!)