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alexnedved93
Reviews
The Wheel of Time: Leavetaking (2021)
Taking leave from the core content early
After watching the first episode, my biggest concern is the early deviation from multiple character arcs. Having just re-read the massive series, with the content fresh, I fear it will be difficult for the show writers to redesign certain arcs that Jordan took millions of words slowly developing. Never in the history of adaptations have big character changes been well received critically, so I always scratch my head when I see a show or movie follow this doomed path, especially so early on. A second concern, is the pacing. Again, the beauty of WoT is its slow deliberation to develop characters and paint a picture. The first episode felt rushed, skipping certain plot points that I thought fundamental to both the structure and development of certain characters. This made the characters instantly feel like deviations from who they are and who they become. The action scenes were disappointing as well, and felt low budget, with a bunch going on at once, poor camera angles and alignment, and a lot of camera shaking to simulate the disarray (a cop out from good choreography and intricate detail). I hate to be the book reader who blasts an adaptation solely on the premise of deviation, but the first episode had me concerned, if not for a different trajectory, for a haphazard effort to connect the viewer with the greatness that WoT represents.
Shadow and Bone (2021)
Memoirs of a Grisha
Great addition to the high-fantasy realm. A little cliche at times with the prophecy-driven "The One," but they make it work with good enough world building and CGI. The story-telling runs well with the complementing present/past character development, and the dark and gritty underground London-esque theming, similar to Carnival Row. Overall just happy to add more content into a thin universe of binge-worthy fantasy. Also the only reason I wrote this review was for the title, that only kind of fits, but sounds good.
Game of Thrones: The Bells (2019)
I was excited when I saw that a lot of the episodes this season were going to be 80-90 minutes this season
And now I'm an hour in and ready for bed. From one of the best shows of all time for 7 seasons to a B scale series in the home stretch. If you haven't started the show, just stop watching after the seventh season and let your imagination guide the conclusion. Whatever you imagine as the outcome will be better than the way it has turned out.
Game of Thrones: Battle of the Bastards (2016)
Brilliant. Game of Thrones at it's best.
Though an avid app-goer, this is the first time i have felt compelled to write a review on IMDb. This episode may arguably be one of the best episodes in any TV series to date. As GOT has continued to pull us along on a roller coaster of a ride, we have become far too accustomed to dismay. Unpredictability has been the greatest aspect of the show, and such bold precedents merely lit the path for tonight's success. 'As each scene seemed to hang on a tense uncertainty, it was unclear as to which route that the episode would take. With each passing week, we have felt a vast range of emotions... extending from pure wonder to utter agony... therefore it was difficult to be sure of any desired or predicted outcomes. Throughout the whole episode, the energy remained high. After nearly 6 seasons of an overwhelming and yet awe-inspiring character buildup, finally we have reached a truly satisfying peak. The directing was flawless and action scenes beautifully supplemented the gripping tension of the unknown. The scenes flowed excellently into one another, keeping pulses elevated and all possibilities alive. In the end, all real game of thrones fans surely ended up drinking something...either to celebrate a surreal masterpiece or mourn that the season concludes next week.