Mabkid Reviews

Squid Game: The Challenge (2023– )

Korean Game show-style in the West

[8/10 · 23 November 2023]

1st, this is NOT season 2 of Squid Games. This is a reality show for average people who want to win 4.5 million dollars in a Squid Game-type setting, so basically a reality show for Squid Game fans.

2nd, this is as exciting as Devil's Plan, another Korean game show, in that the toying with contestants is more skillful and deliberate than American shows, that rely more on outrageous personalities of contestants rather than the game design itself.

It's good, especially if you are a Squid Games fan. You'll enjoy seeing real people put through Squid Games, kinda like what Mr Beast did but with his own posse.

Enjoy, and don't be that person who watches 10min and writes a misunderstood review.

Blue Eye Samurai (2023)

Cool, Dark, Unapologetic... Incredibly Well-made

[9/10 · 18 November 2023]

Wow, this show is layered and complex... which is the main reason why I am convinced that anime from America is gaining an elevated level.

Blue-Eyed Samurai starts as a revenge story. A bastard girl fathered by a non-Japanese sets off on a journey to kill her absentee father for dooming her mother and her life into one of discrimination and alienation. You see, this was the feudal Japan that had adopted the policy of SAKKOKU, or complete closure to the international community. Foreigners were banned, and dubbed every name in the book that prejudices could conjure.

Beyond the journey, we quickly see multi-levels to the story. There is honor in friendships, between master and apprentice, and in being a samurai. And in the backdrop, there is a larger plot to change the entire landscape of an empire.

The characters themselves are complex. Mizu, the protagonist bent on revenge discovers a lot worth living for while on her death wish journey. Her persistent apprentice is comical, and more useful than meets the eye. A childhood bully grows to be quite an honorable samurai, and more. A spoilt princess learns and takes control of the cruel realities of the world. And its dialogue is honest and bold. If there is any criticism, I might comment in the pacing of the action scenes as a little too long-drawn out.

Blue-Eyed Samurai is an easy binge because it's beautiful, it's gritty, it's witty, it's honorable, and it is a good story. Very good effort!

Blue Bayou (2021)

Desperation

[8/10 · 2 November 2023]

Blue Bayou is about an adopted Korean American who finds out as an adult that his botched adoption process leaves him an illegal alien. His entire life is uprooted, as he deals with his desperate situation.

Justin Chon and Alicia Vikander deliver some masterful, heartbreaking performances. It's moody. It's Louisiana bluesy. It's a curtain of dainty Spanish moss over the bayou. It's beautiful cinematically. It's slow burn like slow whiskey sipping. It's multilayered, and yet, much unspoken. It's love, in the face of poverty, a broken immigration system, and desperation.

Adoptees subjected to this fate need their story told. Illegal or not, forced family separation is a tragedy.

Pluto (2023)

AI Philosophical

[8/10 · 30 October 2023]

Pluto takes place in a future where humans and AI robots live together. It starts off as a mystery when one of the world's seven greatest AI robots is murdered. Shortly after, a leading AI rights human advocate is murdered. An AI detective robot, one of the seven world's greatest AI robot called Gesicht investigates. Is the murderer human or AI robot? If the latter, then one of the cardinal robot laws may be violated, since robots are not supposed to harm humans.

What unfolds is a multilayered story.

• One layer explores a world of humans and AI robots: the discrimination, the rights of sentient beings...

• One layer explores the complexity of emotions that develop within AI... and that the more advanced the AI complex brain, the more human (hence emotionally imbalanced even) AI may become... even considering murder or even suicide.

• One layer parallels the unjust pre-emptive attack of the world on a country that didn't have the weapons of mass destruction it was accused of having.

• For many fans, Naoki Urasawa's tribute to Osamu Tezuka's Atom Boy as one of the seven greatest AI robots on the killer's murder list is exhilarating. Dr Tenma, Dr Ochanomizu and Uran all make worthwhile appearances.

Naoki Urasawa has another of my favorite stories... Monster and 20th Century Boys. All told with masterful suspense.

Finally, I have to note that there are some pacing problems in the anime version, especially to drive home the point at the end. And the AI robot emotions do not come across as poignant as in the comics. Still, it is a good ride, and a good think throughout this viewing journey.

The Devil's Plan (2023– )

Advanced Level Games, High Emotions

[8/10 · 10 October 2023]

The Devil's Plan is a reality game show featuring highly intelligent individuals and advanced level games.

It's normal in Asia to have famous people (actors, YouTubers, etc) participating in game shows rather than the average Joe.

First off, the games are no joke. They are complex, designed to challenge high IQ individuals. You might need to rewatch the game explanations several times to understand the strategies employed by the participants, tho you will probably catch on naturally by watching the games unfold.

There are some high level elements that's just a touch of genius that I can't get into without spoiling it. The level of detail in the hints, and the fact that some of the participants catch on, is amazing. I'll just leave it at: The Safe. You'll know what I mean when you get to it.

Finally, the twists, lies and betrayals are fun to watch.

Very good show. Not just a reality show based on personality clashes, but one of smart people trying to outsmart each other while seeming amicable and polite, very East Asian! I truly enjoyed this show.

Lost in the Stars (2022)

Chinese Hitchcockian Thriller

[8/10 · 8 October 2023]

Lost in the Stars is a mystery thriller about a man (He Fei) who is looking for his missing wife while on an anniversary trip to a fictional Southeast Asian country. Even more confusing is that a woman whom he doesn't recognize turns up claiming to be his missing wife. What follows is a succession of new clues and past stories that add more to the mystery, culminating in an explosive finale.

Although there are twists and turns, please also note that this is adapted from a 1960 French play which was also adapted before in an Alfred Hitchcock movie and a 1990 Russian movie. The Chinese adaptation is also done very well in its own right.

The pacing and acting are done well. Viewers are left at the edge of their seats amidst the conspiracy and paranoia. The story seems far-fetched at times but comes together at the end as to why the characters themselves behave the way they do. The vivid colors of the setting lend visual eye candy to this imaginary Southeast Asian country as well.

The twists propel the mystery to n a fascinating way, especially the multiple reveals toward the end. You really feel part of this intense ride from start to finish.

My Happy Marriage (2023– )

Romantic Beginnings, Fantasy Ending

[7/10 · 25 September 2023]

My Happy Marriage started off with high marks all around. The art was detailed, the music was haunting, the emotions portrayed were delicate... I think I got teary eyed almost every episode in the first half of the series.

If this had been the main premise, I would have rated almost 9!

The premise is a girl, abused by her family, was bequeathed to another family as a bride. The romance that began subsequently was gentle and touching.

However, there is another angle. In this universe, there are people with superpowers. These superpowers are inherited genetically. The girl is from a long line of powerful genes that everybody apparently wants. The second half of the series focuses on this. As a result, the powerful love story turns into a dragonball type fantasy fighting story. Sorry to say, but I suffered through the final episodes only to complete the series. The romantic drama at the beginning was enough to make the story... the action fantasy towards the end seems to be an entirely different genre/story... a little of a pity.

Athena (2022)

A Cinematic Ode to Police Riots

[8/10 · 8 July 2023]

What an amazing opening sequence! Intense! Powerful! Foreshadows the technical beauty of this film.

Athena is an all too familiar story now. The police "mistakenly" kills a minority in a traffic stop. Thoughts and prayers. Except this is no thoughts and prayers. This film embodies the rage within all those affected. More than a movie, it is a cinematic ode to all the raw emotions raging against police brutality. This movie is raw and intense.

It's a brilliant move to place one brother of the victim in the police force, and one brother leading the riot. Their dialogue embodies the views from both sides at a personal level. It's brilliant to place a newbie cop on the scene of the riot, as his confused reaction to the riot demands sympathy, akin to all cops pulled into the conflict just because of one unprofessional cop.

The acting, directing, camera shots... wow... how they bring the audience into riot violence is a masterpiece.

Despite which side you are on, you can't deny the ambitions this movie has for the issue.

Run Rabbit Run (2023)

Tense But No Scare

[6/10 · 8 July 2023]

Sarah Snook gives a wonderful performance as a mother on edge.

Unfortunately, the pacing is slow, and there isn't a lot of scare going on, which makes for a really slow movie set to eerie music. The movie bets on the ending (set to slow motion), hoping that the final realization through audience participation makes the movie. Sadly, the ending isn't earth shattering enough to make the movie.

The premise is that a mother and daughter live together. Something eerie is happening to the daughter, tied to the mother's messed up past concerning her family.

The production is decent. The actors do well teyong to sell the story. It's just the lack of depth in the plot / script... so what ends up is that we must sit through 2 hours before we realize the one family secret.

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Beautiful Visuals... Average Story

[6/10 · 16 June 2023]

I never thought that the first avatar was great. But at least I appreciated the anti-colonial themes. The first Avatar stood up for minorities who were forced to adapt to the ways of the so-called modern people.

In this Avatar sequel, the story continues as humans try to take over the planet of the indigenous people.

Of particular note are the visuals, especially the ocean scenes are indeed very stunning and beautiful. This movie should be seen in theaters for sure.

The story, however, is marred with problems. The beginning jumps years at a time, so it's hard to follow. Until the introduction of the water tribes, which makes things interesting. Them the story becomes unfocused... it dabbles in the mixing (and friction) between the mountain and sea tribes... bullying... humans learning the native culture... humans exploiting the nature... and one messy revenge action sequence that has captures and recaptures, crossing the line of violence, and dotted with juvenile quips... and how every single human and native disappears at the very end, leaving just the protagonist and antagonist to face off conveniently.

Again, the water visuals come to the rescue at the end... but alas, I don't think it's enough.

The Lighthouse (I) (2019)

WTF Mood

[7/10 · 24 May 2023]

The Lighthouse is about two men running a lighthouse on a small rock of an island. Things transpire, and we witness their psychological behavior as a result.

Watch when you're in the mood for something artsy, slow, and uncomfortable... but want to be in a weird WTF mode.

First of all, Willem Defoe and Robert Pattinson are completely wonderful to watch, in their quirky characters. They keep the movie interesting for sure.

Now, I think you will be divided on the pacing, sequence selections, etc depending whether you are in the mood or not. If you're studying symbolism and movie making techniques, you might be looking intensely at everything. If you're trying to figure out what's going on, you might be disappointed because this movie has more questions than answers, even bu the end. Unless you want to have a nice debate with family or friends about what the movie is about by the end.

The Diplomat (II) (2023– )

Diplomacy as Overt Espionage

[8/10 · 18 May 2023]

The Diplomat begins with an ambassadorship to the UK amidst an international incident where a UK vessel has been attacked in the Middle East. What ensues is a scramble to figure out the culprit while taking into regard the concerns and positions of all parties involved.

Having been around diplomats before, I think this show does a decent job trying to show the grit of overt espionage that is diplomacy... namely intense negotiating (mostly overtly but sometimes covertly), reneging positions (including backroom deals, walking back promises)... and especially that important policies are sometimes at the mercy of the personalities of the people involved (including egotistical, petty, flustered diplomats or politicians).

I also worry that the majority of viewers may not have an international relations background for the fast-moving dialogue and all the intricacies alluded to. Especially in today's world, one country is seen simplistically as a friend or foe, but in reality, like the show portrays, each country is made up of a web of partisans each agreeing or disagreeing with different policies their country takes (hence why spies are still able to share info covertly with overtly antagonistic countries).

Finally, I think the show does introduce certain personal relationship dynamics (romance) to cut through the diplomatic dealings so that the lay person (who tends to be more gossipy), can follow a romantic drama or two from the show.

I do enjoy the show, first for the mystery element to figure out who attacked the UK vessel. Second for the multitasking of tapping sources to out things in motion, hence I like Hal (Rufus Sewell's character) the best. Third, I like to see the dynamics that allies do have tension (US-UK, UK-France) while foes do have back channels (Iran, Russia). Personally, I don't care much for the romantic relationships because if you are in service for your country, personal relations should take a back seat, I feel. But again, I think it's there as an element to pitch the show to a wider audience.

I am excited to see subsequent seasons.

Sanctuary (2023– )

Raw... in the Japanese Way

[8/10 · 15 May 2023]

Sanctuary is a drama series about a young man who resorts to sumo in order to relieve his family's financial burdens. The young punk's journey into a sumo world steeped in tradition ruffles feathers, as well as contributes to his growth and maturity.

As with many Japanese productions, it's got the "Japanese touch"... a lot of live drama has anime-type tropes and jokes... which takes some getting used to if you are not used to Asian cinema...

Juxtaposed to the anime-esque moments are the raw (and sometimes bloody) moments. There is hazing in sports, as Japan has social hierarchy. There is match fixing in sumo called yaochau. Successful Japanese men frequently party with escorts.

But what I enjoyed the most were the delicate traditions in sumo. When I first watched sumo, I was disappointed at how fast everything happened, and ended. But knowing what things mean adds depth and beauty to sumo.

The second last episode was empowering and uplifting. The ending may garner fixed feelings. I was a little taken a back, too. But it was a beautiful and somehow emotional ending. And I liked where it left off. Enjoy the ride.

Let Him Go (2020)

Grandparents vs White Trash

[6/10 · 14 May 2023]

Let Him Go is a a Western (crime) drama. The beginning premise is solid. When the daughter-in-law remarries, the grandparents consider the well-being of the grandson.

Kevin Costner and Diane Lane carry this movie with their amazing performances, one as a hardened retired lawman, and the other as a tough rancher (horse whisperer). They are a joy to watch.

The plot starts out well. The stage is set. Up until the tense dinner at the Weboy's, everything was fine. However, the story didn't really reach its potential before descending into violence. And the violence unfolded somewhat ridiculously. The much feared Weboys didn't really enter the equation much. Makes you wonder why they have so much power over the policr and this town.

All of Us Are Dead (2022– )

Enjoyable Zombie Series

[7/10 · 13 May 2023]

All Of Us Are Dead is a decent zombie series about a virus gone awry, turning the infected into zombies.

I love a good zombie show, especially when the zombies can run quite fast, rather than limp slowly. Much more exciting. And as the title suggests, there are a lot of deaths, so the threat is real and nailbiting.

There are some slight problems, however. The explanation of the origin of the virus is so so. There are some suspect decision-making given the life threatening situations. And during the middle of the series, the horror adds a mutant element that I'm still undecided about. And I wish there were way more jump scares. Finally, the drama is mostly between the high school characters.

Despite those points, it's definitely an above average zombie series.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

Seemingly Light, But Serious

[9/10 · 13 May 2023]

Promising Young Woman is about a woman who can't get over a terrible injustice in her past, which affects the turn of events in her present.

First off, Carrie Mulligan is fantastic to watch. She's angry, she's pitiful, she's hopeful, she's strong, she's drunk, she's in love... her charm is a large part of this film.

The plot is clever. The story is presented in a way that dances around the past, but the past is relevant at every turn. So the present unfolds as the audience slowly gets the past through hints. The two come together well towards the end. Clever screenplay writing.

Finally, this movie should scare all the predatory men, and warn all against predatory situations. A revenge movie that's more about the serious nature of the matter. Cleverly done. Bravo!

My Mister (2018)

Profoundly Moving

[9/10 · 11 May 2023]

This is perhaps the best slow burn drama I have ever watched (and I have watched a lot from Western to Japanese/Chinese/Korean). This is not a cheesy love story, but a drama (two people on the brink, whose paths crossed, and learned to find happiness in life again)

The characters are developed beautifully, each with their own lingering heartache. The dialogue is delicate, saying enough to reveal all the complex emotions behind the words, the soundtrack is hauntingly soulful (especially Grown Ups by Sondria and Rainbow by Vincent Blue)... it's just beautifully executed.

It will cut deep especially if you feel a little lost... be it in your twenties, mulling your life trajectory in your thirties, or facing a midlife crisis in your forties... yeah, it cuts deep... profoundly...

This is the only serious that when I mentioned I was watching to friends and family, many of them came out of the woodwork and revealed that this series touched them.

I will warn you that the slow burn starts early... so you'll need two or three episodes to get into what the series is getting at, since they decided to focus on characterization first before fleshing out the basis for the plot.

If you haven't yet seen it, enjoy. And I so envy the raw emotions you will be experiencing.

Start-Up (2020)

Fresh Love Story

[8/10 · 29 April 2023]

Start Up begins with an amazing first episode that not only sets up the premise, but delivers multiple powerful dramatic moments from the get go.

The result is an intertwining of mistaken identities, love triangle, ambitious young professionals and family drama.

The acting by all actors make all the characters endearing and part of the family of Start Up. Particularly, Nam Joo Hyuk and Bae Suzy bring the story to life.

Of note are the episodes Start Up, Demo Day and Acqhire. Those were powerful.

On a personal note, I think the love triangle may have been leaning one side more than the other... a more ambiguous and fair love triangle may have been better. And the end may have been dragged out a tadbit (probably for closure)

Bullet Train (2022)

Highly Stylized Fun

[8/10 · 26 April 2023]

Guy Ritchie (Lock Stock, Snatch) x Quentin Tarentino (Kill Bill) x Japan

Bullet Train is a fast paced, highly stylized, action packed, star-studded crime drama. Multiple assassins with different missions cross paths inside on a bullet train trip from Tokyo to Kyoto.

It's fun. The multiple plots tie in well, the storytelling works. The characters are very charming and likeable. There's some grotesque bloody violent scenes, tho highly stylized rather than gritty. And boy is it star-studded! Even just cameos of superstars make their appearances fun!

Imagine this as a live action visualization of an anime. It's been a while since I've seen this kind of movie. A pleasant delight!

The Mandalorian (2019– )

This Is The Way

[9/10 · 22 April 2023]

The Star Wars movie is good sci-fi, but the cult of Star Wars is legendary, because of the subsequent and extensive world building behind this franchise.

Only finally are we able to see more to this world than what is offered in the movies. The Mandalorian is a delight for all who hunger to see what else the Star Wars universe has to offer.

Season 1 introduces Din Djarin, a Mandalorian, who is a bounty hunter. We learn of his ways and his kind. Season 2 sees Din Djarin with a handful of friends engage against various villains. Season 3 brings in more Mandalorians to re-establish the planet of Mandalore.

The details are rich. The depth of Star Wars comes to life while introducing fringe characters around the main story that catapulted Star Wars to fame. Finally, we see the potential of Star Wars, and how deep this world is, beyond the reputation of its cult.

Very enjoyable and engrossing!

Amsterdam (2022)

Star Studded (Overly Complicated)

[6/10 · 14 April 2023]

Amsterdam is a murder mystery story that unravels into a conspiracy. It is full of A-list actors, which can be a treat to see.

It's hard to get into the story, however. The plot is a good idea, but the delivery was actually hampered by the star-studded cast. Either the writers or actors give the characters a quirky touch in order to stand out. As such, all the A-list actors showcase their skills a little too much or too long, disrupting the pace of the story as the actors all try to (over)develop their characters. What we end up with is somewhat inefficient scenes and dialogue that muddle the focus of the story, as not all characters needed to be developed that much.

I enjoyed seeing so many top actors pop up, and seeing them showcase their art. But it was hard to follow the story seriously.

Beef (2023– )

A Gem Out Of Left Field!

[8/10 · 8 April 2023]

Beef starts off with an intense road rage that begins the unraveling of the lives of both drivers.

It's exciting. The series begins with a spate of tit for tat revenge pranks. Unfortunately, the unnatural entanglement between the two lead into accidental tragic events that further the obsession... finally, snowballing into an uncontrollable series of events. The pacing is balanced and on point, never letting you feel comfortable. Even when lulled into a sense of comfort, a nasty episodic cliffhanger bangs you over the head from left field.

It was never only about the road rage encounter. The characters themselves were already teetering on the edge of a mental breakdown. We dive deeper into the characters of Danny and Amy, to see the state of mind.

Bringing the characters to life are a talented group of actors. Steven Yeun is famous, but Ali Wong came out of nowhere with a wonderful performance, as did the rest of the crew.

It should be noted that this is a mostly Asian American ensemble. The dialogue has hints of everyday racism that Asian Americans face. This cultural focus may or may not affect your viewing lenses.

I binged it in one day! I am Asian, so I might be biased. As for criticism, the end got a little messy.

You (2018–2024)

Charming... but Messy...

[7/10 · 5 April 2023]

You is about a man and the women who become the object of his obsessions. It is charming. The main protagonist narrates his frame of mind, and you find his madness understandable, and even endearing. However, several plot choices become questionable, even cringey at times.

Season One: the first half is great! It's an exciting thriller. The second half descends into a little bit of a mess.

Season Two: the acting is elevated, and you enjoy some wonderful performances bringing unique characters into the series. However, there are some plot arrangements that really asks you for suspension of reality.

Season Three: this was my favorite season. Good actors are complemented with tension between the two main characters through their dangerous relationship. I have little criticism for Season Three.

Season Four: the first half was fun! A murder mystery wraps you into the series and keeps you guessing. The latter half descends into a mess that makes little sense.

All in all, the charm of the actors, the characters they bring to life, the narration by the villainous protagonist are wonderful elements... but it's not perfect due to some dubious plot choices and arrangements.

Murder Mystery 2 (2023)

Fun but Mindless

[5/10 · 31 March 2023]

An attempt to recreate the charm of the first, but doesn't quite get there.

Murder Mystery 2 brings back the charm of Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anniston. Their chemistry is good.

However, the faster action pacing actually works against the comedy. It feels like a chronology of action sequences done purposefully ridiculously. So it seems like a lot of fun to shoot the movie for the cast... but it's a little messy and unfocused for the viewer.

There is even a little lack of creativity in the sequel... many elements from the first movie was recycled: stabbed victim, stealing a lambo, French lieutenant... I'm not even sure why some of the original cast needed to be in the sequel.

It was a quick fun, albeit forgettable movie. Perhaps if the plot and dialogue were a tad bit smarter, definitely the Sandler-Anniston pair can sell it!

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Good Performances in Dull Plot

[7/10 · 31 March 2023]

The Banshees of Inishirin is about the relationship between two friends, or more accurately, when one person wants to stop being friends with another.

Without a doubt, the performance by Colin Farrel and Brendan Gleeson are top notch. They are delightful to watch, even in a slow burn. That's the highlight.

Now, you will really enjoy this movie if you enjoy looking for metaphorical symbolism and figurative meanings... what do these two people's relationship represent? What does the far off civil war represent? What does Siobahn and her choice represent? What does what happens to Dominic mean? What was Padraic's transformation in all this? Why did Colm satrt all this nonsense and what was his frame of mind?

Having said that, I don't really like to treat my movies like reading a book. The plot was dull, and almost unfitting, given that the point of the movie delves deep philosophically but the setting is rural Ireland and the characters are two dull country bumpkins. The point of the story works better on paper than on the screen, in my humble opinion.

Enjoy it for the actors and the beautiful Irish country view. The story... well... it's ok. The side characters were all more interesting.