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bohemianbrunnette13
Reviews
Bluey: Curry Quest (2021)
"That's what makes them heroes. They go anyway."
I have no idea how Bluey manages to continually not only meet the emotional beats for the messages that it is delivering, but exceed in doing so in every way possible.
This episode is massively underrated in my opinion, and manages to explain the concept of a hero's journey in an entertaining and heartfelt manner. But what really elevates this episode from being "good" to phenomenal lies in the small details in the conclusion- you realize that everyone involved in this story is the hero in the final moments of the episode. Every character's struggle is overcome in the end and is told through beautiful visual accompanied by swelling music (this show has absolutely no right to have THAT good of a score.)
The only thing I can say now is go give this gem of a show a watch.
Bluey (2018)
A comforting hug for anyone who watches
A lot of articles have been published as of late speculating over the widespread viewership of Bluey, how it has grown to be more than just a preschool show. As someone who is in their twenties and was introduced to this lovely program through a few nannying gigs, I thought I may share my two cents on the series.
The show follows the adventures of the title character, Bluey, a blue heeler who is being raised by her parents with her younger sister Bingo. Together, the family and a set of recurring friends and neighbors go about their lives as they grow and learn together.
I can honestly say I have never seen a series that continually portrays healthy parenting dynamics like the two parents, Bandit and Chilli, do. The show gently teaches the audience lessons about life on topics that are ordinarily very difficult to discuss to anyone with the same amount of grace that Fred Rogers did in his show.
The animation and design of the show is gorgeous, with a bright and colorful palette that reflects the tone of the comedic and heart warming episodes. A perfect blend of subtle adult humor is sprinkled throughout the show, and the children are written as endearing and curious about the world around them. If I had to recommend a few episodes in particular, I would tell anybody to watch "Baby Race", "The Creek", "Rain", and most of all, "Sleepytime", which had me in tears by the episode's end credits.
So why are my fellow Gen-Z'ers watching this show? Why is it able to capture the attention of anyone who watches, regardless of age and background? I suppose it is not nearly the mystery that media outlets are portraying it to be, so much as it is simply just one of the most thoughtful, genuinely hilarious, and beautiful works of art of our time.
What If...? (2021)
Did I watch the same show as everyone else?
Marvel Studios has continued its trend of trying bold tactics to expand their stories, and likely open up the multiverse. Luckily, this series likely will be the key in sucessfully doing so.
One episode has been released so far, and I wanted to leave a review to combat the surprising negativity that is surrounding it. For comic book fans, this is an absolute treat for a few reasons:
1. The animation is GORGEOUS, and is very reminiscent of what a comic book come to life would appear like.
2. Creativity is boundless through the fresh take on stories and characters that we already know and love (and if we are lucky, will hopefully allow X-Men characters to become a part of it.)
3. There is an excellent balance of exposition, action, and humour within it. Any studio that can get away with a curse word joke in German on a widely children-consumed platform is good in my book.
The story itself was great. I loved seeing Peggy's character get acknowledged for her many redeeming qualities, without so much as simply sidelining the men in major battles. The montage scene with the forties inspired music and her gaining control of her new found role was phenomenal.
The only qualm I had with the first episode was the pacing; it was not a huge issue considering how much they have to put in a certain amount of time, but the resolution came rather quickly. I have high hopes for the show and the possibilities that it will create for Marvel in years to come!
The Prince (2021)
What did you expect?
I am writing this review in response specifically to Orlando Bloom and Sophie's Turners delusion that their children are above being accosted by the paparazzi, but mocking children in the royal family is justifiable. And this is coming from someone who throughly enjoys dark humour. But this show simply articulates the privilege that modern day Hollywood elites expect and live in.
Aside from that glaring issue, the jokes fall as flat as the unimaginative animation style, and make poor japes at other members of the royal family who are legal adults as well. Very disappointed, especially considering that Bloom and Turner have both starred in films that I hold in great esteem.
In the Heights (2021)
Miranda's privilege and bias under the limelight
Here is what I will say:
I am a fan of Broadway musicals, especially Hamilton, and Lin-Manuel Miranda himself. But I also believe that it is no accident that there is a lack of latinx cast members who would "fit the bill" for what Lin was trying to sell.
Of course he apologized for the lack of individuals who were darker complected or had an afro, but what else do you expect of someone who is so violently swayed by the public that he would not do so? He tries to speak for his culture, but it is evident that his privilege shrouded his view of the world. His mother was a clinical psychologist, his father a Democratic party consultant. Considerably luckier, in a grand position that would propel him to a good school and a grand future. So for me, it feels odd watching him make a film saying "Here is OUR struggle" having been able to suck a silver spoon growing up. It feels like the equivalent of someone going on a mission trip to Africa to only post photos on Instagram for virtue signaling alone.
But I digress.
The movie itself could have been at least thirty minutes shorter, because so many scenes felt too forced and uncessary. The opening number of "In the Heights" was exhilarating. Families rising early with the day, people going to work with a smile. That was the movie that I was looking forward to. But too many characters were expanded on, and it felt exhausting to watch. Not one specific character, scene, or song stood out because they all began piling on top of one another, not letting the viewer breathe to enjoy the story itself.
A notable comparison that did a better job at this was "The Greatest Showman". The script allowed the story to be built slowly through actions rather than words, and the climax would be the song that did NOT follow immediately after a minute later.
The only real notable moment after the opening was the "Paciencia y Fe" which beautifully articulates Claudia's story both verbally and visually. Her death felt like a punch in the gut, because she clearly had an impact on everyone in the story. Her character as well as the visuals resulted in my review the five stars.
I sincerely believe that given some stronger editing of scenes, and a fresh perspective from other people from Washington Heights could have served this movie considerably well.
Daredevil (2015)
Solid gold in the television world of pyrite
It is absolutely outstanding- every facet of it. So few shows have managed to enrapture me so in viewing. The casting is phenomenal, though I am in absolute awe of the raw emotion that Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio bring to their roles. The show explores deep seeded darkness without succumbing to it, questions morality without compromising what "is" and what "ought to" be deemed so. Religion, law and order, and power all are forefront motivators of the main character, Matt Murdock, and play off splendidly without coming across as preachy or cheesy in any way. I hope that we see a day where this masterpiece brings more joy to fans all around once more #savedaredevil.
The Half of It (2020)
Less than the half of it
For a movie with so many subplots going on, it sure does leave the viewer confused when the movie concludes. The main character, Ellie, is cynical of love and judgemental of the others around her, and we never truly understand why. Paul, who is arguably the most likeable character, desperately is trying to understand how he can express his love to Aster, who is the crush of Ellie. While the concept is original and initually keeps the story interesting, Ellie just ruins it all for me. She is constantly berating Paul for his idea of what love is, but she just creepily stares at Aster and even on occasion stalks her and thinks that is love. Ellie lives with her father, and I would have liked to see some kind of hint if a relationship between the two of them besides watching them watch TV together. The Easter service scene is cringeworthy and easily could have been directed by thirteen year olds. The redeemable qualities of the movie are Aster and Paul, who actually grow as individuals through out the movie and have decent acting skills. Something else that was nice was the ping pong scene with Ellie and Paul, which really showed there was some depth to what happened with Ellie's mother. The ending was unsatisfactory, and leaves a lot of questions like what will happen with Ellie and Aster since they kissed. Also, what is with Netflix original movies having an infatuation with the following things;
1. Biking. Seriously, I have not seen so many teenagers biking in a forested path than I have in Netflix originals. Probably for the aesthetic right?
2. Making teenagers speak like they are 90 year olds trapped in young adult bodies. Why do they sound like they are struggling to even understand what they're talking about? I have the same problem with Noah Centineo, but he is a whole other rant in itself.
3. All the actors dressing like hipsters, and owning things like radios and record players when they clearly have modern tech. I get that some people are into it, but it just feels forced.
Not terrible, but not great. I am sure that other people will love it. If you like predictable plots with a forward thinking love triangle, go for it I suppose.
You (2018)
Uncharacteristic ending
I am primarily updating my review in response to season three:
Pros: consistent sardonic wit from Penn Badgley, accurate depiction of mental health regression and early stages of parenting, good balance of psychological horror and gore, reuse of old sociopathic habits that are accurate to characters (examples: Joe with the cage, Love and her impulsive nature, etc ).
Cons: Insufferable new characters with the exception being Matthew, obvious political agenda within script, distasteful sexual activity that felt unnecessary for the story (sex is fine, whatever, but I find it hard to believe that Joe would actually agree to a threesome with THAT couple so easily when he is so fixated on Marianne), and just a small nitpick... that cashier did not report an obviously intoxicated driver when Dottie pulled up with a BABY in her lap? Felt very unrealistic because in most cases I believe that someone could be helf liable for not reporting that.
The whole season you get flashbacks of Joe's childhood, and he finally gets to the conclusion that he has mommy issues and would never abandon his child and take off.
....until he abandons his child and takes off, leaving him with Dante and his husband after killing Love. It all sort of feels like thirty episodes of Joe attempting to be the "better man" until that was thrown out the window so that he can take off after Marianne, when she quite obviously knows a fragment of what he is now. It feels uncharacteristic for Joe and it feels like a cheap cop out to tie any loose ends to get Love out of the picture.
Another thing... what is God's name was up with the anti-vax message? If Hollywood wanted to get their message across to gullible viewers, they could have at least chosen a character who did not murder a man for his choice to deliver the message.
Stranger Things (2016)
Keep your door open 3 inches for season 3
I will be the first to say that I had my reservations after the first few episodes of season 3. The first two seasons had craftily set up the town of Hawkins and everyone ( and everything ) that resides in it. This season was slow to build, but for a very good reason. Up until episode four, we have many plots going on at once with different groups, and I am happy to say that the wait was SO worth it.
Pros-
-the actor for Billy ( Dacre Montgomery ) delivered a fantastic performance as the conflicted and terrifying mind flayer inhabiting him. His death while very sad to watch was the character arc anyone could have hoped for for him.
-Starcourt mall served as a good representation of what the 80's truly had to offer for teenagers. Vibrant, culturally relevant, and a good setting to hold scenes, it was a great addition to Hawkins
-Steve, Robin, and Erica offered witty dialogue and hilarious conversations to keep the episodes light hearted when needed. Which brings me to my last point...
-This season was immensely darker, which I LOVED. The kids were growing, and so was the mind flayer and the Russian enemies Millie once again delivered an incredible performance as Eleven and the final sacrifices of Alexie, Billy, and Hopper truly were the cherries on top. The season still ended with enough questions to carry to season 4. The "heart to heart" letter brought me to tears and could be related to for any age.
My only real complaints that lowered my score was the fact that there was a slow build up, the mayor unfortunately did not offer more than being a very large nuisance ( which made me sad because The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies ), and finally the tribute to the neverending story moment between Dustin and Suzie was cute, it was poorly placed in a crucial moment and arguably could have contributed to the death of Billy.