trevorbarlow23 Reviews

The Last of Us: Look for the Light (2023) Season 1, Episode 9

Rushed, but still doing the source material justice.

[9/10 · 13 March 2023]

I knew going in that the episode would only be 45 minutes. Having played the game, I knew that this wasn't long enough in my mind to encapsulate the finale.

I was wrong. This did a fantastic job with its limited runtime. My 9/10 rating is mainly due to the fact that the first 30 minutes of the episode move insanely fast. Too fast.

This is something I have noticed throughout the season is that the infected action is shown very selectively. They are placing the human drama and story at the forefront, which is what separates this show from others. However, there were some missed opportunities I thought in reminding the audience that this is a dangerous world not just due to the other people.

Are they saving more action for Part 2's story? Maybe. I still love the adaptation as a whole, definitely did the game justice. However I hope that in the future the show doesn't shy away from reminding everyone how prevalent the infected are.

The Mandalorian: Chapter 17: The Apostate (2023) Season 3, Episode 1

Pretty good start, but why the 30-minute episodes?

[7/10 · 2 March 2023]

I am one of the viewers that wants this season to get down to business quickly. There was definitely a promising start to this season, but I have to ask, why the 30 minute episodes?

There's so much more that could be covered and developed with longer episodes. Mando's conversation with Bo Katan lasted 2 minutes. But the pirate storyline gets 10 minutes of the episode and ends with Mando just speeding past this massive pirate ship?

I guess I just want this season to spend more time on the actual storyline rather than meaningless side stories like this show has suffered from in the past. And so far I'm 50/50 on if that will actually happen.

Doctor Sleep (2019)

Theatrical: 7/10, Director's: 9/10

[8/10 · 2 March 2023]

If you were unaware about the director's cut of this film, I am with you. I stumbled upon it by accident on my second viewing of the film, and it quite honestly blew me away.

The theatrical version of the film is still solid in its character progression, presentation of the villain, and homage to its predecessor. However, this is the type of movie that only benefits from the extra 30 minutes given in the directors cut.

The acting is really solid, the connection to The Shining is more obvious and well demonstrated, making the entire story more fluid and much deeper. For anyone on the fence about watching or even those who had mixed feelings the first viewing, I encourage a viewing of the directors cut and you won't be disappointed.

The Last of Us: Left Behind (2023) Season 1, Episode 7

A great story that didn't need the whole episode

[7/10 · 27 February 2023]

To this point in the show the changes from game to show fit really well and added to the narrative/story. This is the first episode that I felt the changes that were made did the story a disservice.

First off, the acting and mall scenes were great. However, it did feel like they were stretching or that the pace was a little slow (until the end of course). I think that the pace of the "Left Behind" story would have been well complimented by including Ellie searching a mall in present-day for meds/supplies for Joel like in the game.

My only other issue was the ending. Having one stalker be the demise for both girls felt a little underwhelming compared to the horde chasing them through hallways and up scaffolding. I think there was a big missed opportunity to have Riley save Ellie like in the game. Would have added more emotional weight in my opinion.

Overall, still impressive but there I was left feeling like there was something missing this time. 7/10.

Break Point (2023–2024)

Great mix of insight for tennis newcomers and existing fans alike

[8/10 · 24 February 2023]

Honestly, this is the exact type of result I was hoping for when the series was announced.

Each player has a different personality, playing style, and the episode leans into the personality and reputation that each player already has, while adding enough alternate perspectives to satisfy any opinion that viewers might have.

The best aspect of the series is the behind-the-scenes look at the mental toll that tennis takes on players. Easily the most under appreciated part of the game for newcomers or casual watchers.

Overall, definitely worth the watch. An accurate portrayal of the complexity and diversity of the ATP tour.

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law: A Normal Amount of Rage (2022) Season 1, Episode 1

Not Bad, Not Impressive Either

[6/10 · 18 August 2022]

Tatiana Maslany does the best that she can given yet another rushed, corny origin story. Her casting gives her character lots of potential, but it was not well executed in episode 1.

The whole "Banner bleeds on her so she is now a super advanced form of Hulk" felt really rushed here, and the whole Hulk training felt really strange and almost all of Hulk's dialogue came across as forced or cheesy.

Some jokes landed, but this is another example of Marvel's obsession with making everything a comedy.

Also, it is so weird that the CGI is so much better with Hulk than the She-Hulk stuff. The fight scenes don't impress as a result.