be23zE Reviews

Better Call Saul: Klick (2016) Season 2, Episode 10

A real turning point

[9/10 · 21 July 2022]

This episode is the first major payoff of the slow burning build up of the first and second season. We end the season with Saul and Mike in somewhat similar situations, albeit Mike's situation has far greater and deadlier stakes. Both of these men work outside of the law to make ends meet, and both of them have landed in high water as consequence.

Not to say that Better Call Saul is a boring ride, but it takes more time to build tension than it's predecessor, Breaking Bad. I actually love that about the show. The team behind it made it starkly different than Breaking Bad. The viewer is completely aware the two shows exist in the same universe, but Better Call Saul is a different type of drama. It has more comedy throughout, but we are also given eerie glimpses into severe anxiety and mental illness through the lenses of Chuck McGill.

I feel sorry for Jimmy but I really feel sorry for that sorry pest.

Great finale and great show so far! It's taken me much too long to hop on the Better Call Saul Wagon. I'm glad that I've joined the ride, and I see now that this show stands on its own two feet. In fact, it's so unique and thrilling in its own respect, that it's a waste of breath to compare it to its predecessor.

Season 2 Episode 10: 9/10 Season 2: 8/10.

Breaking Bad: One Minute (2010) Season 3, Episode 7

Two of the Best Scenes in Television

[10/10 · 24 June 2022]

The quality and story progression of "Breaking Bad" both follow the plot diagram we learned about in grade school with each episode and season. The first season being the exposition and conflict. We became well acquainted with both main characters, Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, and their families and friends who will consistently remain supporting characters constantly affected by the choices of the two protagonists. From the very beginning, "Breaking Bad" was a chaotic ride with great comedy, in my opinion, and even some fantastic thrills. Season two continued to develop the conflict and bring us to the rising action, if you will, and there was a notable improvement in quality in terms of plot lines, character depth and growth, acting, and directing. Walter continued to dig his grave and assist Jesse with his. Then, Vince Gilligan decided to inject steroids into season two and that is season three.

As if it was not enough for Vince Gilligan to produce one episode with several iconic masterfully directed, written, and acted scenes, he decided to produce two back to back, first 'Sunset' and now 'One Minute'. The previous episode, 'Sunset', ended with one of my favorite moments of tension, Walter and Jesse locked in the RV while Hank Schrader, attempting to break in, was feet away from finding his whale, Heisenberg. To top it off, there was another phenomenal scene right after when Hank got the call that his wife was in critical condition from a car accident. As annoying as Hank is sometimes, we've seen so many sides to him already, he's humanized in our minds, so seeing him having a panic attack in the ER was heartbreaking and claustrophobic to say the least.

Here we are after one of the best episodes in the third season and the series as a whole. The claustrophobic nightmare of 'Sunset' is over and we are left with a vengeful Hank. He takes his anger out on Jesse by beating him bloody and almost completely loses control of himself. Both Hank and Jesse are now left with even greater repercussions from their proximity to Heisenberg but only Jesse is aware of how close that proximity is.

The phone call about Marie, the altercation with Jesse in his house, and the masterpiece that is parking lot scene all give incredible weight to the hatred and vengeance Hank has for Heisenberg in retrospect. With repeated viewings of "Breaking Bad" you develop a deeper and more complex understanding of every character's inevitable hatred of Walter White. I think what Walter, knowingly and unknowingly, caused Hank is ultimately the greatest tragedy of all, maybe more so than what probably happened to his immediate family afterwards. Although, Hank was at least granted a bullet to the head after the suffering Walter brought him. That is perhaps the best fare you could ask for when you cross Heisenberg's path.

And, of course, the hospital scene was one of the best moments in the series as well. We witness the continuing transformation of Jesse from punk rich kid into a self sabotaging time bomb. He began to accept himself as "the bad guy" in the beginning of the season and now he is probably completely nihilistic and hateful.

"Breaking Bad" is tragedy after tragedy. I think I need to watch a Pixar movie when I am done with this viewing of the show...

Breaking Bad: I.F.T. (2010) Season 3, Episode 3

Everyone's Shortcomings on Display

[8/10 · 21 June 2022]

It could be argued that "Breaking Bad" in its entirety displays the shortcomings of its characters, but this episode specifically focuses on the shortcomings of the supporting cast rather than Walter and Jesse. Most of the show is centered around Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, usually fairly evenly. They are two individuals who are immensely flawed, often making impulsive and selfish decisions that end in catastrophes, yet, that is what makes them relatable. We can connect with them easily because, while many of their decisions are at least righteous in spirit, they make many more decisions based on emotions and ego. 'I. F. T.' gives our leads a break for 50 minutes to show us that the supporting cast, specifically Hank and Skylar, are flawed as well, adding to their humanity and relatability.

Firstly, Skylar is struggling with fully committing to divorcing Walter. There are several reasons but the first main reason is that she does not want to tear apart her family, possibly leading to Walter Jr. Resenting her for years. The second reason is that she cannot bring herself to turn Walter in because that would cause even more resentment towards both of them. As Saul pointed out in a previous episode, she won't turn in Walter because that would lead to a major Dr. Phil scenario.

What is she left to do? We know that Skylar is extremely controlling and manipulative. She's constantly belittling her sister for struggling with compulsions and, often times, simply trying to offer her emotional support. At every family gathering, she does whatever she can to control the situation as much as possible. If you ask me, it's really no wonder why she ended up with Walter but I digress. Skylar has now faced the affects of both the emotional and physical absence of her husband for 3 seasons, and now, that his big secret is on the table, there is nothing she can do to regain control.

Walter has been breaking into their house and seeing their children against her wishes, which are reasonable enough, considering the implications of a career in the illegal street drug industry. He's undermining her at every chance he can get. In her mind, that's her job. All she has left up her sleeve, besides drastically tearing apart the family, is to hook up with her sleazy boss. As pathetic as it is, all she knows is petty victory. She's not narcissistic like Walter, but she clearly has some serious issues. Yet, given her situation, I can't blame her. That is what makes her a great character.

Breaking Bad: A No-Rough-Stuff-Type Deal (2008) Season 1, Episode 7

The Point of No Return

[9/10 · 13 June 2022]

Great ending to a great first season. The color palette was purposeful and intricate as always. We end the first season with Holly's baby shower and Heisenberg and Jesse's new business relationship with the deranged Tuco. There is no going back.

We were introduced to Walter as a frantic man wearing nothing but an apron, his shoes, and his tighty wighties, recording a goodbye message to his family. Then were taken back shortly before that event when Walter White was still an effeminate and cowardly chemistry teacher who was dealt the "s*** hand" of late stage terminal lung cancer. Throughout the first season, we have seen him detach from the small life he built for himself, completely overshadowed by his genius and the life he ran away from, transform into both a murderer and enterprising meth cook, and in turn, finding a grasp on both his secret persona, Heisenberg, named after Werner Heisenberg who is known for his uncertainty principle regarding particles, and his role in his family, which he never had a firm grasp on to begin with. So begins his new life of crime and the equilibrium between Heisenberg and Walter White. As Heisenberg develops, Walter White metamorphoses and dies.

The baby shower, as most of you know, will come back later in the show, specifically when Walter speaks to Holly through Walter Jr.'s camcorder. This little moment is one of the most potent of the first season. Skyler may be in disbelief about Walter's mortality, but he is well aware and speaks to Holly accordingly. He tells her that he is proud of her and even though he finds his family is unbearable at times, he knows that they are incredibly loyal to one another and he affirms her that she has a family that loves her.

The baby shower also includes a few interesting color changes for those who have been paying attention. Skylar, who predominantly wears blue, is seen in a purple dress. Purple has been used in the show to possibly display pride, naivety, and false innocence. Marie, Skylar's sister and Hank's wife, has only a handful of scenes without purple clothing. On the color wheel, purple is opposite of green, which is predominantly Walter's color. In "Breaking Bad", green may be used to display greed, growth, and drug money. Since purple is complementary (opposite) to green on the color wheel, it is reasonable to theorize that it may indicate innocence. Marie is the furthest thing from Walter, yet they share more in common than they probably realize.

They both live conscientious lives on the surface, yet both have criminal secrets. It's just that Marie's dirty little secret, shoplifting, is a lot less extreme than Walter's secret life as a soon to be drug kingpin. They are both somewhat critical of the person who they married and want more out of the life they live. Walter wants money but he wants money so that his family does not have to worry about his cancer treatment or life after his death. Marie, on the other hand, wants luxury and she wants to appear more opulent than she actually is. She overstates her role in the medical field and she shoplifts an tiara for Skylar. In contrast, Walter's selfishness is not as vain. Rather, he simply wants to be in control of his life because he felt like he has been out of control for so long. Simply put, Walter White is Satan and Marie is merely an imp. She is the "lesser of two evils". The more socially acceptable evil. In a sense, green represent the bold pursuit of power and wealth, while purple represents a fake display of royalty. As Vince Gilligan, the director of "Breaking Bad", said, "Well, Marie would say purple is the color of royalty".

It's interesting that Hank pulls out the Cuban cigars at the baby shower. It is during this scene that Walter and Hank discuss the subjectivity and evolution of legality. How certain things that were once legal are now illegal and vice versa. Hank ends the conversation by saying that meth was once legal and easily attainable but it is good that it is now illegal. Hank, Skylar, and Marie all draw a firm line between right and wrong, while Walter's lines are becoming thinner and thinner.

Hank, who is married to Marie, predominantly wears the colors brown, red, and orange. These colors are separated from green by the color yellow. It's quite possible that yellow represents danger and drugs, more specifically, meth. Marie, constantly draped in purple, is completely removed from the turbulent and criminal world of Heisenberg by both Hank (red) and Skylar (blue).

Yet, at the baby shower, Skylar too is dresses in purple. All of them are oblivious to Heisenberg at this point. He is still the mundane and innocent Walter White. His last name, White, indicates his apparent purity. While his clothing is green, his surname is White. In other words, Heisenberg is hiding in plain sight. Hank nearly caught on to his operation and shut it down before his metamorphosis but because of his jaded view of the ferocity of drug culture from years working for the DEA, the thought of the emasculate Walter White as a meth cook hardly crossed his mind. Instead, he let his racism get the best of him. Maybe this is why he wore black to the baby shower, signifying his loss.

Anyways, this is my fourth or fifth go through of the show. I plan to catch up on "Better Call Saul" once I finish this run. As with every other viewing I've had, I cannot help but binge through the show, lost in the Vince Gilligan's Albuquerque. This go round I have been increasingly interested in the story within the story told by the color placement. It seems to convey certain abstract themes, such as the mental and symbolic transformation of each character. I'm not sure "Breaking Bad" is the best show of all time but it sure as hell is the jack of all trades. It's definitely one of the best pieces of entertainment ever created, as I don't see the entertainment itself ever going away.

Episode rating: 9/10 Season 1 rating: 9/10.

Superman: The Animated Series (1996–2000)

Charming, Imaginative, and Underrated

[7/10 · 19 April 2022]

I grew up with Batman the Animated series. While I wasn't alive when it aired, I was when Arkham Asylum was released on PlayStation 3 and that is what truly lit my spark of a genuine Batman obsession that lasted over a decade. The animated series was brought to my attention soon after playing Arkham Asylum a million times. To this day, Batman the Animated Series is treasured by me and considered one of the best tv shows. I remember seeing Superman the Animated series on google, probably when I was looking into the casting of Batman TAS, but I have to admit... I have never been a big Superman fan. In fact, I have been a huge Superman critic most of my life and found his character boring.

That is until I saw Superman the Animated Series.

I love this show. It's simple, a lot more than Batman TAS, but, god, if there isn't such an immense 50s sci-fi charm to the metropolis of Superman TAS. It's the antithesis to TAS Gotham in every way but the crime. I'd probably rather live in Gotham truth be told. I'll deal with insane mob bosses and rampant thugs over frequent alien invasions any day.

Anyway, this show introduced me to many Superman villains, such as Metallo and Parasite. Many of them had heartbreaking stories and there was surprising depth and nuance to them for a kids show. Especially Metallo - the man who's consciousness was transplanted into a robotic body and lost all feeling in the process. Certain scenes with him, especially on the island with the children, nearly brought me to tears.

The episode where the thug took over parasites mind was gut wrenching as well and had me on the edge of my seat.

There is so much fun and thrill to be had in this show. I binged the whole thing in two weeks, more or less. Nearly every episode was great... but it did become quite repetitive. Very repetitive. It's a little disheartening because the first three episodes of the show fooled me. I thought I was in for an emotional retelling of Superman for all ages. There were many emotionally potent moments here but the repetition is really the show's kyroptonite.

We see Lois Lane poking her head into a dangerous illegal behind-the-curtain operation almost ever episode, followed by Superman coming to her rescue. That is literally the plot to almost every episode that does not involve alien invasions or Darkseid. It got old fast. I was hoping to see more of the nuance shown early on and with Metallo, but, sadly, much of this show becomes the same formula with new window dressing.

However, the fun, thrill, and charm of Superman TAS heavily overshadow the repetitious damsel in distress scenarios. I highly recommend this to any Superman skeptic or Batman TAS fan. I guarantee you will find a new appreciation for Superman here - I know I did. I'm already set on buying and reading All Star Superman and many more Superman stories in the near future.

PS: I would love to see a Bizarro Superman show. The episode with him and Mr. Mxyzptlk had me rolling.

The Wire: Clarifications (2008) Season 5, Episode 8

Season 5 is Mid...

[7/10 · 3 April 2022]

I'm just not feeling season 5 as much as the other seasons.

For starters, the resurrection of obsessive and destructive McNualty feels contrived. I found his sudden lack of absence and change of character in the previous season more bearable - at least more interesting characters and plot lines were allowed more screen time. This season just feels like the same old same old with the addition of the news room.

Secondly, the news room was an exciting addition at first but is not as interesting as the story progresses. It was an ingenious addition to the series but the execution did not land like the school system from season 4 or the politics from season 3, although, it has led to some funny interactions between the "serial killer" and Scott.

Anyway, this episode in particular (and the last one as well) was kind of a lull. Everything has been played safe - except, of course, for the death of Omar. It pissed me off how silently he went out initially but it was inevitable. His character had been a fantastical wild card in a series that is sometimes eerily grounded in reality. His arrest or death was bound to happen any episode now.

Little Man (III) (2006)

It Does What It's Supposed to

[6/10 · 18 February 2022]

Look, this isn't a Scorsese masterpiece by any means. This is obviously a terrible movie in many ways but this is the perfect movie to put on when you are having a crappy day and you need something stupid to laugh at. I won't lie, the acting is awful, the premise is stupid, and the effects are dated. With that said, I laughed my ass off the entire movie.

It did what I think it set out to.

Joker (I) (2019)

A Look Under the Rug

[8/10 · 6 December 2021]

Joker lulls and meanders in certain parts but overall it is a masterpiece. It serves as an all too real portrayal of the gutter of unchecked capitalism. This is riveting fiction but a haunting reflection of reality - a comic book movie only by association.

Squid Game (2021– )

Great Fun but Don't Forget the Message

[8/10 · 7 October 2021]

Squid Game: it's everywhere. It is almost inescapable at this point. There are countless memes on social media and hilarious news articles. I was hesitant to check this out when people told me to watch it. Many times the most popular pieces of art pander to the lowest common denominator. And, to be honest, Squid Game does this frequently but it is a hell of a ride and there are thick layers of food for thought hidden underneath.

This is by no means a perfect show or a masterpiece so let's begin by getting my complaints out of the way. Firstly, this show spells so much out for the audience to an insulting point but I understand why. Squid Game is a Netflix original and is by no means a foreign gem, such as the likes of Harikari or Departures. This was clearly written and directed in a way so that even the most simple minded audience can enjoy the story. Surprisingly, it's not that big of a deal. It works in a similar way to Disneyworld: there are the joyrides, concessions, and Mickey Mouse for the kiddies and while adults love that stuff too, they also have a bar for the adults.

One example of the aforementioned pandering are the God awful flashbacks. When Gi-hun learns that his daughter is moving to the United States with her stepfather and mother, we are given a flashback to the dinner sequence where this fact was pretty obviously hinted at that happened only a few moments prior. I mean come on. How stupid do they think their audience is (a rhetorical question of course)? We also have the front man's reveal, which could have easily been left a mystery. I mean, I guessed that even before the cop found out his brother had been a contestant but I'm sure that Star Wars-Luke, I am your father-reveal worked for the general audience. But let's not lie to ourselves, that was hilariously corny. I laughed my ass of during that scene.

Which leads to my second complaint: the predictability but, again, it doesn't detract much from the plot. Aside from the reveal that the old man was the master at the end, most of the M. Night Shyamalan "twists" can be seen coming a mile away.

With that said, there's really not a lot to complain about here. Squid Game is addicting. I watched the show by myself in two sittings (it would have been one if I did not have to wake up early to register my car) and then I watched a good chunk of the show again with my mom, and I already want to watch the show again. Why? Two reasons: It is addictingly thrilling and there are actually some well hidden hints and Easter eggs scattered throughout.

So while it does pander, it left me with a lot to think about. The games as a whole are somewhat of a representation of capitalism, which is not some pretentious high school theory, the director has said the show represents the class inequality in Korea. Think about it, here we have 455 disenfranchised individuals who are willing to risk their lives and kill others for money, many without a second thought. They even offer the players the chance to leave if the majority vote in favor of such a decision. This is a genius mechanism that I will get back to in a second. So the players are caged animals here. Behind the scenes, we have psychopathic aristocrats laughing there ass off and placing bets. Don't you think some rich asshole funded this movie? The premise of this movie is not that different from life in these so called "democratic" nations. We slave away at jobs that pay next to nothing and if at any moment we, let's say, need a surgery, we will be in debt for a good portion of the rest of our lives. We are basically the contestants in this show and the higher ups at the corporations we work at are the VIPS.

This brings me back to the voting system. The players cannot stop playing the game but they can leave if the majority vote in favor of quitting. We can't stop working or we will become homeless and die. But we can vote to tax the rich or increase the minimum wage, yet most of us are so enslaved to capitalism that we would write that off as communism because we aspire to become the next Elon Musk (think about how many college aged white dudes love Elon Musk. They worship a man who has enough to feed his entire country).

Yeah, yeah. I know, I know. I got political. It's a touchy subject but it's true and Squid Game is unafraid to speak out on it in a pretty haunting way.

Anyway, I don't really need to recommend this show to anyone. You're most likely going to get sick of hearing about it and watch it like I did. Many of the obvious aspects of the show have already been talked about so I wanted to take a few moments to discuss some things the average viewer probably did not consider. It's obviously a great show and you will probably see it.

Squid Game: Unsu joeun nal (2021) Season 1, Episode 9

Great Ending

[9/10 · 6 October 2021]

I don't care whether there is a season 2 or not, that ending was a phenomenal closer to a great story. While most of the plot twists were predictable and laughable in the case of the Front Man's identity reveal, that last one was quite unexpected for me and seriously demented. But what makes a great story is not exciting twists. Squid Game is a great story simply because it engages you. I was engaged enough to feel sad when it turned out Gi-han's mother died while he was out playing deadly games for sadistic aristocrats. I was engaged enough to feel bad for Gi-han's daughter when he ultimately decided to go against the Front Man's will and stay in Korea, leaving her disappointed yet again and possibly fatherless. I am engaged enough to almost demand to know what happens to Gi-han next.

But I don't need to. As it stands, Squid Story is outstanding. It is thrilling, thought provoking, and addictive. I just want to see more of the actors and more from the director(s?), Squid Story or not.

Squid Game: Ji-ok (2021) Season 1, Episode 2

Do you want to play a game?

[5/10 · 5 October 2021]

The first episode was really good. The second is... decent but filled with tropes. Stepfather who is more of a father to the stepchild, the detective who is naively obsessive over the mystery, mysterious criminal woman who actually has a tender heart and loves her little brother/son, and genius prodigal son who is actually not at all what the glitter suggests.

I was enthralled by the first episode. It was nothing extraordinary or inventive, but it was a damn good ride. Sadly, I found myself getting sleepy during the second. Nothing here is unexpected and I feel like this show wants to shock you. Now, I knew virtually nothing of the story going into Squid Game, yet, I saw everything coming a mile away. As soon as the characters voted to terminate the game, I knew what was going to happen next.

There is some backlash on the translation here. I haven't read any of the articles but I did see the headlines. I have to say, some of the lines just don't flow. Everything is cohesive sure but not every line feels natural. That may be nitpicking, though, I have seen some excellent translations in foreign media. Urawasa's Monster, for example. A good translation should make you forget you are reading subtitles. Squid Game does this for the most part but sometimes it comes off as a bit goofy. This could be because of the original writing so I can't say which is to blame.

Still, the acting is on point here. I found myself experiencing second hand depression and hopelessness through the actors' performances. But the show is coming off more and more as uninspired. Have you seen Saw? Then you know what you are getting into when you watch Squid Game.

Squid Game: Mugunghwa kkoch-i pideon nal (2021) Season 1, Episode 1

Nothing New but Something Promising

[8/10 · 5 October 2021]

I was skeptical going into this show due to the hysterical hype surrounding it. When anime became mainstream in the US, it began with Dragon Ball Z and Naruto, which are just mediocre in the grand scheme of the medium. When foreign music became mainstream, it began with BTS and Bad Bunny, a musical group and artist that I feel do not represent the artistic capacity of either geographical area. And now Korean television has taken its turn into the spotlight of western consumerism with Squid Games, but I am glad I allowed my curiosity to get the better of me.

The acting in this episode is superb for the most part. It allows for suspension of disbelief and personal connection to the characters, although, the mysterious tattooed man and the North Korean lady are a bit cliched. I have seen that archetype many times. Shady man has qualms with young shady woman -- some unknown history. Still, that is not to take away from the believable performances.

The cinematography, especially during the last part of the episode, is beautiful and inspired. The set is so bright, it is almost hard to see anything going on and the turn of events is absolutely thrilling. I think the heavy bloom really allows for the viewer to feel disorientated, which, to say the least, would be one of many feelings the characters had during the scene.

Seriously, this episode had me on the edge of my seat even before the sadistic twist. That bathroom scene with the loan shark is intense! The protagonist's time with his daughter is depressing. While we know where it eventually leads, the game in the subway is exciting. This is quality entertainment, though a bit cliched. The first episode is a hook with bait and I'm sure many will be stuck, if they aren't already.

The Room (2003)

A Classic "It's So Bad, It's Good"

[5/10 · 13 September 2021]

At this point, "The Room" is an infamous trainwreck. It is often regarded as the worst movie ever made - so, why would I recommend it? It's not a film that is so half-assed that it is a bore to watch. No, on the contrary, it is a genuinely entertaining experience at the expense of Tommy Wiseau's delusional cinematic vision.

I'm sure many have already seen "The Room". It's inescapable for anyone that spends considerable time online. It is notorious among youtube film critics and many memes have been made using the famous rooftop scene. There is good reason that this flick is highly discussed and laughed at. It has comedically bad acting, horrendous dialogue, and uninspired cinematography and set design. And that is the draw. There is nothing more, nothing deep. It is one of the most shallow films ever created but I still implore you to put it on, preferably with friends and a few beers. You'll be in pain from laughing so much.

5/10.

Escape Room: Tournament of Champions (2021)

Oh Boy

[1/10 · 13 September 2021]

Escape Room: Tournament of Champions is incredibly corny. It's honestly painful to watch. I did not see the first movie and do not plan to based on the mediocrity of the sequel. It's story is derived and basic and the acting is cringe worthy and over the top. This is a sad excuse for a blockbuster and is not worth a penny to see. Even if you have the chance to see this cesspool for free, I can not in my right mind recommend anyone waste their time on it.

There is no saving grace whatsoever so the viewing experience is painful. I actually fell asleep during the climax of the film! Escape Room is basically Saw for middle schoolers. If you want a high intensity game based thriller, I would have to recommend that franchise instead.

1/10

Don't go near it.