kenc-05236 Reviews

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)

It's alright for what it is

[6/10 · 15 June 2023]

It's just some simple fun for what it is. If you expect anything more than cool robot aliens and decent actions then you'll be disappointed. Given that this movie takes place before the rest of the transformers there's just some given things you know like (SPOILER) Bumblebee wont stay dead. There's also some questionable music choices, like I get it it's the 90's but idk some the songs didnt feel right. Also why even have the rhino and cheetah machines when they dont even do anything, like you could kill them instead since we dont know their futures. Noah and Mirage are the only charcters I care for also.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Probably the best Mario movie illumination could have made

[7/10 · 12 May 2023]

I mean everyone thought this movie was going to be terrible when it was said that Illumination was making it but somehow thye made it good, probably because Nintendo was breathing down their neck but still. Yeah it's just a good family fun movie with some deep cut references to the games which if you have played any of the mario games, you will appreciate. The only real downside are some weird popular song choices that could have been changed to something else but oh well. The movie is also really pretty to add. Yeah as a movie its like a 7 but as a mario movie this is like an 9/10 ...........

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

A perfect finale for the guardians

[9/10 · 12 May 2023]

This movie alone makes me confident in the future of DC now Gunn is heading it and he probably hasnt even reached his peak. This movie shows how well (most of the time for me) how he mixes deep soul crushing sadness with silly humor both aspects he uses to show how human (or animal) the characters are. Rockets backstory alone makes this an amazing movie but I also enjoy how every other character reaches theyre max potential. Peter finally kind of gets over Gamora but still has a possible future with her, Nebula found a family, Drax just embraces his goofiness now, Groot is.....Groot idk about him and Mantis just wants to spread joy where she goes.

Then there's the villain, he's really good. There's nothing much for compelling motive, he just wants a perfect world that he can rule but with how evil he's shown to be you just fear him. The warlock is cool, i guess but the High evolutionary is just so damn good villain for Rocket and the guardians.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Flyinh high movie

[9/10 · 15 April 2023]

As someone who has not watched the first Top Gun (although I think i will now) this was still an amazing watch experience. All the stakes are simple enough where you're never confused of what's happening but real enough that they bring an impact. You get Goose's anger but also understand why Mav did what he did ( probably more if you watched the first from what get). It also helps that no character feels just there, sure some are less developed but that's because there's a central point of Mav and the direct personal influence with people in his life ( Goose and Penny)

Then can we talk about those flight scenes because they are so damn good. The moment where Mav needs to prove that the time limit is possible or the final flight or the scene where the roof flies off are all great. I especially love all the cuts they do during the flight sequences to give a more panic (not sure if that's the right word) sense of going beyond the sound barrier but also feel the pressure of several Gs at the same.

This is just a typical blockbuster movie with nothing too serious but it does it so well that it doesnt matter.

Nope (2022)

really interesting ideas but not told in the best way

[6/10 · 4 April 2023]

Now I went into this movie with high expections because Get out was soooo good and now that I hear it has horror elements and aliens, I was excited. However, when I watched this movie i just feel like it moved too slow.

The first 1/2 hour is pretty slow to me with with barely anything for me to grab to. Once the movie gets to supercenter section is when I finally get interested but not by much. The movie just is vague in general with its subdue messages and plot. Once the final confrontation begins I really start digging it but that's about 1 1/2 hours into the movie. Also the moments with the ape were interesting but that really push the story but only the themes, even which I think its a less that what it hoped to achieved. Idk I feel like my thoughts are just very contrary because I get caught up on things like what's the point of the chapters or random nitpicks because a lot of the discussion on this movie seems to enjoy it.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

It's alright, nothing too good or bad

[6/10 · 1 March 2023]

Idk this movie is perfectly passable for me. On its own merits it an alright movie that doesn't do anything that exciting ( except that paradoxal scene, that was good). Also like most of the mcu lately, the humor really doesn't work for me. I get that they're already in the quantum-verse but like halfway through I kind of forgot that his power is literally skrinking/growing. It doesn't have the a scene that showcase his powers like the train or bathtub scene in the first antman movie.

Also within the mcu you could have got you needed just from 2 sentences about Kang. He's a powerful conquerer that's has highly advanced tech. Also sidenote why does every character take off their helmet constantly for only like 10sec to show their fave.

Primal (2019– )

Great example of show, dont tell

[8/10 · 6 January 2023]

This show may detour some simply because of one thing, almost* no dialogue. The amount of words is probably in the tens and yet they perfectly show the journey of spear and fang. You understand all of their motives and feeling just through their grunts and body movement that just makes it captivating to watch. You just can't experience this show like a podcast or audiobook, no you have to pay attention to it and it's probably the best decision and it make sense why, theyre just primitive creatures without language, even though that would have been the easiest way.

Along with the unique art style that comes along with it that also just show how brutal nature is in the pre-historic era. This a great show.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

A whimsical charming movie

[8/10 · 27 December 2022]

For me this movie is in between a 7 and a 8 but I gave it a 8 because I want to see it do well. This movie was surprisingly good considering the first was ok and released about a decade ago but they somehow naturally built upon that movie and made this.

The way Puss tackles his mortality was was really, especially with the death character (my absolute favorite character in the movie, along with Jiminy cricket). The way they portrayed death was just excellent from the voice, to the design, to his fight scenes with those sickles. With the intro fight it really does set the tone for the rest of the movie with him having Puss on the run.

Along with Puss the other characters are also great. Every character has a well defined insecurity (idk if that's the right word) minus the dog but he's seems to be happy to care so whatever. Then the other main villain is just so fun with all his fairy tale weapons everything is just creative and well written.

The Northman (2022)

Kind of aimless until the last 1/2 hour and then it gets good and then ends

[5/10 · 15 December 2022]

Too be honest, I'm a little disappointed in this film. I was hoping to get more out of it but instead I got a slow pace movie (nothing inherently wrong with that but this movie doesn't do it that for me) with a ton of howling and grunting. It manages to keep my attention just enough to keep paying attention but like I constantly wait for exciting stuff but that really doesnt happen until the last half hour. Action is mostly just slash, block , slash, kill and thats it (minus the last fight) nothing really but the direction manage to keep it engaging. The movie did have pretty goo music and landscapes but that's kind of everything that I like.

Yeah in the end this movie felt like it was building into something more but it didn't.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

A little disappointing but good enough to end phase 4

[8/10 · 22 November 2022]

First thing, it was nice how they sent off T'Challa (RIP Chadwick Boseman) but maybe I set my hopes up a little to high but with how phase 1 ended with the Avengers and phase 3 ended with Avengers: Endgame (yes i know it actually with far from home but to me it really feels like the intro to phase 4) I was hoping for bang. Even then with it not finishing phase 4 but as a stand alone movie it feels just good and that's it. There are some cool moments like when entering Talokan or Namor's back story (Namor was the best part, if you can't tell) however when spread across a 2hr 40min runtime there's some slow moments. But then I dont know what would be cut if the runtime had to be cut down so I'm sure if the runtime is justified.

Everything else in the movie was good, that's it just good (except Ironheart girl who sucks and Namor who's great) I just loved Namor from his motive to how he moves like he's running through air with his winged feet. In the end it just a movie with a good villain with just good enough everything else.

Black Adam (2022)

Pretty good action with a good enough story

[6/10 · 22 November 2022]

If you're expecting something different than a regular superhero movie, then just skip it. However, this is a pretty good typical superhero movie that knows it's not going to a Titanic or Pulp fiction but movie with solid action and cool visuals. It's more like Suicide Squad 2021 with how it's just having fun and yeah the Rock's acting is pretty much the same with his other movies but I think in this film it works. Being a god that was gone for 1000's of years I think just a stoic performance work along with everyone else (however that kid doesn't, he's annoying and the worst part of the movie). Along in this movie we also got to see some lesser known heroes that I wish more off in the future like Atom smasher or Cyclone (especially DR Fate, been waiting for him to make his live action debut, especially with that costume). I also do enjoy how the combat is more gruesome (don't know if that's the right word here) with people being ripped apart or just being shot without cutting away from it like how the MCU does it

I know saying that this movie is "just good to watch with your brain off" sounds like I'm making excuses but this movie was just aiming to be a a fun time, and I had fun with it so I say it did pretty good.

Barry (2018–2023)

like 50% dark 40% humor 10% everything else for a amazing show

[9/10 · 22 November 2022]

This show reminds me a little of how Bojack Horseman is structured in a good way. With being all happy and go lucky until it stops on a dime and becomes an insane tense filled show all because the main character is a "good guy" that's really an jerk. Now that since Bojack is one my favorite show that's a great compliment from me but Barry also does its own thing.

The cast of Barry are all great to Sally, Bill Dautrive (Fuches), Gene, and of course Noho-Hank. All of these characters are amazing and unique in their own way but all helping to propel the story of Barry. Barry at first just seems like a random assassin to be watching but as the show progress you just watch his slow descent into madness as he desperately clings to his newfound life but the old just right behind . I don't want to get to specifics but these moment do come around in absolute tense moments that just make you loose it. Cant wait for season 4.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022)

Cool world but David is annoying

[7/10 · 9 October 2022]

Similar to Arcane I do like the flair this show gives off. With stuff like phone calls bring transcripted in real time or (spoiler) David uses his sandevistan are really cool. This really help in showing world, better than the game too, with so much focus on body modifications. Also I get what the shows was going for, of a kid life getting turned upside down with delving deeper into street life but I liked the side characters and wished they stayed around longer. Especially cause David was my least favorite character with some choices being really dumb for me.

So the best part was the world building but with the worst being the main charcter.

The Boys (2019– )

super heroes, capitalism, and violence

[9/10 · 10 August 2022]

This show has absolute great writing that is vastly benefited by having supes. Showing a more pessimistic view if there was powers in our world through the company, public, and government side. By using greatly written supes from vought for the company and the boys for the public which mixes well.

With the boys consisting of Hughie, Butcher, M. M, frenchie, Kimiko and various other people who play off each other nicely. With frenchie being my favorite, everyone else is not annoying at all (minus Hughie at times) with compelling motives for revenge against the supes.

I think everyone who has watched will agree that Homelander is a absolute highlight through how menacing he can be. I do dislike when people say "oh he's just evil superman" when he's more.

I will say something that bugs me is that the fight actions feel like theyre restricted. Like its very good hand to hand combat i want to see the powers in fights but instead most fights are just bullets and regular punches. One example is SPOILER in S3 when starlight uses her power to its potential to takedown soldier boy and all it was a bright flash and that's it. Lets see more flight fights or a fight that goes through buildings but no its just regular fights with occasional powers mixed in.

Atlanta (2016–2022)

A good show i wished liked more

[6/10 · 23 July 2022]

I can definitely tell show has something great about but i just dont care enough. From s1-3 there is this feeling of emptiness or where nothing quite happens. I feel like this is on purpose but if I were to describe the story until now it would be like 3 sentences long with nothing really happening which is weird when episodes like Teddy Perkins exist The show definitely has funny or dramatic moment but overall i feel nothing matters in the end and no season best represents this than S3

With S3 having 4 episodes not connected to the main characters making it so not much can happen with less time. The 4 episodes do fit thematically but I watch Atlanta for the Atlanta cast not for one off episodes that would better fit black mirror or something. We mostly just watch Earn, Aron, Darius, and Van walk around and that's it. With the season ending with Van having a break down which is really great but like she was barely in the season so this seems to come out of nowhere.

In the end I can tell this show has a lot going for it but in the end not for me because how empty/slow paced(?) it feels.

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Not as bad as everyone says but still not that good

[4/10 · 10 July 2022]

Man some of the humor really doesnt work like those goats constantly screaming. Also some bad effects like when *someone's* son contacts Thor it just straight up bad. Needs more villain because he was the best part, especially that one scene on the void planet.

Arcane (2021– )

Surprisingly good

[8/10 · 16 May 2022]

Alright so real quick I dont play league of legends so any foreseeable plot points that happen were new to me. I was expecting some middle tier show like any video game adaptation but this has some really compelling drama. It's either a 8 or 9 can't really decide

Also real quick I need to discuss the art direction of this show, it's amazing. It has a weird cell shaded like style that really help pull you into the world. Like in the later episodes where jinx is going crazy they use this cross out stuff to really show how far gone she is.

Really good show that maybe should have had more episodes for the season because it ends kind of abruptly on a cliff hanger which could change but for now that's how I feel.

The Punisher (2017–2019)

I still like daredevil better

[8/10 · 11 May 2022]

Don't get me wrong this show still have it's merits but this is just a step down for me. This show still has great action and likeable characters but my main problem is how the villains are treated.

In S1 there's like 3 villains (Billy, Lewis, and CIA guy) which just make the show seem unfocused. They're not bad but compare to daredevil's kingpin and now they seem terrible in comparison. Then in S2 there's billy who I cant seriously because of his minor scars that seem minor compared to what actually happened and the pilgrim who has no motivation until like the last 3 episodes.

I know my main point is a comparison to another show but it still should be watched some sheer brutality and the acting, especially from Jon Bertha's as the punisher.

Samurai Jack (2001–2017)

Good action that could have more

[7/10 · 16 January 2022]

In general there is no bad episodes that I can think of. However a lot follow the general Jack meets mysterious person/thing or jack must help a mysterious person/thing. Yeah there's a couple better episodes like the scotman or black and white ninja fight or the haunted house but for the most part it follows a general guideline.

That's until season 5 comes around. Season 5 isn't better just cause "more violence, more good" but because it feels like there's actual stakes. You feel for Jack at this point and his current failures while also being funny-ier with aku being complacent. But then that endings hits and I feel sad now

It feels like S5 is what the original show should have been, actual journey being made not being episodic for the most part. Also sidenote man that sword slash sound effect gets really annoying after a certain point.

Encanto (2021)

A strong 7

[8/10 · 28 December 2021]

Visually this movie is beautiful and has good music to go with. I do find the humor to be somewhat flat with like 1 or 2 chuckles. Also that Grandma got off a little to quick like a decade of being just forgiven like nothing.

However thematically this movie is really good, with what I took out of it is that you don't always have to try to fit other people's ideas of you, just be you.

Also sidenote how is it that super hearing lady blabbers about Maribel and her dad conversation but yet never tell anyone about Bruno. Or heard of the cracks in the wall tell someone?

Chappie (2015)

Strong 7

[8/10 · 12 December 2021]

Pretty good movie about what's true a.i. Chappie is somewhat compelling and sells you on that Chappie is just trying to get out of life.

No idea why they got those Australian music people to act here but they do good enough although music could be better.

Inside Job (2021–2022)

Like a weak 7

[7/10 · 4 November 2021]

It's kind of like a more outlandish Archer mix in with some elements of gravity falls (I mean Alex Hirsch is working on this) but at a lower degree. Wish they did some more with the conspiracy thing but it's serviceable.

Infinity Train (I) (2019–2021)

Needs more one-one

[7/10 · 2 September 2021]

That's it, just needs more one-one and more tulip wouldn't have been bad.

Norbit (2007)

Why don't people like this?

[7/10 · 25 June 2021]

I get some people just like this type of humor and that's fine. But if you're into crude humor this movie is absolutely hilarious. Yeah some jokes aged worse than others but still funny.

The story is typical guy falls in love but something is in the way of it. The movie doesn't try more than what it is and makes work of what it could.

Also there Eddie Murphy, Terry Crews, and Cat Williams. Who else do u need?

Young Justice (2010–2023)

Consistently good, rarely great

[8/10 · 21 June 2021]

This show is kind of weird for me. The show always has the set pieces to have the show be better than what it is but never quite put it together. Also this show also changes some stories previously done in the DC universe for better or worse. The show clearly show you there is a looming threat that is yet to come but they're like 4 episodes apart so they kind of fall to the backseat. Things do pick up pace in season 2&3 though with changes. Although 2 of my favorite episodes being Failsafe and Image.

In what I think is the greatest weakness of the show is the cast changes. Now its not new for a show to add or remove people but I don't think I've seen done this much. In every season the cast changes and makes it hard to become attach to them. Now if you're a DC fan this won't be a problem as you'll probably know them but for people not familiar it makes it annoying having learn new people with a evolving story. Now the original cast do stay to some degree but I wished it was solely them so we further to grow with them.

Even though i've been more negative so far the show is still good. With really cool action sequences and a story that's intriguing. The story naturally evolves throughout the show, with it never becoming so complicated or absurd that it's stupid. It takes what we know about DC and sort of twist it.

Now I've already mentioned how I dont like the cast changes mostly because the original cast I like the most. They the most fleshed out with each a distinct trouble like aqualad doesn't feel like a leader. And while they never fully leave they become less and less relevant.

I know this review was more of a ramble but the take away is that if youre a fan serialized cartoons like gravity falls, or batman beyond you'll like this. If not at least give a try as it has it own charms.