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Then Came You (2018)
A death themed teen romcom?!
Going in you'll expect a basic romcom which will hopefully deliver a few snickers and an hour and a half of joy. Quickly you'll realize that the writing and directing behind it along with some excellent acting are going to deliver far more than what you originally expected.
Tackling death and the strain put on interpersonal relationships, the dying's mental health and those around him/her/them whilst also breaking apart the depressive deep moments with a fitting joke or break of awkwardness (in the best way possible).
I would definitely recommend watching it if you won't mind having your heart string played with between one chuckle and the next.
Forrest Gump (1994)
A wonderful story, from a unique perspective
Forrest gump is a story told from the perspective of a neurodivergent individual, Forrest Gump, and how his perspective on life. We follow Forrest through his life which is full of inspirational and feel good moments and how he intertwines himself with major social events in the age in which the story is set.
This film would've been an impressive piece of media in this day and age, but given that it was made in the early 90s it's far more impressive. It's progressive views and the issues and themes which it tackles. With the message showing that neurodivergent people can be just as if not more successful than an 'ordinary' person, and on the side tackle complex issues (ex racism).
Overall, Forrest Gump is an amazing film which can be enjoyed on face value but is far more intriguing once one delves deeper into it's message and the history behind it and the tiny messages it hints at throughout the runtime.
Bo Burnham: Inside (2021)
A Cinematic Masterclass
Inside, a comedic, cinematic and philosophical masterpiece. Made single handedly by Bo Burnham. Tackling topics such as isolation, social media and the new cultural waves that are being pushed and spread around the world through the use of the internet.
He conveys the messages about the topics he wishes to bring attention to through the use of musical comedy specials, the songs themselves are4 also uploaded on Spotify and Youtube as musical releases. The overall performance is in itself hilarious, however, when you take into account the gorgeous lighting and cinematic work, the deep philosophical topics that are tackled throughout it and the fact that it was made in one room by one man it blows your mind.
This is honestly a masterpiece and should be given more love and more praise by a broader audience, 100% would recomend, best piece of cinema I've ever seen.
Cunk on Earth (2022)
Painfully Hilarious
This show doesn't treat the audience like idiots, it establishes that most of what she says isn't true and then continues on with the comedic filler in between genuine facts.
Even if the facts are delivered in ironically or are just straight up wrong you quickly learn understand that most obvious yes or no remarks are the opposite of what she confidently states as fact due to being downright ludicrous.
They question genuine professors and with increasingly bizarre questions and face them against insane conspiracy theories supported by straight up lies which one can clearly see their insanity through the blank confused expression of the professors unsure how to respond.
The only gripe I had with the show was the constantly running Danish Pop song joke, it wasn't funny the first time and it was far far less funny by the sixth episode. Genuinely made me sigh with frustration every time that it came up, it turned a 10star show into a begrudging nine star.
Although I would definitely recommend this, it's hilarious and somehow informative even at a very basic level. But prepare to skip the hit Danish song every single episode, honestly the only major gripe I have with this show.
The Watcher (2022)
Butchering of a good story, A literary Shame
The word that first phrase comes to mind when critiquing this show is 'what a shame'. This show had a great cast of characters a lot of good leads, great actors, a good location and a true story. But they messed it up.
They're constantly jumping to conclusions, ignoring major clues and even downright not taking into account fingerprints which they could have taken and compared to one of their potential suspects who's is a murderer that has supposedly disappeared but our main protagonist saw inside his house. Not to mention the fact that they could've looked endlessly in the hidden bedroom for a photo or piece of hand writing that would have given them all the information that they needed to move on with the investigation.
But instead they pursue meaningless treads and turn entirely harmless individuals into suspects whit a monetary 'motive' that makes no sense whatsoever. They get through several suspects in a single episode, ignore major points of evidence such as the sneeze forget about a double homicide committed by their neighbors' son only to continue pursuing meaningless investigations that lead to nowhere. Not to mention the fact that despite all of their exterior cameras, they didn't fit a single interior camera, not one. Except for the one which was fitted by Dakota without them knowing fitting cameras around the house would have solved all their problems. And the imaginary money constraints aren't real because they hire a PI they're going to their little resort place, their sinking thousands of dollars into renovation but they're going to cheap out on a few cameras?!
Honestly would not recommend, overall a painful butchering of a good story and running meaningless circles around obvious clues whilst ignoring crucial points of evidence solutions and pursuing the same clearly unrelated threads!
Im Westen nichts Neues (2022)
A Visualization of all Anti-War Poems
This Film Is an amazing reminder of the Brutalities of war and the mental toll that it leaves on a person, if he survives. However, the show is a far cry from perfection.
Some of the side characters at the beginning could have been built better and one of my biggest frustrations through the film is the lack of anger and frustration against the unnecessary deaths that occur throughout the duration of war. Especial in moments like when he is left on the side of the road by his allies who are too busy celebrating to realize that he is in need of aid. However, my biggest gripe is the ending, (Major spoiler warning) The ending was set up so well, his death could've been he a mind blowing ending, and it was, until he got back up and walked up the stairs only to die in a different spot! NO! It would've been so much more impactful if he fell flat and died, alone, on the floor of the bunker, in the final minute of war. It Would've been an all time great ending, but instead it was one which ended bitterly, but not in the bitter way that it could've rather in the bitter way of bad cinema.
Although the above points are a shame the overall film a masterclass in Anti-War cinema, it makes films like 1917 and all other war films before it, look bad. It shows the meat grinder nature of war, it shows the cold narcissisms of the generals which fill young German soldiers with bravery and then send them to their death on the battle field, take the clothes off their dead bodies, wash the blood and dirt off them, stich them back together and repeat the process. Without any respect for the dead bodies which gave their lives in vein only to help form a greater blood stain on the unmoving border between France and Germany. With the ending itself being an amazing display of how useless war is and how much it is driven purely by the egotistical tendencies and false sense of pride their generals have.
Overall an Amazing war film which can teach us all about the brutalities and unforgiving nature of war and how unnecessary and uncalled for the deaths are.
Wednesday (2022)
Amazing entertainment!
If you're looking for a captivating thriller you've found one. This show is extremely entertaining. It makes you feel for a psychopath type character (although not directly stated) whilst also showing this character, Wednesday (plyaed by Jenna Ortega), that there is more to life than what she sees.
The main plot follows a series of murders around Wednesday's new school which are blamed on the school full of freaks, (people who aren't human such as werewolves), Wednesday takes matters into her own hands and investigates the murders. And although the show isn't a literary marvel it's a great watch and as I have repeatedly stated a very captivating and well written story.
Roma (2018)
Not Fun. But Art
To put it simply, Roma is a master piece. It's not gonna be an easy sit through but for all the good reasons, the stunning cinematography and good character building get you invested in the story and feel genuine empathy for the characters involved.
Now many may find that the story isn't captivating at that there are many dry and bland moments throughout the film, this is true, but for good reason. This story tackles life in Mexico and Mexican culture, it isn't designed to be entertaining in the same way that a Marvel film would be. But it represents the bland but difficult lives of many people in this culture along with many others outside of it. For this reason the film was also filmed entirely in black and white as to restrain the film from being too entertaining for the audience and express the greyscale that can colour our world in our darkest moments.
This film isn't captivating but it is entertaining, anyone who's invested in good literature/writing, films and film production or art in general will be able to appreciate this film's artistic message.
(I didn't give 10 stars because I felt like some of the emotional moments could have been enhanced in slight ways and I tend to dislike greyscale but overall very well made)
Jaws (1975)
Jaws, a lesson in good horror
Horror films aren't generally my cup of tea, however, Jaws is so much more than just a horror film. Apart from being a masterclass in tension building and horror Jaws humanizes victims making you feel empathetic and hopeful that somehow they'll survive seemingly obvious deaths.
The iconic sound track is a great example of just how truly well made this film is, instigating terror in whoever listens to it due to the story being so well built, the characters are all made to seem human making you, the viewer, genuinely scared for their safety whilst the shark is around. This feeling of deep rooted terror is instilled within you by having a premise of consequence established through the film and when suddenly all the three main characters are on a boat far off land and mere meters away from a shark, you're terrified, to say the least.
Speaking of the shark I would just like to mention how incredibly impressive it is given the time in which this film was made, the animatronic is incredibly realistic with the only honest criticism I can give being it seeming stiffer than a shark should be at times, but overall a hardly noticeable flaw.
However, I must address the bad points, although being an amazing film with incredible cinematography and production it does have issues, such as it's sexist tendencies and the constant shark fear mongering which most likely lead to over fishing of sharks.
Although excluding the previously mentioned issues, Jaws more than maintains itself 45 years after production and is definitely worth a watch by anyone but especially horror and thriller fans.
The End of the F***ing World (2017)
An emotional rolarcoaster
This show is so so impressive!
The writing alone gives it a 8/10, everything starts out dreary and depressing and then it gets better and gives you hope, then it smashed you into the ground and buried you. Everything is portrayed well and given in subtle hints making you work to fully grasp the characters feelings.
The only gripes I have are the title, it gave off the wrong impression and fid better into a dystopian sites rather than a mental health one and the false tension. The false tension is especially bad in episode 6 of season 2, which is honestly disappointing because it really didn't need it. I was on edge through the entire episode I was well and truly tensed up I didn't need the false tension.
The acting is extraordinary and so where all the props and costumes. The cinematography was a little disappointing being very average compared to the writing.
All in all this is an amazing show and mad props to all who worked on it to make it possible. If you don't like mental health series you should all watch this just simply to admire one of the best written pieces of content on Netflix.
The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself (2022)
2022 Greatest Hit
This show is completly amazing.
An impecably well written binge worthy show, the plot is interesting and unique the characters are equally amazing and the dialouge is top class.
This site really got me emotional pulling my strings until I teared up and swore at some of the scenes later in the season
The cinematography is standard for a 2022 show but nothing mind blowing. Unlike the cgi and graphic effects which are soooo good! Honestly some of the best special effects I have ever seen, excellent work all round.
The props and watdrobe are amazing shining the main characters through their clothes and revealing hints and details you dont notice at first glance.
The acting is equally
I really hope netflix gives us an excellent season two even if I have to wait a year or two.
Peaky Blinders (2013)
Impossible to comprehend
Peaky Blinder, wow.
If you're thinking about watching this you should, as you follow the Peaky Blinders (mainly Thomas Shelby the main character) through the story you can see how progressively he continues to become richer and more politically influential whilst loosing family and sanity as he goes along. At many point he decides that he shan't continue on, but he always falls into similar cycles, loosing friends family and all things dear to him.
Apart from the wonderful plot and intriguing characters the show also gives a valuable insight into 1930s British culture and politics, tackling drugs, alcohol, science, religion, spirits, gang culture, bribed police officials and several other controversial and interesting topics. Needless to say this is a wonderful series when it comes to the writing side and the actors follow up with an extraordinary act.
The cinematography is also stunning with the final series taking it to a whole new level with certain scenes being exceptionally cinematic and well lit. The costumes and sets where equally beautiful.
Quite honestly I could go on about how extraordinary this show is but in reality if you're into great shows whilst not minding gore and nudity this show is a definite must watch.
Mr. Midnight: Beware the Monsters (2022)
Woefully terrible but fun for families
This series is quite honestly painful to watch if you're over the age of 10 and have seen any good film/ series and for many people around the age of ten are still scared of some of the spirits with in the movie.
Personally I'm more terrified of the terrible acting, writing and animation than anything. The writing is terrible, there are a handful of conversations and interactions which aren't cheesy/ cringey or overly forcing and emphasizing their point. There's a plot twist or false cliff hanger every other episode and you couldn't predict in anyway what it would lead to with very minimal foreshadowing which is mostly overwhelmed by the terrible acting.
Not all the actors are terrible, and heck maybe it's the director's fault who told them to act obvious and make every gesture and nuance blown out of proportion by a factor of thirty. All though personally the performance given off by Idan Aedan, Chen Yixing and Yu-Beng Lim was the best all round, all though all seemed over exaggerated at times.
The animation is equally painful to see with some of the spirits and monsters seeming more like play-do at 12K and really zoomed in rather than actual living things.
BUT, if you're looking for something that the whole family can watch and relatively enjoy whilst relatively entertaining for all audiences than this wouldn't do a terrible job. All though being up against other Netflix original shows such as Dragon prince which are much better written and are much more enjoyable.
The cinematography wasn't excellent but it was also good enough to get by and at times carried the show through, and all though not something that I'm usually very good at spotting the wardrobe, backdrop and props where great especially given the low quality of everything else.
Personally, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who isn't dying for a cringey, Halloween series that doesn't take itself too seriously and is 7+. Any other demographic would struggle to enjoy this series through all it's 13 episodes.
After Life (2019)
A Hilarious but Thrusting show
After life is overall a great show which deserves its high rating, Ricky Gervais wrote a great script with interesting and realistic persona.
Throughout the show there are several depressing abs hilarous moments, with tears of both types being shed throughout. It makes use of subtle things such as a loop like striated towards the beginning to represent the monotone life he was leading.
However it isn't perfect, thrift the show there weren't many incredible feel good moments that get you pumped, this combined with the final season which felt tagged on or made the last little bit a bit sour and dragged out.
In conclusion, this is a great show but if you're looking for comedy you'd be better off with a stand up act or a sitcom. But if you're here a for some light hatred mental health TV then you'll be very much pleased.
Mr. Midnight: Beware the Monsters: The Haunted Hotel (2022)
Steady Improvement
Overall this is a much better episode than the first, tension actually carries weight, the dialogue gets better excluding Nathanael who is still a dumb jock with nothing to add to the story.
The cinematography takes a turn for the better becoming much more impressive. The writing is still incredibly unrealistic and down right impossible, such as their uncle allowing his grandson and daughter to play with spirits even if he is connected to them himself.
Not to mention the fact that hey themselves are still interested in playing with spirits after they where attacked twice, nearly dyeing both times. Whilst the acting is still terrible at many points but has significantly improved especially from Idan Aedan and Chen Yixin, (Tyar and Ling respectivley).
Mr. Midnight: Beware the Monsters: The Sleepers are Awake (2022)
Not a good start...
Much like the title of this review, the show starts off creating suspense for something we don't understand, then throws an exposition dump at the audience to vaguely explain something that could have been better communicated throughout the show.
However, it's not all bad, the props, lighting, scenes and clothing are great whilst the cinematography is good but not excellent. The animation/CGI is amazing at points and entirely 1990s in others. And it manages to keep you interested throughout, all though it is only 26 minutes long. The acting isn't the best and is made worse by the TERRIBLE dialogue.
The only conversation which was at all decent was the first conversation between Tyar and Ling, it sets you up for great dialogue and then it disappoints. Not to mention that Zoe and Nat are the embodiment of two terrible and overused tropes which bring nothing to the table and are written incredibly poorly.
This is leaving out pet peeves like the vertical screen during Zoe's vlog and the fact that the mall scene looked more like a group of mates playing drunk tag rather than an escape scene.
13 Reasons Why (2017)
Confusing, Dangerous and Relatable
As a high school student with OCD, an anxiety disorder and a previously diagnosed depression I found myself being able to easily relate to the frustrations and sheer outrage felt by the students. Although their actions where dramatized and driven off the edge of an unrealistic cliff it worked in it's favor making it easier to understand.
Showing several sides to the story, I love how they showed different sides to a told story showing that although Bryce Walker was a devilish rapist he also had a family and friends and he was trying to become a better person whilst still having him meet his demise.
The Characters overall are well written and incredibly interesting, even if their dialogue is terrible at times. Then we get to Hannah Backer and from here on out comes the moral dilemma, the rapid increase in suicide rates isn't something that can be ignored, however, it also isn't justification limit freedom of speech just simply because it might create unrest. So be careful throughout watching it and take care of yourself.
Now onto the bad bits, Hannah Backer was stretched too far into the second season making it seem almost like he never died in the first place, Ani came out of nowhere and was practically a medium to get to Bryce. The show is over dramatized at several points and at times it's completely and utterly ridiculous.
Overall it's a heart wrenching story which shines a light on some of the peril and suffering that students have to go through whilst being given life changing choices and incomprehensible amounts of work.
How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) (2019)
Breaking Bad on creative crack
This show is amazing! I got into it expecting something that would be interesting for the first few episodes and quickly make me loose interest. Now, I watched S1 & 2 in half a day.
It's incredibly fast paced, addictive, fresh and creative. The transitions, the way they display mobile screens, the animation everything is just simply mind blowing. It\s obvious that heavy inspiration was taken from Silk Road (watch Magnates Media on YT for more info) and Breaking bad (Which it references) simultaneously, and it works really well. The writing isn't as good as Breaking Bad but also, I wasn't expecting this to have incredible foreshadowing and extremely well thought through character arcs.
The main character, Moritz, is very interesting and gives off a very strong entrepreneur vibe, as he should for this role. The other characters are equally as interesting and in depth, somehow this is all portrayed in very quick form content which never ceases to amaze me. The cinematograph is also great. Somehow the show also finds time to show some of the mental health struggles teenagers like myself have to deal with on a day to day bases.
Honestly this is a show I can truly recommend, it's certainly worth watching and everyone who worked on it deserves a round of applause.
Superstore (2015)
It's fun to watch, but not quite amazing.
It's fun to watch, well written at least as far as sitcoms go and I was pleasantly surprised with the foreshadowing and the nice way that it looped back around at the end. The characters are great and synergize very well together. I laughed quite often but it wasn't quite constant laughter. Although in season six the main character isn't present it's still somehow funnier than normal.
On that point I was incredibly glad that the show didn't die a slow and painful death like The Office. Quite honestly it's the exact opposite, the ending is amazing, especially the fact that by the end a special someone is finally reviled in an incredible way. I love the little quirks and Easter eggs. The sort of character archs are good.
Oh and also the cinematography is quite impressive for a sitcom, blows other sitcom shows out of the park. Although I had to get rid of two stars simply because it's not quite a laugh out loud show and more of a smirk type jokes.
Overall strong recommendation if you're looking for something interesting but laid back.
Cobra Kai (2018)
Chill, Cringe and Clinically Insane
This isn't anything incredibly well made or well written, but it isn't bad by any stretch of imagination. The fight scenes are very well preformed and choreographed but aren't feasible certain aspects. Ex, when people can guess with immense precision where the person behind them is without looking. The characters are interesting if not a little dried up by this point, in the sense that it feels a tad repetitive and dry. Also grudges are brought up and broken in instants, that's not how reality works. It takes time for phycological wounds (and real wounds, but that's another story) to heal, and that should be shown in the series.
The cinematography is fine but nothing compared to Stranger Things. The music is great, love it but the sound can be so over played. I get that you want to emphasize the strength of a kick and the slice of a sword but at times it can be incredibly over played. The acting is amazing most of the time and terribly cringey and painful at others.
One thing I love from the show is that epic final hour, really gets you excited to see what's going to happen. Your mind jumps back to bits of foreshadowing, whilst people are getting sucker kicked and knocked out. There is an unrealistic aspect at times especially when it comes to the break ins, assaults and other felonies which are never reported. ALSO, on that point if you assault a dozen people to assault another doesn't mean that the law turns a blind eye and let's you off the hook.
Overall, solid eight stars. Possibly a nine for anyone who watched the original films back in the eighties and can seep in that nostalgia and take the hints and references.
Breaking Bad (2008)
It's not as good as it's made out to be. But it ain't half bad either
The first half of season 1 is terrible, the second half is great. The second eeason is a grind and then from s3 to 5 it doesn't stop getting better. Ending off with s5 which is just amazing.
There a few plot hes which get on my nerves but its a small detail in comparison wuth how well written the charecters and plot turn out to be. The fireshadowing is amazing but I have one main gripe. The flash forwards, a cheap way to add tension. And they really dpn't need to, the show has enough tension and enough going to keep you invested without bein shown the ending at the beginning. Ut really cheapens the show.
The Mitchells vs the Machines (2021)
Maybe I'm just too serious
This is one of those films that takes itself not seriously enough. The info dump hyper extra comedy, written in all caps intro is really not my thing. Felt like a poorly made Youtube video. But I ubderstand that it's designed for children.
On a positive note, the animation is amazing. But I absolutly hate the over the top crazy ms paint thing. Although this was hilarious at points. But I'm afraid that I have run out of positives.
The plot is so predictable its painful. I knew how the film was going to end before the first quarter. I hate those ironic comments judt before something bad happens. There are so many stupid things, such as a robot arm having a control panel.
Next Gen (2018)
I am so mad! But so so impressed!
The fil is absolutly amazing overall. I loved watching it and it balances being a fast paced childrens film and an interesting future sci-fi film. I personaly found the film hilarious at points but forced at others.
First of all the main charecter, May. She's great and I sympatise with her in more ways than one, at first. But it quickly becomes evident that she's a self obsessed prick. Her relationship with the robot makes a lot of sense but is also rushed at first.
The CGI is great and close enough to Pixar for tNetflix to be a real competitor. Howver there are some terrible inconsistencies which throw me off and also there several plot points which weren't expanded on. The world and the world building are great and definatly give great TV serieses a run for their money.
Oh and also the battle scenes are great.
Overall one of my favorite films but could've been so much better.
The Sandman (2022)
Strong start, stutter and explode
Very slight spoiler!
It started strong. Really enjoyed watching it and was very interested to learn more. But then out of the blue it took a side step, although it was interesting to see Dreams relationship with the humans. It ends on a high really setting up the next season.
Overall it felt like the writers were just simply throwing ideas at this without really transitioning between them very well.
The Man from Toronto (2022)
It's just another Kevin Hart film
And that's not a bad thing, but it isn't great either, predictable and very obvoius. The conedy is good and the way the story is resolved is good. But everthing lacks that creative flare.
All the general movie stuff (cgi, sound and so on) are nothing to write home about.