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Reviews
One Piece (2023)
A pleasant surprise
The series contradics my deepest concerns in the best way possible.
It has been about 12 years since I abandoned the world of One Piece. I spent hours reading the manga, following the adventure of Luffy and co and was always eager for my next birthday when I would receive the next volume of this unhinged and colorful world.
Like many, I was somewhat flabbergasted to hear that a LIVE ACTION One Piece series was about to be released and I quickly beacme sceptical. The surreal content of the manga/anime was something I never thought could be translated into a real medium. My scepsism grew further with the idea that alot of half measures and deviations from the original content may have been made to fit the series to a broader audience. I didn't have much of an interest in this show and wasn't planning on watching it. But curiosity and memories got the better of me and I am overjoyed for it.
Thankfully, my suspicions were proved wrong from the first 2 episodes alone. The story is almost identical to the manga(with a few alterations to keep a decent flow) down to details such as clothes, hair color and most importantly character personalities. The actors manage to convey the personas of the characters in a manner that is not immoderate and at the same time a genuine homage to the original story. Even my mother who only watches Scandinavian crime shows found humor and emotion in Luffys frivolity and his relationship with mentor Shanks, Zorros stoicism and Namis resourcefulness. While one hour episodes may seem long, they elapse quickly thanks to a brilliant pace(episode 2 juggled between past and present masterfully, something many shows fail with), witty writing and a unique outlook that I believe old fans and newcomers alike will enjoy.
9/10 for the first couple of episodes. The show is suprisingly good with a great balance between action, humor and emotion. Binge warning.
Better Call Saul: Wine and Roses (2022)
The beginning of the end. You good?
"I'm great."
What I look forward to the most(among many plotlines) in this season is the final interactions between the phenomenal Kim Wexler(Rhea Seehorn) and Saul Goodman(Bob Odenkirk). They both seem to be at conflict with themself. My perception is that Kim is questioning her occupational professionalism by partaking in Sauls schemes and "accepting" the blood money from the Saul/Lalo job. Meanwhile, Saul seems to be uncomfortable around pretty much everyone by his own development.
What I particularly enjoy is the subtle approach to the Kim/Saul relationship and thier own limits. At the restaurant, Kim recites her case about a poor kid getting framed by the rich. She then offers Saul a plate of food right after her saying;
"You want some, it's pretty good"?
As in, you want to experience how it is to be a good and decent lawyer? She still has hope for him and I'm afraid it will end badly(since Kim isen't mentioned in BB). The Zafiro Anejo cork in the gutter feels like foreshadowing of the eventual crash between Kim and Saul and that this ones joyfull relationship is about to fade.
Much like last season, the scenes with Nacho(Michael Mando) and Lalo(Tony Dalton) are suspenseful and brilliant, especially since neither of these characters show up in BB. Seeing Lalo being Lalo is both endearing and terrifying.
The subtle and genius camerawork is as always a joy to watch. I would also like to point out that the framing of some of the scenes are "paintful worthy", something a lot of shows fail to achieve. Props to the editors and cameracrew. As mentioned, the anjeo cork in the gutter, Kim and Saul in the restaurant, Kim throwing away "Jimmys" lawyer cup. Much is said through frames.
It's going to take alot to make this series non-memorable after this season. Top 10 shows of all time. (Better than BB even?)
The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 5: Return of the Mandalorian (2022)
Best episode so far - one of the best overall
This was a suprise to be sure, seeing the Mandalorien (Pedro Pascal) in the spotlight once more. I think this episode came at the right time, spending four episode only on Tattooine was beginning to dampen my excitement. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy this new series, especially since it focuses on a villian(although Boba shows a great deal of emotion). The crime-syndicate, peaky blinders of tattooine touch is enjoyable to watch. What the series lacks is really emphasized in this episode, it lacks the consequences the story needs.
Explanation. In the first quarter of the episode we find Mando with his Mandalorien allies, two of them in fact, the rest have died in battle saving Mando previously. Already I feel more invested in this story arc.
Later Mando duels one of his last allies for possession of the dark sabre. After a great fight sequence, the Mandaloriens finds out that Mando have broken one of their sacred tenets and is therefore banished from the group.
The story is driven forward by itself thanks to brilliantly written dialog and characters.
One of the real jewles/fan service in both the Mandalorien and TBOBF is the references. Of course you would include them along with new material. It's the way these old references are shown that makes the cut.
My favorite part was seeing Mando in his new star-fighter flying the podracing tour from episode I. Genius.
I think this series can go from medium to great with Mando joining the group, if only for an episode or two. Also, bring back Mayfeld(Bill Burr), he would be a fine addition to future episodes.
The Witcher: Family (2021)
Burn plot twist burn
After watching this season I find myself more and more reluctan to read the rest of the witcher books(I have read the sword of destiny and the last wish), nor play any of the games. I simply don't want any potential spoilers for upcoming season, believe it or not.
I can't think of a single thing that wasen't improved in this season compared to the first one. The costumes, interior design, locations, acting, character interaction, story and much more. With that said, I thought the first season really introduced this brutal fantasy world in a neutral, viewer friendly way. But this is usually the case with many series. After the first season, the cast and crew might be more settled in, more confident perhaps knowing that there is a peak interest from the audience.
This last episode did not dissapoint. From the cliffhanger of episode seven, most of us knew this was going to be a banger. It didn't end in tragedy as I would have expected, but actually rather wholesome. With the continent and the brotherhood knowing who Ciri(Freya Allan) really is, it's going to be a exciting season 3 no doubt. I am not 100% sold on that twist in the end. I am sure we get an explantion in season 3(obviously right?). The shots of Ciri in the banquet hall at Cintra mixed with the fight in kaer mohen was brilliant.
Acting wise, this season have been great. Seeing Geralt(Henry Cavill), Yennefer(Anya Chalotra) and Ciri on that bridge in kaer morhen must be one of the top moments of this show (All it was missing was maybe a resurrected Roach with wings flying over the sky ). I look forward to seeing them intreact more i further seasons. Jaskier(Joey Battey) is without suprise a fan favorite by this point. His playful and campy personality is a welcoming refreshment in this grey witcher world.
But please showrunners, don't let Jaskier fight anymore, he's going to get himself killed and we really(really!) don't want that.
On a further note, seeing some new and old faces. Vesemir(Kim Bodnia) was a nice additon. Seeing Filavandrel(Tom Canton) in some new robes and with his queen/spouse Francesca(Mecia Simson). Their scenes together really sparked my interest in the elven plotline and is also a big part why I don't want any spoilers from the books.
My score for season 2 is 9/10. That's an improvement from season 1 when it was 8/10. I have a hard time believing that score is going to drop by season 3.
The Witcher: A Grain of Truth (2021)
A heap of brilliance
After a somewhat slow and at times confusing first season, the witcher returns in full force, more focused and more straighforward. It would seem that the timeline skipping is finally at an end, an element in the first season that left many questionmarks. I will say this, the jumpy first season has proven to be a great built up for upcoming seasons of the Witcher. It served somehat as a giant flash-back episode, with many likeable sequences. The anticipation for the second season has been at an all time after recently rewatching the first season. This first episode was an abosolute joy to watch and it fully lives up to my expectations. The hardest part will be not to binge watch every episode in one weekend.
I find myself way more invested in other characters than just Geralt after this first hour. While I did find some previous scenes involving Yennefer, Tissia, Ciri etc to be a nuisance from the "real" scenes(Geralt and Jaskier), this time around I am excited to se where they will end up. Perhaps because the goals of each characters is more clear. We're also introduced to new faces, human and monster alike. Seeing Kristofer Hivju as Nivellen was a pleasant surprise(from someone who refuses to watch trailers). He plays a jolly but cursed landlord that interacts well with a brooding Geralt. I enjoyed watching these characters meet and also seeing a different side of Geralt. In pure witcher fashion the joy dosent last long however, and the episode ends with a moral twist, leaving poor Geralt yet again gloomy.
Perhaps not a story defining episode, but a great return nonetheless to the dark and grim witcher world.
What We Do in the Shadows: The Portrait (2021)
Once a Great show, always a great show
It might be early with only three seasons to state, but WWDITS is easily one of the best comedies in resent years and this last episode was the nail in the coffin for that assessment. This final episode left me happy, and for obvious reasons extremely unsettled. It's very simple really, a final should leave the audience wanting more without denying to much. I was afraid and vexed over the idea that we wouldn't find out the mystery that is Colin Robinson. Not until Lazlo returned from the basement with that gawky expression was i relieved, I simply knew something was up but not quiet what. There are so many things to look forward to in season 4, to many to mention here. All I can say is that I find it unlikely that future season would disappoint me.
If Anything Happens I Love You (2020)
The longest short.
I'll be impractical and start of with the ending, for when this "short" was over it felt like I had been watching for several hours. The silence and the moody topic of the film conveys a sence of depression , despair and desperation. The tragic event that takes place in the film(and in real life) is amplified by showing the life of the innocent, from birth to death.
But the storyline is not all bad. We are shown moments of happiness and joy. Together with a simple yet pleasing animation we see a young family love one another and the happy emotions works well in contrast to the grief from tragedy.
Excellent use of music. There is no speech involved, there is no need since the score says enough about the feelings portrayed in this short.
In the words of a famous King, no parent should have to bury their child.
Imawa no Kuni no Arisu (2020)
Intriguing first season.
Three best friends in Tokyo seem to vanish from thier own world and venture into an alternate reality of some kind, where the normally densly packed Tokyo is abandoned. A dream come true for some(especially during a pandemic), however, the trio soon realize that their existence has an imminent expiration date. All they need to do is play some games to extend their stay. The catch? The games can kill you of course, and there is a time limit(every games worst nightmare). Furthermore, if the games don't kill the loveable trio, then surely the other "players" might.
Those lucky enough to stumble across "Alice In Borderland" will soon find themself very unlucky, when they have binged watched the entire season during one night and crave more episodes. Like other postmodern science fiction films/series such as "The Matrix" or "Battle Royale", this season brings an element of mystery and confussion that made me want to find out more, what the hell is really going on?
Amidst all we get to see pleasing, well made action scenes that takes your mind of the bigger picture. At one point a sword-wielding mad man with face tattoos fights a bikini dressed teenager with drealocks in a club with strobelights(didn't think I would see that, like ever). Survival is of course key in Borderland first and foremost. The games are tricky enough put far from impossible.It's of course easier solving them in the safety of the couch and not betting ones actual life on solving the puzzle. Well written and exciting aspect of the first season.
Characters are not fully fleshed out, but this is so far the first and only season. Then again, as you could imagined in this type of dystopian sandbox, people die left and right. With that said my favorite episode was episode 07, the one episode we actually got to see some brief backstory(and also the club fight). My favorite character is so far Usagi(Tao Tsuchiya). I call her "Mirrors Edge girl" for reason obivous if you look at her appearance and skills.
In conclusion: Great pace, entertaining and fast action scenes. Captivating plot, can't wait for season 2 (please, oh please be a season 2). I really want to see what challenge a "dressed card" offers.
The Crown: Tywysog Cymru (2019)
One year after airing
I saw this episode today yet it came out exacly one year ago. I can honestly say that one of my greatest achivements is the fact that I have managed to restrain myself from watching any more CROWN episodes before the arrival of the very anticipated season 4. The series is worldclass when it comes to acting, music, costumes, dialogue, casting etc. Tywysog Cymru delivers a simple yet emotional narrative. and fits among the best episodes of The CROWN.
Due to protest and general civil unrest, Prince Charles has to leave Cambridge university and study for one term in Wales as a diplomatic measure , much to his own chagrin. Prince Charles obeys and travels to Wales. On his arrival he dosen't really get a friendly welcome, and it's near impossible for him to stay invisble. He struggles at first but befriends his tutor Mr.Edward Millward, a supporter of a independent Wales. At the climax of the episode Prince Charles delivers a speech pre-written with a few personal modifications, all completely in welsh. It's one of the most powerful scenes in the series according to me.
But the scene that really shines is the dialogue near the end, between Prince Charles and his mother, the Queen. The Prince gets a lesson in the significance in being part of one of the most influential famlies in the world, and speaking out of term can be devastating(as seen in earlier episodes).
We see a rather raw side of the Queen, but not an unusual side. I have no doubt that she wants the best for her children, even if that means explaining the dutyfull restrictions that must be obliged. I think most parents have had similar conversations with their own children. However, unlike most parents Queen Elisabeth has a duty herself directly to the Crown. Her strict behavior is expected, unfortunatly.
What I find most emotional about the episode is that a young man who likes to act and recite tonguetwisters comes to realize who he really is, and the gravitas of his predetermined duty. The theme is not unfamiliar to those that have seen the previous episodes, but is nevertheless not less dramatic than before. Charles is not Elisabeth. Elisabeth is not Charles.
I could only rate the episode 10/10. Since I can't rate it any higher I saw fit to also write a review.
The Great (2020)
Vulgar,profane and at times repulsive
"Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats"
- Voltaire
Katherine(the great) marries Peter(the psychotic). She soon finds out that the court of Peter is a vicious place where ill manners are commited everyday as part of the atmosphere. She is not very happy about this and is soon determined to make a change.
Imagine that you are eating a sophisticated dinner with a lovely dessert while someone whispers profanity in your ear, that is more or less how I saw the show. It's beautiful at times only to be cut short with gruesomeness and inappropriate humor at its best. I like this sort of comedy but I can see how it's not for everyone.
The acting is enjoyable, the costume design and sets are awesome. Should be watched with a little grain of salt and it will be a fun experince. It's worth noting that History comes second to comedy in this instance.
Kingdom (2019)
I have said it before..
Zombie movie/series pre 20th century! Finally, I have been waiting so long for this to be made and The Kingdom delivers. The story is on point, interesting and at a good pace. There are no unnecessary jump-scares or over the top gore, it's still scary enough. It rivals the walking dead in the makeup department for the "sick ones" and finds its way to top my list of best series amongst hundreds of strong contenders.
My only problem is the lack of episodes. The acting is good but I feel like the characters aren't getting "fleshed out" enough, maybe season 3 will have more episodes.
I can't wait!
Love Wedding Repeat (2020)
Death at a funeral - vibe
I would like to begin by saying that the movie is okay, not terrible yet not perfect. The reviews are gives it a mediocre rating, which is justified. Yet, i enjoyed the movie from beginning to end. It takes place in real time(see death at a funeral- british comedy at its finest), while the build up is very strong it feel a little flat from the middle act to the end.
Fun movie to watch during a friday night, the beautiful italian weather that is present in almost every scene makes you forget about quarantine.
Also Oliva Wilde is very good looking in that green dress.
Logan (2017)
very enjoyable
From start to finish this movie offers a wide variety of well made, incredible action packed scenes. What I found refreshing is the lack of CGI, something that we see quite often in recent action/superhero.
In one word I would describe this movie as REAL, real action, real frustration and real drama.
Ready Player One (2018)
Great pace and narrative
I never felt bored watching this movie. It had alot of common elements that we see in ordinary action/sci-fi movies however, it had a very unique setting which made it very compelling to watch for 2 hr. I was rather intrigued from the trailer of the colorfull world of the OASIS, I was not convinced though. Movies about this subject(videogames, simulations etc) have failed in the past, Ready Player One was not a failure according to myself, with its awsome effects and wholesome protagonist.
Overall, an entertaining and charming movie worth seeing.
Black Mirror (2011)
Intriguing and terrifying
What I find joyfull about this serie is that you don't have to watch each episode in a specific order, they are all independent from eachother with different stories and characters. A common theme however throughout the serie is the inevitable demise of the main protagonist. Whether being killed, psychologically tortured or in some rare cases coming out on top there is always an element of tragedy and despair in each episode mixed with some dark humor.
The first two episodes I watched where "Shut up and dance" and "The national anthem", both takes place in current times with the same technology we have access to today. I found these first episodes to be accelerating, alarming and somewhat disturbing. But what is truly frightful is the fact that these horror scenarios can happen to anyone anywhere(if precatutions are not taken) which I think is the genius of this show.
With our technology moving forward at an increasing speed I do think that safty issuses and moral questions concering the use off new devices(and whether they shall exist or not)may become an issuse, Black mirror shows what "can" happen in some extreme cases.
Writer Charlie Brooker really brings something new to the table which Is something I am highly fond off. My only concern with the show are a few episodes that i found somewhat exaggerated and way to unrealistic. The episodes that do it for me are those that infact are realistic with a twisted interpretation of modern technology. Some examples are white christmas and nosedive.
If you like thrillers and horrors I think this serie is worth a go. It sometimes gives me an urge to disconnect from todays accessories.
Derry Girls (2018)
Nine stars wont be enough, we need ten!
It's always a gamble watching the first episode of a new show, especially one that haven't been watched by barly anyone else and very few reviews are in. I however was hooked from the first scene with Erins(Saoirse-Monica Jackson)diary monologue(read impermissibly by her cousin Orla played by Louisa Harland) over the current situation in Derry,northern Ireland.
I find it refreshing that the series creators centeres a comedic story around a event in history know as the troubles, it's dark humor at its finest. I love the chemistry between the characters, especially the rivarly between Joe(Erins grandfather, played by Ian McElhinnely who recently starred in Game of thrones as Barristan Selmy) and Gerry(Erins father played byTommy Tiernan). There argument about the amount of chips-bags the family should buy for dinner is alone worth a watch. That is only one of many scenes absolutely hystericaly written and well-acted.
The girls(aswell as their relatives) have there own gimmicks and they work really well with eachother throughout the episodes. Although the episodes are just over 20 minutes each they manage to tell a really good story with a defined beginning and ending. The reason why this haven't received ten stars from me is because I feel there is still alot more left to tell from the story about the girls in Derry. Hopefully something we will se more off in the future.
I highly recommend these serie for anyone that likes these type off drama-comedies with some dark humor. For my own part I look forward to new episodes!