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peterfrench78
Reviews
Them (2021)
Yes, the story is a little "busy"...but the performances are brilliant
Its a great series...tense, wonderfully acted and quite binge-able. Whilst I accept the plot tries to cram in an awful lot (which makes it tough viewing at times - for a variety of reasons) the performances on display here are quite extraordinary. Really.
The term "horror" doesn't quite do this series justice...in the sense that the horror depicted in Them is not only social, cultural and (arguably) historically factual - but there are major elements of the traditional supernatural genre here, in a move that some viewers will appreciate and others will feel is completely overwhelming. I myself loved it but found it exhausting to watch the central family have to deal with not only an entire neighbourhood who wants them to leave (or worse) but also a few ghostly entities that apparently have it out for them too.
It very masterfully has you doubting and second-guessing who the real villains of the story may be and will make you question what is supposed to be real vs what may be the result of someone's fractured psyche. You will justifiably doubt the protagonists and even, at times, sympathise with the antagonists - which in my opinion made for an interesting, nuanced and ultimately satisfying story.
But be warned; there is some VERY uncomfortable viewing to be found here. Challenging themes and a few scenes of violence that are genuinely difficult to watch. However as I mentioned before the performances - pretty much ALL of the performances really without exception - are seriously brilliant. Gripping in fact.
No... it wasn't perfect... there was a LOT going on in the plot here and it may not be everyone's cup-of-tea. But I really enjoyed it and I'd definitely watch further seasons of this anthology series if it kept a similar style and tone to this one - and if any of the same actors are involved.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2021)
Surprisingly good - and I'm a 43yo classic MoTU fan
OK, so firstly yes this is significantly different to the 80's cartoon - different tone, different art style a new take on the lore - and a "twist" given to many of the classic characters we know and love. But... and hear me out... its actually pretty good. I'm not ashamed to say I found myself very open to some of the changes they have made. Heck I even found myself enjoying some of the character spins that had been made and appreciating some of the surprisingly good writing and character design which resulted in a number of characters appearing (on the surface) to be quite different from their classic counterparts, however on closer inspection, managing to actually stay brilliantly close to they spirit of them. Teela for example... a beloved character in the original, a fierce warrior, a loyal friend, focused on weapons, hand to hand combat and a master tactician on the battle-field - outspoken and ferocious. Here, she couldn't be more different in some ways - a sorceress, a master of spells and magic - and yet at her core, she has been written very much in the style of Teela. Fierce, loyal, fearless, outspoken, smart - so many of the traits we associate with the character that in the end, I genuinely felt I could forgive - and even embrace - the way she has been changed in this version of the tale. Its not perfect and its not going to be everyone's cup-of-tea - but I had a lot of fun watching this. More than I thought I would and more than Revelations. Give this a try and keep an open mind and you may be surprised.