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meagandel
Reviews
Anyone But You (2023)
Imbalanced rom-com
Glen Powell charms, as always, but he had zero chemistry with Sydney Sweeney. Her acting was extremely wooden and flat. What's mostly frustrating is her articulation/diction. She sounds like she's mumbling most of the time. It works as teen on Euphoria but not here.
The story was enjoyable enough, even with the improbably hijinks (the airplane scene mostly comes to mind). The shots of Australia are beautiful. Yet there was still something missing to make it all come together. The characters lacked the depth needed to make you want to root for them whether they end up together or not.
I laughed at the randomness of it all (naked spider freakout) but missed a heartfelt ending to make it all worthwhile.
We Own This City (2022)
incredible.
The first two episodes takes adjustment into how they tell this story. I will be transparent in saying it took me a lot of rewinding (and reading a recap) to try and nail the timelines. Editing could have made it less convoluted by establishing some tells for what year we're in. Sometimes Jenkin's haircut or facial hair will indicate what timeframe they're showing but it truly is not enough to understand. They flip back and forth so frequently it becomes jarring and confusing. With that said once you adapt to the chaos it truly is great storytelling of a story that's oftentimes hard to watch.
Jon Bernthal really shines (weird accent aside). The way he shifts from unsure rookie to crooked leader is amazing to see. Watching how these people get so comfortable breaking the law they are convinced they uphold is astonishing.
I couldn't believe what these cops were doing to the people of Baltimore and remembering it was based on a true story makes it an infuriating watch. This is important storytelling for those less informed of what happens in these districts, precincts, task forces, and how politics and corruption fail the every day citizen.
Everything I Know About Love (2022)
doesn't feel very 2012 but still amazing
I loved this series. It truly captured the pains of growing up, and sometimes apart, from your best friend. It was lovely to watch these characters stumble around and try to find their way in situations that were funny but relatable. There are truly insane moments that are bookended by beautifully acted ones (esp between Maggie and her mom).
My one gripe is (as someone who was 22 in 2012) the fashion and makeup choices seemed more modern than early 2010s. There was a lot of glitter/studded eye makeup, vaguely timeless clothing. It took me out of the storytelling as I had to constantly remind myself what decade it was.
I guess that proves that being 24 is the same no matter the decade. We all have to learn to make mistakes and grow from the consequences and that's exactly what this show displays wondrously.
Monday (2020)
Acting was great. script was weak.
Everything was underutilized. Usually movies like this the setting is a character in itself and it was as if Greece was an afterthought. This could have taken place anywhere and it would not have made a difference which undercuts the story.
The characters could have been fleshed out more. Yes, this is about their clearly mismatched/toxic romance, but I wanted to understand them more as individuals. Why did Chloe stay (what was she clearly running from back home)? What did Mickey see in her that allowed him to avoid focusing on his life's own shortcomings? She was a horrible person. She made poor decisions. She indulged in a lifestyle that may have been adopted in Greece, maybe not, but we will never know. Even if Micky was stuck in a perpetually adolescent/self sabotaging cycle I can't see what attracted him to her. It's not like he craved her stability. She couldn't offer any.
Stan and Gough gave amazing performances despite the thin script proving their talent and commitment.
Fate: The Winx Saga (2021)
Rushed. Has potential
I was unaware with its Nickelodeon counterpart so I went into this with no preconceived notions. I liked it enough to keep watching but it was extremely rushed. It doesn't properly build the world or flesh out its characters. I want to know more about the specialists (what is their role in the world - just an Army?)
The show attempts some backstory but it isn't enough to make you care about the characters. They also don't give enough time for relationships to grow both romantic or otherwise.
By the end some harrowing things happen but I'm not invested enough to be moved. I am hoping for a longer season 2 to fill in some of the gaps.
These kids are at school and yet we never see them learn. They are constantly sneaking out and breaking rules. Are there teachers in this place?