jordymadueno Reviews

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

A Charming Classic with a Complex Cast

[6/10 · 25 October 2023]

1. Concept: The premise of how family can change a living being, no matter how destructive it is, is something that clearly has potential. If you add factors like aliens, a family of two sisters without parents, and an island, then it becomes at least curious.

2. Plot: There are some plot twists, although they are not argumentatively solid and give the impression of being forced. The narrative rhythm does not have an order or purpose either, so it seems random. Therefore, in general, the story is not very good, although the premise did have a lot of potential. The problem is that if you don't take care of the plot of a movie, then the rest of the factors don't help much. For this reason, I would say that this is the main limitation that the movie had. Now, something positive that I do have to add is that there are several lines of dialogue that are funny and quite entertaining.

3. Characters: There is a good variety of iconic characters. For example, Pleakley, Jumba, the President, Captain Gantu, or the social worker, and that's just the supporting characters. As for the main characters, we have Stitch, who is undoubtedly the most outstanding for his personality and appearance, although we also have Lilo and Nani, who have a history and a culture that make them very interesting. Especially Lilo for her rebellious and atypical attitude.

4. Complexity: What they lack in the story is compensated for by the complexity of the characters, which perfectly explains the situation of both Lilo and Nani. Well, in this case, they focus mainly on Lilo's perspective and how she faces the different difficulties they are going through. This complexity allows us to empathize with these characters and connect with their desires. In this way, we are also emotionally involved in their progress, which is quite substantial.

5. Acting: Chris Sanders' voice is the key to bringing Stitch to life, as it is not just about the way he says things, but also all the noises that characterize him. Now, in general, the cast did a very good job in representing their roles.

6. Aesthetics: Perhaps what had the most impact on me was the mixed style in which some environmental illustrations had texture and that allowed the characters to stand out. Apart from that, the animation seemed fluid and even cartoonish in some cases, which reminded me of the animations I saw in my childhood.

7. Audio: The best thing of all is that they used Elvis as the driving force of the story, who even becomes a passive actor.

The Parent Trap (1961)

Charming family classic

[7/10 · 24 October 2023]

1. Concept: The premise is unrealistic and difficult to imagine, but it raises circumstances that can be quite entertaining.

2. Plot: I have a dilemma because the story lacks surprises, lacks a captivating narrative pace, and the dialogue is not particularly interesting. However, it remains entertaining because of the circumstances and the secrecy, although minimally entertaining, I must add. In several aspects, I thought it was better than the 1998 version because it gives more space to Mitch and Maggie, which enriches our understanding of their dynamic. In addition, there are several aspects that make more sense, such as the honey at the beginning and the honey at the end, or Maggie's cunning, which is reflected in her decisions in the final part of the film. These are aspects that make it better than the 1998 version, although not by much.

3. Characters: I would not say that there is anything iconic about the characters, however, as it is a 1961 film, we can highlight some general characteristics of the actors, such as their clothing, their way of speaking, or their way of relating to each other, which makes it interesting.

4. Complexity: The characters are not complex, although the relationship between Mitch and Maggie is. In fact, perhaps the most attractive character for her attitude and personality is Maggie, however, it is not something that is explored in depth because they leave out many details that would be interesting, for example, Maggie's profession, something that was added in the 1998 version.

5. Acting: Considering the era and age, Hayley Mills did a good job, but I have to especially highlight the work of Maureen O'Hara and to a lesser extent that of Brian Keith, since on several occasions I found myself immersed in their discussions and in their occurrences. Practically as if they were real characters.

6. Aesthetics: Currently, watching films like this, which are already over half a century old, automatically generates curiosity, therefore, its aesthetics in itself becomes something interesting. Particularly, the clothing and the environments of the different locations. It was even entertaining to see how they used projections for the backgrounds of some scenes, something that is no longer used in this way today. Additionally, it was gratifying to see the quality with which the two performances of Hayley were spliced together, which was much better than I expected.

7. Audio: I know that the Sherman brothers participated in this film, however, unlike Mary Poppins, in this case I did not enjoy the songs in general. Perhaps only the short melody of Maggie, but little else.

17 Again (2009)

Promising Premise Falls Flat in Lackluster Romantic Comedy

[5/10 · 23 October 2023]

1. Concept: The premise seems promising, that is, we're talking about a man who is dissatisfied with his decision to leave his career for his wife and baby, and consequently, he is presented with the opportunity to see if he can make a different choice. However, the way this premise is developed leaves much to be desired.

2. Plot: There are too many factors in the story trying to make it comedic; however, it feels forced, uncomfortable, and unrealistic. Moreover, it becomes an obstacle to following the story. Aside from that, there are no surprises, no excitement in the script, the narrative pace serves no purpose, and the dialogues are not memorable. That's why I say the premise seems promising, but the execution falls short. There is a Korean series version that I would like to watch to make a comparison, as it has a better rating and seems to address many of the shortcomings in this film.

3. Characters: Ned's character is the most interesting, and that's saying a lot. I mean, he's interesting because of his eccentricity, but not much more. And if that's the best the character design has to offer, then the film is doomed to have forgettable characters.

4. Complexity: As I mentioned, the characters are quite simple in their context, behavior, desires, and history. Moreover, the two main characters, Mark and Scarlet, are greatly simplified. From the beginning, they provide minimal justification for their decisions, without adding any shades of gray or allowing for further exploration of their characters. Therefore, they are very one-dimensional.

5. Acting: None of the performances were good, and I couldn't expect anything different, considering that the character design does not allow for good acting; it resembles more of an amateur production, suitable for a school presentation or a cheap soap opera.

6. Aesthetics: In this aspect, I can only highlight the nice houses, the decoration in Ned's house, which seemed like a science fiction museum, or Scarlet's garden, but not much more. Most of the aesthetic elements had no productive relationship with the story or the characters, so it's not very relevant.

7. Audio: No comments.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

It Triumphs Over Live-Action Rival with Timeless Charm and Character Flexibility.

[8/10 · 22 October 2023]

1. Concept: It's about a young woman who falls in love and risks everything to be with that person, even in the face of her father's anger.

2. Plot: Unlike the live-action version, this story omits many details about the past of both the main and secondary characters. In retrospect, it's better not to mention a character's past unless it will be developed further, so the movie primarily focuses on the two main characters without delving into their backgrounds. Another critical error in the live-action version is the alteration of several aspects of the story and the omission of scenes crucial for understanding the king's perspective, creating dynamic situations with Sebastian, or providing more meaning and continuity to the plot. For instance, Ariel meeting Scuttle out of the water, which is crucial in several details in the animated version, appears as abrupt cuts in the live-action version. Therefore, the animated version is much more engaging, leaving little room to question motivations or backgrounds, flowing seamlessly in narration, with a consistent narrative pace throughout the film.

3. Characters: Sebastian and Ursula deserve mention for their distinctive personalities and style, making them entertaining, while this doesn't apply to the two main characters or the rest of the cast.

4. Complexity: This story lacks complexity, with no dark past or difficulties explaining the characters' personalities or attitudes. The gradual change expressed by Sebastian and King Triton regarding Ariel is a notable aspect, adding emotion and empathy to the story.

5. Performance: In contrast to the live action, the animated version features voices that perfectly represent the characters and their personalities, with animation allowing for more expressive gestures and body language, which is absent in the live-action adaptation.

6. Aesthetics: The animation style reflects the era, with a certain simplicity in textures and environments that, at times, highlights actions, emotions, and the story effectively.

7. Audio: Overall, I preferred the songs in this version over the live action, although it's not my top preference. I appreciated the Caribbean and French influences in the music in some scenes.

Troy (2004)

A Masterpiece of Impeccable Plot, Outstanding Characters, and Remarkable Aesthetics.

[10/10 · 22 October 2023]

1. Concept: It is based on Homer's Iliad, where a war erupts between two nations-ostensibly over a woman-and two great warriors stand out.

2. Plot: To begin with, both the script and the story itself are impeccable. It follows a narrative rhythm with ups and downs that reflect the emotions involved; on one hand, there is anger, which gains speed and urgency, while compassion is slow and induces empathy. Furthermore, despite being a well-known story, it never ceases to surprise or evoke emotions because it's impossible not to get drawn into the story. Perhaps what I could criticize the most is the ending because it felt too rushed for my taste, and I believe it needed better development to make the climax more satisfying.

3. Characters: The best part of the Iliad is that every character is unique, and the movie not only maintains this characteristic but visually highlights it. Among those I can highlight are undoubtedly Achilles, Hector, Paris, Helen, Priam, and Briseis.

4. Complexity: Among the most complex and interesting characters are Achilles and Briseis because they are forced to change their way of thinking, which, in turn, makes the story more romantic. The rest of the characters don't seem sufficiently interesting to me because they are quite straightforward in their actions and rationality.

5. Acting: The performances by Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Sean Bean, Rose Byrne, and Peter O'Toole were perfect. I couldn't imagine better representations for their characters; in fact, they immortalized their characters as icons of cinema and history. I must especially highlight Brad Pitt, who had expressions, movements, and a way of fighting that genuinely made me believe he was a demigod. His presence and attitude were so convincing.

6. Aesthetics: In this regard, there are some things I loved. For example, the shots outside Troy with Hector and Achilles, where it was all desert and the two main characters stood out. Another example is how beautiful the city of Troy was on the inside with its natural arrangements and architecture that undeniably shone in the midst of a desert; it looked like an oasis. On the other hand, there's the elegant, minimal, and monochromatic attire of the princes or the armor of both Achilles and Hector. The distinguishable aesthetics of the Myrmidons, who always wore black and, therefore, looked like emissaries of death. Besides these, there were many important details in the overall aesthetics of the movie.

7. Audio: There were moments of silence where only the concise clank of swords against shields or the warriors' breaths could be heard. All of this greatly contributed to conveying the tension in the moment. Even Achilles' shouts were fearless and heart-wrenching. In short, it wasn't just the typical background music; the sound effects themselves took on their own personality, enriching each scene significantly.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Emotionally Charged and Artistically Crafted

[10/10 · 16 October 2023]

Concept: The premise is brilliant, as it revolves around a couple whose relationship has been fracturing, and now they have the opportunity to erase their memories to move on with their lives without missing each other's company.

Plot: Without a doubt, it's one of my favorite movies. Firstly, it features an intricately interwoven timeline, where every element serves a purpose. It was developed with great care and precision. Additionally, the narrative pace significantly contributed. For example, the beginning was slow, but it gradually intensified, creating more tension reflected in the editing, music, dialogue, and emotions. Moreover, it's not the typical romantic story but rather portrays a wide range of complexities. Finally, I must highlight the added interconnected subplots that bring their own intricacies, helping to maintain emotional intensity without losing sight of the main story, as everything was interconnected.

Characters: Joel's character is deliberately "boring," but that's precisely the idea, as he represents everything contrary to Clementine, who is impulsive and eccentric. Therefore, Clementine's character is much more interesting and representative of the movie. The rest of the characters are ordinary, but each one holds an interesting backstory waiting to be unveiled.

Complexity: The two main characters are highly complex, each carrying wounds from the past that manifest as present-day problems. Sadly, this is not common in most movies but significantly determines their quality.

Acting: It's no surprise that Kate Winslet was Oscar-nominated because her portrayal was astonishing. I would swear that Clementine is a real person with all her complexities. Similarly, Jim Carrey did an excellent job as Joel, which was surprising because it's not his typical Jim-style. In this case, it was a dramatic, introverted, insecure interpretation, a stark departure from his usual roles. That's why they deserved the recognition they received at the time. In addition, there are secondary characters like Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, Kirsten Dunst, and even Tom Wilkinson, who also deserve mention. Among them, I'd like to highlight the roles of Ruffalo and Dunst, as they were more interesting, complex, and entertaining.

Aesthetics: The aesthetics were quite artistic in many ways. For instance, the tonality in Joel's memories, the use of lighting to highlight specific scenes, transitions between memories, and even practical effects used to represent a younger version of Joel or to show two versions of him in the same scene.

Audio: There are some interesting aspects that I didn't fully appreciate at the time but have since discovered and find crucial for the narrative. For example, the use of silence to accentuate the awkward moments between the two main characters.

The Little Mermaid (I) (2023)

It had potential, but...

[5/10 · 15 October 2023]

Concept: It's a famous premise that basically involves uniting two different worlds supposedly in rivalry, particularly the underwater kingdom and the human realm. This gives birth to the typical Shakespearean story of two opposing principalities falling in love. Therefore, it's a cliché, but one that has potential.

Plot: This is the part where everything falls apart, despite their efforts to cover some of the gaps present in the animated version. It fails in many other aspects. Firstly, it lacks context and detail, offering neither complexity in the characters nor in the storyline. Furthermore, the plot twists are far too obvious, leaving the story devoid of any enigma or mystique. Moreover, there's almost no need to advance the plot because there's hardly anything to explain. The story's trigger is almost imperceptible. Additionally, the narrative pace is chaotic and serves little purpose, except perhaps in the final part of the movie. Lastly, the main character's final challenge is so flat that the climax is lackluster. To put it simply, this story lacks good writing and can only be enjoyed through the lens of nostalgia or the interpretive level of an infant.

Characters: Eric's character is like any other preordained Disney prince, meaning not particularly special. On the other hand, Ariel is an iconic character, both in terms of her physical appearance and her distractingly curious and extremely curious attitude. Triton is easily distinguishable by his trident and attire but lacks a complex personality or mannerisms. Ursula, however, does exhibit distinctive behavior. Even her movement as a cephalopod sets her apart from other characters, exuding a certain eerie aura typical of squids or octopuses. Furthermore, an additional character I found highly representative is the crab, who not only is an entertaining character but also expresses his emotions very well, feeling very real as a character. The animators did an excellent job blending real aspects with the caricatured elements from the animated version.

Complexity: What I liked the least about the movie is the lack of character complexity, with hardly any distinction between who the characters were at the beginning and who they were at the end. Triton presented the most change, and he's a character who appears for less than 10 minutes in the entire movie. Oh, and also Sebastian, who went from being reluctant and indifferent to Ariel to being even complicit in her decisions. Moreover, this change wasn't instantaneous but was built gradually, as it should be. Besides these two examples, the potential of Ariel's story about her mother or Eric's story about his own ancestors was not utilized. The dispute between the worlds was not explored, and Ariel's relationship with her father was limited to a minimum.

Acting: The acting left much to be desired, even from the main actors who couldn't fully embody their characters. There was a constant feeling of a barrier between their performance and their potential. Among the supporting characters, I can only highlight one, and that's Sebastian, whose voice was provided by Daveed Diggs. This character felt more human and real than any other character. Not only that, but he expressed a wide range of emotions, making him much more interesting and entertaining. I would dare say his character managed to keep a significant part of the movie engaging.

Aesthetics: I liked the color palette they used throughout the movie. Good lighting highlighted the warmth of the human world and the coldness of the underwater realm. There are some beautiful shots, especially featuring the corals, the island's coast, and the sunset. I'd say this is one of the best aspects of the movie. However, there is one exception regarding the special effects, which is completely understandable. I'm referring to the underwater scenes, which are a huge challenge in themselves, and they also need to create a world of mermaids, breaking intrinsic understandings of reality. For instance, what is Ariel doing flipping through the pages of a book in the depths of the sea? Even for more subtle aspects like these, achieving immersion in the story becomes a great challenge because our brain is constantly reminded of how artificial the situation is.

Sound: The music was not bad, but it felt underutilized as Ariel's voice had the potential for so much more. In all honesty, I'm not a fan of these songs. My style is more like that of Aladdin. However, I would like to revisit the animated version to confirm.

No Hard Feelings (2023)

Great and Awful writing...

[5/10 · 15 October 2023]

Concept: I'm afraid the premise is very hard to swallow. Supposedly, an older woman is hired by parents to seduce their teenage son and make him more social. What?

Plot: Not only is the premise terrible, but the justification is insufficient. However, they explore emotions and experiences that do generate some empathy and that for some moments end up getting attention, until something abrupt happens that makes no sense and wastes what has been built. In fact, I've been on an emotional rollercoaster with this movie because they also have a good narrative rhythm, however, I can't overcome so many inconsistencies and so much stupidity.

Characters: The only character that I found even remotely interesting was Maddie, simply because of her attitude that could only be described as crudely impulsive.

Complexity: This is another aspect that I appreciate about the writers and it is that there was some character development, which was gradual over time. In fact, they tried to add a backstory for the two characters, however, it was simplistic and almost lacking in logic in its construction. Therefore, there was a hint of complexity, however, very poorly directed.

Acting: I would dare to say that Jennifer Lawrence is just like Maddie in many ways, for example, her impulsive attitude that borders on the crude or that basically strays from prudence. That is why, in that sense, it was a well-directed performance. However, the script leads her to accentuate those characteristics to the point where they are not only unbelievable, but overwhelming. Now, in general terms, all the main and secondary acting felt forced and overacted.

Aesthetics: In general, there was nothing special, however, there are some details worth highlighting, such as the scenes on the beach that, according to Jennifer Lawrence, she herself did.

Audio: Nothing worth mentioning.

Léon: The Professional (1994)

Such a great story...

[10/10 · 10 October 2023]

Concept: It's a brilliant idea to intertwine two stories: that of a hitman and that of a girl who has been a victim, who happen to cross paths by pure coincidence, but each one changes the other's life.

Plot: First and foremost, I must commend Luc Besson, who not only wrote but also directed the movie. It's this dual role that allowed him to seamlessly connect a fascinating story with a narrative rhythm ideal for the proper development of characters and their relationship. Something that many other films often rush or overlook. In the midst of all this, we have the initial trigger, which was perfectly integrated to give meaning to the story. Apart from that, there are several plot twists that are intriguing and build up tension. Because of all this, I can say it was a very well-written, well-planned, and well-executed script.

Characters: There are three iconic characters worth highlighting: the hitman, the girl, and the cop. Each one with atypical personalities, pronounced mannerisms, or outstanding aesthetics. There are even non-animated characters, or rather, elements that are emblematic of the movie. For example, the plant. Each of these characters played an important role in the story, inciting emotions like love, empathy, compassion, and even hatred.

Complexity: The two main characters undergo a profound change in their lives and goals. They change their priorities, values, and everything they know. They are confronted with their respective realities and develop strong emotions that drive their joint story. Such is their complexity that a sense of morality emerges amidst immorality, or compassion in the midst of carnage.

Performance: Most of the cast delivered a solid performance, but there are three individuals who deserve special recognition. Firstly, Gary Oldman's visceral and deranged portrayal, followed by Jean Reno's compassionate yet ruthless duality, and finally Natalie Portman's unstoppable spirit.

Aesthetics: There are some excellent shots that maintain a good composition between the elements and often convey the tension of the scene. Additionally, the clothing style perfectly represents each character. For one, it signifies youth and rebellion, for another, it represents the purity of chaos, while for another, it's all about simplicity and mastery. Furthermore, the environmental design is rusty, run-down, and dirty, denoting an emotional atmosphere of chaos, frustration, and anguish. However, the overall aesthetics are quite raw, making several scenes even more impactful.

Sound: The background music during tense moments is fitting, with occasional Italian accents using the accordion to accompany the story's backdrop. However, I couldn't say it's an iconic element in itself or indispensable to the narrative. It simply does a decent job that is non-disruptive and might go unnoticed by many.

Mr. Bean (1990–1995)

Physical comedy Masterpiece, however...

[7/10 · 9 October 2023]

Concept: The brilliance lies in the idea of such a peculiar character in typical British settings of the time.

Plot: There is no overarching narrative that connects all the episodes. However, each episode does follow certain narrative patterns such as scene contextualization, problem development, and even low points for the main character. In short, it's a rather minimal and straightforward version of a usual plot.

Characters: There is only one character, Mr. Bean himself, who at first glance may not seem outstanding or recognizable. However, he has such a unique personality and attitude that he becomes iconic. From his mumbling, facial expressions, monotonous clothing, walking style, and more. Undoubtedly, it's a great character that Atkinson managed to build.

Complexity: The character itself is not complex. Starting with the fact that there is no backstory explaining where he came from or where he wants to go. Because of this, there is no character development. He remains the same from the first episode to the last, and although it offers a certain consistency, it becomes monotonous and loses appeal after each episode. Fortunately, it was a short series.

Performance: Rowan Atkinson is a genius. Not only for writing and developing such a unique character but also for portraying it perfectly. There is no doubt that his mastery of body language is what allows us to enjoy his work regardless of the country we are in. I must say it's not a primitive or childish performance; it requires great preparation to know how to define the ideal rhythm to entertain and make the audience laugh.

Aesthetics: It's not particularly outstanding. It simply reflects the English context of that time. Moreover, it uses a typical English style of presenting scenes with a raw, almost unaltered aesthetic of what reality would be.

Sound: Nothing in particular, perhaps the most relevant aspect is the sound effects to help highlight Mr. Bean's actions.

The Peripheral (2022)

Quite intriguing for sci-fi fans

[10/10 · 8 October 2023]

Concept: It involves fascinating science fiction themes that I wouldn't want to explain without giving away spoilers, but I can say that it explores a more refined world in technological and scientific terms than I would have expected as a science fiction fan.

Plot: The writers started the series with an overwhelming number of mysteries, but the good thing is that they start clarifying several details from the second episode, albeit at a measured pace. I can also say that they added several plot twists that surprised me, in fact, I was constantly wrong about the role I thought each character would play. That's why, in literary terms, it seems fascinating to me, and I would like to read the book on which the series is based. By the way, I must warn that it's not an action-packed adrenaline series, although it does have several of those scenes; its strength lies in the vast amount of fictional mysteries it tries to solve after each episode.

Characters: I would dare say that there is a very good number of iconic characters, with special attributes, easy to distinguish, and in some cases, even unexpected. They did a great job in building a diverse and exotic set of characters, which in itself is entertaining.

Complexity: A good portion of the characters, even those of minor relevance, have a certain level of complexity, and many of them manage to mature, whether by overcoming adversities, becoming braver, or doing something that no one would have expected them to be capable of. This keeps the story engaging as it progresses.

Acting: I must confess that Moretz's performance didn't completely convince me, despite her being an excellent actress; however, her performance lacked greater complexity and authenticity. Mind you, it's still a good performance, but there are other characters and performances within the cast that I liked much more, even though they weren't the main character. In fact, some of them only last a couple of episodes. Therefore, overall, the acting performance was phenomenal.

Aesthetics: There is great attention to detail in each of the settings, which partly represents personalities and emotions while surprising with certain artistic details that blend a futuristic feel with a Renaissance past. Without a doubt, it's one of my favorite aspects of the entire series.

Sound: It maintains good synergy with the narrative dynamics and stays focused on the story; in other words, it fulfills its basic function. However, I also don't recall a moment where I felt that the sound stood out and made a difference in the scene; therefore, it's the most consistent aspect of my evaluation overall.

The Peripheral: What About Bob? (2022) Season 1, Episode 5

A bit more of action...

[8/10 · 4 October 2023]

Now, we're entering a confrontational stage in which the leading role, that is, Flynne, starts confronting the threat which is Cherise. As usual, it needed a trigger and that's the assassin they hired. However, I was a bit surprised as I didn't expect them to get a new one after the disaster of previous attempts and because we still have Corbell in the game.

Anyhow, we are seeing how the secret is also being put to the test as Tommy is getting more involved and also because they had to tell their mother the truth. Well, almost most of it.

I liked that Billy as a character got into a new territory, that is, badass. I didn't expect that from her and now I'm thinking that she might play a key role in all of these. She is much more interesting than her husband, Jasper.

Oh, we also got a short view of the past to understand what Aelita was trying to get from the corporation and what was her relationship with Grace, rest in peace.

I'm not sure if I get it yet, but I think that the whole goal of the test of haptics in the past was to control the whole society in the future. Now, Burton's story of how he lost control of his body made more sense.

We also got to understand why Conner lost his legs and arm. It was all a setup from the corporation as they tested the haptics in the past. The same thing Lev wants to do, but with pharmaceutical stuff.

That makes me wonder. Flynne and Burton were already in a new parallel universe since the corporation changed the past by recruiting soldiers to test the haptics. I said so because I thought that this only started when Aelita sent the headset.

I'm also starting to think that they had something to do with the Jackpot's events that killed so many people.

The Peripheral: Jackpot (2022) Season 1, Episode 4

There's not much action, but...

[8/10 · 4 October 2023]

We are not seeing much action, but we're enjoying pure sci-fi lore. For example, now we know what happened in the world and why there are so few people left.

We also get to understand more about Lev's intentions, as well as, we meet his wife for the first time. Furthermore, we discover that they are mainly business people with no morale for that matter.

I like how the story is getting more mature and giving a better picture of such reality. For example, the fact that Flynne is having some health problems adds more nuance to the risks.

I really like where this is going. After all, we cannot keep being such adrenaline junkies. We gotta learn to enjoy some slow-paced plot development. Especially, on plots so complex like this one.

I do like some good character background, character development, and a strong rational foundation for the story.

The Peripheral: Haptic Drift (2022) Season 1, Episode 3

Good writing so far...

[8/10 · 3 October 2023]

It's getting good. We are moving forward and we are finding out more about each character. For example, we get much deeper into Corbell's background and how dangerous he is. Also, Jasper is his nephew and Jasper's wife is Flynne's best friend. What a leak for their safety.

Thankfully, I was wrong from the last episode. I mean, I was expecting that Flynne and Burton's relationship would be filled with secrecy, but instead, it's quite straightforward. They are telling each other everything, at least, so far.

We also had a hint into Aelita and Wilf's past, so it helped a little bit to understand why they were so close.

This one was another slow-paced episode focused on getting answers. Well, except for the last 3 minutes. They are building this desire for the viewer to dislike Cherise and as far as I can tell, it's working on me. I'm really waiting for her to get what she has coming.

By the way, I loved the shared view and haptic integration because it feels like something that could exist in the future with Apple's new gesture control and with Neuralink's research.

Also, I loved the huge sculptures spread in the city. I wish that could happen in ours.

As far as the story goes, it has a good pace and it's keeping the hype, but I don't know for how long since the Fisher situation in that town needs to burst and add some dynamism to their local context. Overall, I like the writing so far.

The Peripheral: Empathy Bonus (2022) Season 1, Episode 2

Slowing down to get some answers

[7/10 · 2 October 2023]

It continued exactly from where they left the last episode and it was a jab of adrenaline. It was fun. However, soon after it ended it all went back to a slower pace on which they started giving some explanations.

• The VR is indeed not a SIM, but rather a virtual controller for a humanoid in the future.

• Flynne's mother, that is, Ella, has a glioma which is a type of cancer in the brain. That explains a bit more of their context.

• We now have seen how the biotech in Burton and his friends is for logistics on the battlefield and that they were some type of soldier.

• I realized that the corporation guys found Flynne and Burton because the humanoid had Burton's face and identity. That was definitely not smart.

• Also, it shows Corbell's role in the story.

However, there are still some enigmas:

• What's the relationship between Aelita and Wilf?

• What's the purpose of the big corporation and now with Lev? What do they want? Well, besides searching for Aelita.

• Why does Tommy seem alienated from the group?

This episode was more concise and necessary to get some ideas to sink. I mean, at the beginning there was a lot happening and I didn't have enough time to process the plot, but now it starts to make more sense. Even though, there are still a lot of enigmas on the table.

I've seen something that will be a pain in the ass. I'm talking about the relationship between the two brothers because they have a really trashy communication. I still don't get why Flynne preferred to go to the town before telling Burton everything she found out. Also, Burton seems like he will try to protect Flynne by hiding things from her. I hate when this happens in a story because the solution usually is a word away and it gets frustrating. We'll see how the writers manage this.

That's about it for the second episode.

If I Stay (2014)

Totally worth it, however...

[7/10 · 2 October 2023]

• **Premise:** It's a great premise. In just one accident Mia suffers a great loss and then she has to make a decision between fighting for her life or just letting it go.

• **Plot:** The plot is pretty good despite being a youth rom-com. I mean, it's quite a huge emotional tragedy that at times felt shadowed by a teen romance that had too much screen time. Anyhow, it became very emotional after the accident. After all, they did a great job building the emotional connection within the family. It broke my heart and made me cry several times which implies that the writers knew how to take advantage of the pacing, the timing, and the plot twists. By the way, there are several plot twists that took me off guard. For example, I totally believed that the kid would make it.

• **Characters:** They created interesting characters. Mia is a prodigy classic musician amidst rock star parents. Denny and Kay are very unusual parents, so that was special. Actually, it felt unreal, but it was fun for the story's sake. Even Teddy seemed like a rock star prodigy. Finally, I pretty much liked the heart-warming Gramps as he was a really nice grandpa. However, of all of them maybe the best character was Mia, but not by far. She just had an interesting background.

• **Character Development:** Mia is confronted to have more confidence in herself and to dream higher. Adam is confronted to trust Mia and let her be free to make her own decisions, even if it means to go far away from him. Also, Mia had to accept the new reality which is too much to ask of anyone, but that was the point with the movie.

• **Acting:** Sadly, Chloë doesn't fit as a musical prodigy. Don't take me wrong, she's a great actress. It's just that, to my eyes, she didn't fit for the role. Besides, the idea of a perfect family of rock stars doesn't seem believable, in the first place. Overall, the cast did just fine and maybe there were a couple of moments with a great performance from the grandfather or the parents.

• **Aesthetics:** I cannot think of anything in particular, but it has an average Hollywood quality. I mean, nice lighting in the dark scenes and a clean white ambiance in the winter and hospital scenes. Also warm and cozy in the family scenes. Each one reflected part of the emotion in the scene.

• **Soundtrack:** I loved the cello parts because it is my favorite instrument. Even more, I'm more like Mia, but as a Bach fan. Aside from that, Jamie Blackley is a pretty good musician. I especially liked the last song because it was smooth and perfectly emotional for the context.

Creed (II) (2015)

Good follow-up but...

[7/10 · 28 September 2023]

• **Premise:** The idea of Rocky training Apollo's lost son is genius considering how close those two were and how unfinished business Rocky had as a trainer.

• **Plot:** This one is longer so it has kind of a slow pace. Actually, I think that the build-up was way too slow and even some action scenes took the same time as emotional scenes. So, I think the pace was a little off. I liked that there were some interesting plot twists like Rocky's cancer, but that's about it. Overall is not bad, but it could have been even better. Also, there are a couple of plot holes that I didn't like. For example, where's Rocky's son? I mean, he's poorly shaped and his son doesn't appear ever? Also, what happened with Little Marie and Steps? At least, they showed that Paulie died and finally we get to know that Adrian died of cancer. So, that's something.

• **Characters:** Rocky is iconic, no doubt about it. Creed is kind of interesting considering his background, but there's nothing really outstanding from him. I mean, he has nothing that could be iconic or easy to recognize about him, so it's hard to picture him as a future iconic character. I did like Bianca because she is into music as she's losing her hearing and also she gives out Alicia Keys vibes, so she could be interesting as a character. However, she didn't have enough exposure for that. Besides, they didn't create a thing for them. For example, Rocky had his dog, the stairs in Philadelphia, the black ball, his hat, his way of talking, his charming attitude, the meat pounding, and so much more. Apollo had his own icon things too, but the new characters didn't.

• **Character Development:** Creed had to go through a growing process. First, he had to deal with the memory of his father and also with his new paternal relationship with Rocky. Besides, he had an overflowing confidence that he had to land and be more pragmatic with it. All of that made part of his journey and it was fine. In the end, he proudly wears his father's last name and he gets close to Rocky. Even Rocky went through a process in which he had to get back into training, he had to be motivated again to fight his disease, and he had to be open again to having a son like Adonis. Gladly, the writers did a great job in this matter.

• **Acting:** As usual, great job from Stallone. Michael B. Jordan has already proven his quality as an actor in other movies and this one was no exception. He did a great job with his character even though he didn't develop unique expressions or attitudes as Stallone did. Tessa also did a great job, but again, I think she has much more potential with her character. The rest just did a good enough job, nothing worth mentioning though.

• **Aesthetics:** It's quite good and basic for the most part, except when Conian appears for the fight. The blackout for the fire blower was pretty cool and then the fighter silhouette too. That left a mark on my brain. Other than that, the rest was quite a color-washed style that is common in nearshores and cold environments. One interesting change in the Rocky universe is that this one had little dark scenes.

• **Soundtrack:** I enjoyed the rap and hip-hop songs, it gave it a nice pace to some shots and helped bring on Bianca a little bit since it was kind of her musical style. They even made a new arrangement for the classical Rocky song, but nothing outstanding. In general, nothing out of this world.

We Bare Bears (2014–2019)

It was great

[10/10 · 5 December 2020]

It was way better than I thought. It was like watching CN when I was younger and I love the merch.

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020 TV Movie)

So important to know

[10/10 · 25 November 2020]

It's a great documentary that follows the progress of our extinction that we have been producing. There is so much information about it that it's shocking how there people who don't recognize the damage we are doing to ourselves. It's our extinction and not one done while we sleep but a painful one. It's not a joke, we are going to far.

Over the Moon (2020)

Great production though

[7/10 · 25 November 2020]

I like culture but when it's based on such a weak narrative it becomes unbearable. Although, the whole production was great.

Suits (2011–2019)

Very addictive

[9/10 · 25 November 2020]

It's a very addictive series full of drama and hooks for each episode. It's one of my favorites without a doubt. Worthy for cringe watching although it could take a couple of months.

Cobra Kai (2018–2025)

Nostalgic

[7 October 2020]

The nostalgic premise makes it entertaining but without that, it wouldn't be such a good series to watch. In the memory of sensei Miyagi 👏

Cursed (2020)

Merlin's mix concept

[6 October 2020]

The story is very engaging and it has the best transitions I've ever seen on a series.

Enola Holmes (2020)

Less dumb

[7/10 · 4 October 2020]

The plot is simple and basic combined with the fight for sexual equality in the context of a classic story. That was interesting but the execution was poor considering the whole potential it had. I was hoping for a brilliant Enola who recognizes the details with great skills at the art of deduction but instead, they made Sherlock look dumber. It was not a battle of brilliance but conformity of mediocrity.

The Devil All the Time (2020)

Bittersweet

[8/10 · 3 October 2020]

The script was great with high-quality actors but you need to know that the plot is tough to digest and some scenes are very sensitive. Although, for such a climax, in the end, it's worth it.