Not only is this film another problematic romantisation of a "lolita story" (adult man falling in love with teenage girl), but it is also painfully boring. The film is relatively short but it drags on nevertheless. There is barely any dialogue, a lot of shots repeat over and over and any action is missing completely. There is weird dance sequence at one point that is neither explained, nor does it further the plot. Just a few minutes later there is another dance scene, this time a slow dance and the camera stays on this moment for several minutes while nothing else happens. Seriously, don't watch this film and save yourself the time.
Reviews
20 Reviews
Semifinal and only one designer was actually able to pull of the challenge
25 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Transformation is a staple in fashion shows so I was surprised that it was so late in the competition.
I loved the concept of the episode but unfortunately 3/4 contestants did not have the skills necessary to pull off this very difficult challenge. A semifinal is supposed to convince the viewer that except for one these contestants deserve to be in the finale and make the viewer excited for the final collection. Unfortunately it had the opposite effect. Only Bao presented a good look, the other three would have been sent home in similar competitions.
The reason for the lackluster execution in this episode is the elimination process in earlier episodes, particularly the swimwear and the eras episode. In both episodes designers with good construction were sent home, whereas designers who's works did not fit were allowed to stay or even praised. (Both boys and Amari's swimwear, Amari's Jackie O...) In the beginning of the episode Bao explains how to make a transformation work. One needs to take into consideration what garment one is creating, how it will fall, how much space the second outfit will take (which is why it needs to be sewn first), the kind of fabric, how much fabric one will need... Her dress reveal proofs that she is right because hers is the only one that worked. The technical explanation was super interesting and something that I wish they had done more of in the other episodes.
Now I know that the focus on NiF is more on the idea than the execution and that the judges (at least in season 2) frequently overlooked construction issues. The problem is that the lack in skills and knowledge (or maybe just the lack of attention payed to it) will lead to design ideas that aren't possible in real life. A good design needs both a creative idea and an idea of how to execute it. How was Amari going to hide her dress when the two outfits weren't coordinated amd she chose an impractical fabric? How would Nige reveal his skirt if he has no idea how to even make a skirt? (Sidenote: how does one apply to a fashion show without ever having made a skirt? It's a staple even in menswear). It made the entire episode very unsatisfying to watch because instead of being excited about the transformation reveals, I was wondering (and worrying) who would have the biggest disaster on the runway. It also made it very predictable who would win the challenge. At this point in the competition the contestants should have a similar skill level so that the focus can be on the designs and the stakes can be higher. I would argue that Bao's angel-devil-concept wasn't very innovative or detailed but there was no way that she was going to lose because the others didn't stand a chance in the first place. I wonder how much more exciting the designs could have been had the judges payed more attention to construction early on. Maybe the contestants would have been different or maybe the contestants would have known to choose a design that they are actually capable of creating.
I loved the concept of the episode but unfortunately 3/4 contestants did not have the skills necessary to pull off this very difficult challenge. A semifinal is supposed to convince the viewer that except for one these contestants deserve to be in the finale and make the viewer excited for the final collection. Unfortunately it had the opposite effect. Only Bao presented a good look, the other three would have been sent home in similar competitions.
The reason for the lackluster execution in this episode is the elimination process in earlier episodes, particularly the swimwear and the eras episode. In both episodes designers with good construction were sent home, whereas designers who's works did not fit were allowed to stay or even praised. (Both boys and Amari's swimwear, Amari's Jackie O...) In the beginning of the episode Bao explains how to make a transformation work. One needs to take into consideration what garment one is creating, how it will fall, how much space the second outfit will take (which is why it needs to be sewn first), the kind of fabric, how much fabric one will need... Her dress reveal proofs that she is right because hers is the only one that worked. The technical explanation was super interesting and something that I wish they had done more of in the other episodes.
Now I know that the focus on NiF is more on the idea than the execution and that the judges (at least in season 2) frequently overlooked construction issues. The problem is that the lack in skills and knowledge (or maybe just the lack of attention payed to it) will lead to design ideas that aren't possible in real life. A good design needs both a creative idea and an idea of how to execute it. How was Amari going to hide her dress when the two outfits weren't coordinated amd she chose an impractical fabric? How would Nige reveal his skirt if he has no idea how to even make a skirt? (Sidenote: how does one apply to a fashion show without ever having made a skirt? It's a staple even in menswear). It made the entire episode very unsatisfying to watch because instead of being excited about the transformation reveals, I was wondering (and worrying) who would have the biggest disaster on the runway. It also made it very predictable who would win the challenge. At this point in the competition the contestants should have a similar skill level so that the focus can be on the designs and the stakes can be higher. I would argue that Bao's angel-devil-concept wasn't very innovative or detailed but there was no way that she was going to lose because the others didn't stand a chance in the first place. I wonder how much more exciting the designs could have been had the judges payed more attention to construction early on. Maybe the contestants would have been different or maybe the contestants would have known to choose a design that they are actually capable of creating.
Cool theme, generally fun episode but terrible judging once again
25 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Review mentions who loses the challenge which isn't revealed until the next episode. (Which btw is very annoying.)
I thought the concept for this challenge was really fun but I am not sure if it was the right theme so late in the competition. I think something more exciting would have been more fun and would have allowed more innovative design.
Now to the judging:
I thought the concept for this challenge was really fun but I am not sure if it was the right theme so late in the competition. I think something more exciting would have been more fun and would have allowed more innovative design.
Now to the judging:
- wish Hailey Bieber had contributed a bit more
- I am fully on board with Bao as the winner, would have been ok with Nigel or even Desyrée. All three presented fun, wearable looks that showed a high skill level of craftsmanship.
- Cannot believe that they sent Desyrée home. Deontré and Amari both delivered much weaker looks. Deontré's look were basically one-coloured overalls and an oversized coat, which wasn't really exciting imo. But I think Amari should have gone home. What's the point of the judges going on and on about garments fitting (both when introducing the challenge and when watching the runway) if they don't consider in their elimination decision? Not only is it unfair to the contestants (especially those that spend time on a proper fit and cut back somewhere else) but it is also annoying as a viewer, especially so far into the competition. Like if it's not important, then why do they keep talking about it?(Also Gigi was kind of wearing a similar outfit. Short Jackie O skirt with a cropped blazer. So if the judge is wearing something very similar then is it really "next in fashion"?)
Why have a competition if the judging is so inconsistent and unfair?
25 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Miranda Priestley voice: "Waves to represent the water? Groundbreaking."
The judges have been giving Megan inconsistent feedback the entire season. ("Too much/too little"; "too crafty / not enough of her own identity") . In this episode she finally called them out on it.
The teams in this episode worked a little too well dramatically so I am not sure if I actually believe that Desyree actually picked them. But it made for great TV.
The judging in this episode felt incredibly unfair. Bao and Megan were the only team that had two looks that fit properly, that looked modern and interesting. They also really worked together as a team. Not to mention that the judges said that the swimsuit looked so good that it looked purchased, especially considering the time restraint. 4 hours is a ridiculously short amount of time to create two well fitting pieces. Bao and Megan made the decision to have one standout piece and work together and it's a shame that Meghan took the fall for it. Had Megan done more on the men's look then the swimsuit would have been unfinished. What's the point of having a partner challenge if working well together isn't rewarded?
Amari's bikini did not fit (the judges only pointed out the bottom but the bikini top was too small as well) and it looked unflattering. I would also argue that it wasn't very fashion forward because you can buy a similar bikini basically everywhere. (Also why is a swim short with a mesh tank top for a man an afterthought but a simple bikini for the woman is not an afterthought?) Neither of the boys created a look with a proper fit. They also mentioned that they went for functionality but a scubasuit that doesn't fit is not functional. I also would argue that a scubasuit isn't innovative. One could argue that double blue and waves to represent the water are also super basic. Neither is a bikini or a swimsuit but they pointed out several times how innovative the design of the scubasuit is. Also if the male look is a scuba suit, shouldn't the female look also be a scuba suit?
Desyree was the best, her swim trunks were fire. So she definitely deserved the win. But they were looking for the best team and that was Bao and Megan in my opinion. I think Deontré should have gone home, as his swimsuit didn't fit at all. (Candice Swanepol rightfully pointed that out and it should have played a much bigger role in the final decision. Especially as Gigi and Tan mentioned early on in the episode that fit is the most important as their is so little fabric )
I think that this elimination was mostly based on their work in the earlier episodes as both Deontré and Nigel have been performing consistently strong. And because Gigi and Tan never really seemed to understand Megan's aesthetic. And that frustrated me the most. What's the point of watching a competition if the competition isn't taken seriously? It made for some very unsatisfying television (and had this episode been earlier in the season I probably wouldn't have continued the show)
The judges have been giving Megan inconsistent feedback the entire season. ("Too much/too little"; "too crafty / not enough of her own identity") . In this episode she finally called them out on it.
The teams in this episode worked a little too well dramatically so I am not sure if I actually believe that Desyree actually picked them. But it made for great TV.
The judging in this episode felt incredibly unfair. Bao and Megan were the only team that had two looks that fit properly, that looked modern and interesting. They also really worked together as a team. Not to mention that the judges said that the swimsuit looked so good that it looked purchased, especially considering the time restraint. 4 hours is a ridiculously short amount of time to create two well fitting pieces. Bao and Megan made the decision to have one standout piece and work together and it's a shame that Meghan took the fall for it. Had Megan done more on the men's look then the swimsuit would have been unfinished. What's the point of having a partner challenge if working well together isn't rewarded?
Amari's bikini did not fit (the judges only pointed out the bottom but the bikini top was too small as well) and it looked unflattering. I would also argue that it wasn't very fashion forward because you can buy a similar bikini basically everywhere. (Also why is a swim short with a mesh tank top for a man an afterthought but a simple bikini for the woman is not an afterthought?) Neither of the boys created a look with a proper fit. They also mentioned that they went for functionality but a scubasuit that doesn't fit is not functional. I also would argue that a scubasuit isn't innovative. One could argue that double blue and waves to represent the water are also super basic. Neither is a bikini or a swimsuit but they pointed out several times how innovative the design of the scubasuit is. Also if the male look is a scuba suit, shouldn't the female look also be a scuba suit?
Desyree was the best, her swim trunks were fire. So she definitely deserved the win. But they were looking for the best team and that was Bao and Megan in my opinion. I think Deontré should have gone home, as his swimsuit didn't fit at all. (Candice Swanepol rightfully pointed that out and it should have played a much bigger role in the final decision. Especially as Gigi and Tan mentioned early on in the episode that fit is the most important as their is so little fabric )
I think that this elimination was mostly based on their work in the earlier episodes as both Deontré and Nigel have been performing consistently strong. And because Gigi and Tan never really seemed to understand Megan's aesthetic. And that frustrated me the most. What's the point of watching a competition if the competition isn't taken seriously? It made for some very unsatisfying television (and had this episode been earlier in the season I probably wouldn't have continued the show)
The Best Theme but not the best execution
25 March 2023
Overall this was an enjoyable episode and Met Gala was the perfect topic! That noone went home in this episode was probably a smart decision, especially considering how decisive Met Gala looks always are. The designs in this episode were stunning and I appreciate that they reduced the unnecessary drama that was unfortunately prevalent in the previous episode.
But there were a few things that confused / annoyed me:
But there were a few things that confused / annoyed me:
- At the beginning of the episode Gigi and Tan went on and on how long it takes to design a Met Gala look. (Up to a whole year apparently). So why they gave them as much time as for any other look did not make sense to me. Especially when they were expecting extravagance and a lot of the designs had intricate details. Almost all looks were critiqued for their construction. (Even Bao's top and that's her speciality). The results would have been much better if they would have given them a day more to complete the look. Then the construction critique would have been justified and a lot less annoying.
- Deotrés design was called "Hands off" and yet it looked like the hand was grabbing the model. (So the exact opposite of what it was supposed to portray) Found it a bit surprising that none of the judges questioned that. It also seems a bit unfair that Megan's looks are constantly called "too crafty", yet this design wasn't. (The nails and the hat were very crafty - which isn't necessarily a bad thing but I do wish that the judging was more consistent)
- Bella Hadid didn't really add anything as a judge. I enjoyed Emma Chamberlain and Oliver Rousteing much more because they really offered advice on how to improve.
- i skipped the first few minutes completely. Having the elimination in the next episode is super annoying. It shows that Netflix is more concerned with creating a binge-watching experience than a consistent, self-contained episode. The latter would increase the rewatch potential immensely. But on top of that the elimination and the emotions portrayed just didn't feel genuine and over the top dramatic.
The Price of Glee
(2023)
DISGRACEFUL & EXPLOITATIVE
30 January 2023
What an exploitative cash grab. Do not watch this!!!
This "documentary" is a collection of half-truths, hearsay and lies, presented by a bunch of oppotunists. Non of the cast-members of the actual show were involved in this, a lot of them have spoken out against it.
The producers of this should be ashamed of themselves, especially since they had the chance to create an actually interesting documentary.
Focusing on the unrelated deaths of several cast members was absolutely disgusting. The poster alone is terrible: putting Cory and Naya next to Mark and the claiming that their deaths was a result of the show ("the price of glee") is unacceptable.
Again: DO NOT WATCH THIS.
This "documentary" is a collection of half-truths, hearsay and lies, presented by a bunch of oppotunists. Non of the cast-members of the actual show were involved in this, a lot of them have spoken out against it.
The producers of this should be ashamed of themselves, especially since they had the chance to create an actually interesting documentary.
Focusing on the unrelated deaths of several cast members was absolutely disgusting. The poster alone is terrible: putting Cory and Naya next to Mark and the claiming that their deaths was a result of the show ("the price of glee") is unacceptable.
Again: DO NOT WATCH THIS.
Too much of everything - falls completely flat
20 May 2022
Royalties
(2020)
If only this show wasn't on Quibi...
26 June 2020
The show looks really promising. Wonderful cast, cool concept and all clips that have been released on YouTube were hilarious so far.
I would love to watch the entire show, but I haven't really figured out how, since Quibi doesn't seem to be available in my country. I am 100 % that if this show was on Netflix it would be a huge success.
Brilliant episode!
28 March 2020
Overall a brilliant episode, super funny! I loved that B99 decided to make another bottle-episode (episode with one plot and one setting, like "The Box"), it worked perfectly and kept me on the edge of my seat. I just wish Amy had been involved a bit more - she barely had any lines and didn't really contribute to the case. I also wish they had shown us Cagney and Lacey's performance of Uptown Funk.
I was a bit offended by the German dialect joke. (Not that Jake was trying to speak with a German accent - that was funny especially since he didn't really sound German) The joke that because he is using a German accent he sounds like a Nazi. That joke is old, overused and quite frankly outdated. It boosts the mindset that if someone sounds German they must be a nazi. There are many criteria to identify a Nazi (racism, vigo, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, etc.) but somebody's accent certainly isn't one.
Wunch is back
13 March 2020
Wonderful episode
16 February 2020
This episode was incredibly funny and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!
The cold-open however was a bit disappointing as it felt incredibly forced. I think they should have used time from the cold open for the actual episode to make the ending less rushed.
HILARIOUS!
5 June 2019
Classic Lonely Island
5 June 2019
Visually stunning, beats that make you wanna dance and super funny lyrics - the perfect combination. I did not know who the Bash Brothers were before watching this and to be honest I still don't. It didn't matter though as this 30 min visual poem was still hilarious and entertaining.
Hilarious from start to finish
11 March 2019
Another incredibly funny and entertaining episode from the 99 that had me laughing from the first second on. The Cold-open was perfectly silly and has me hoping for more Cold-Opens like this one: funny and mostly unrelated to the episode. Both the main story-line (the introduction of Amy's brother, Jake and Amy solving a case with him) and the secondary story-line (Charles and the Squad trying to get a suspect to confess) both worked very well, infact the B-plot is the best B-plot of this season so far. Lin-Manuel Miranda worked great as a guest star and I would love to see him back on the show. Overall "The Golden Child" is an episode that showed the 99 at ist best and it truely did not deserve the low ratings.
One last thought: Andy Samberg should DEFINITELY Play King George III in Hamilton. He obviously worked well with Lin-Manuel Miranda in this episode and I am sure that he would rock it.
One last thought: Andy Samberg should DEFINITELY Play King George III in Hamilton. He obviously worked well with Lin-Manuel Miranda in this episode and I am sure that he would rock it.
A socially relevant and important episode
8 March 2019
"He Said, She Said" is the eight episode of season six and the best one of the season so far. Before the season premiere it was announced that this season would feature a metoo-episode. I was very excited not only because it is a socially relevant and important topic but mostly because I was interested in how the show would tackle such a sensitive subject while maintaining their comedic feel. They have shown before that they are able to do exactly that with episodes such as "Moo-Moo", "Show me going" and "Game Night". When there was a B-Plot (Holt, Terry and Charles hunting the Disco-Strangler) announced, I was worried if the B-plot would take away time, which should be used for the A-plot. But the episode managed to give both story lines enough time to develop properly, the B-plot providing a lot of comedic relief. Melissa Fumero (Amy) was incredible and I am glad she was given the lead in this episode, not just because Amy has mostly been in the background (/a sidekick) this season, but also because this epidode added more layers to Amy's character. Both Melissa Fumero and Andy Samberg (Jake) got to show that they are not only wonderful comedic actors but have some seroius dramatic acting chops as well. Stephanie Beatriz (Rosa) made her directorial debut with this episode and in my opinion she really delivered and definitely recommended herself for directing another episode! Some reviewers have claimed that this episode is "leftist propaganda being pushed down our throats" and "ruining characters". I could not disagree more. A good tv-show should comment on social issues in order to be realistic. Metoo is a much talked about issue right now that affects a lot of people. The viewer does not necessarily need to agree with the show's take on the subject, but not talking about it or denying it would just be unrealistic and ignorant. (Especially for a show that is set in a police station) In Summer 2018 Andy Samberg said that episodes like this one take time because if you mess up, it is bad. I for my part can only say that I am glad that they took the time because the final result is not only tackling the important issue of the metoo movement very gracefully, it makes you think and is also very entertaining.
Incredibly funny
24 February 2019
I'm so happy about the cold-open. The entire season I was waiting for a super silly, and comptely unreleated to the eispode cold open. This one finally fulfilled my wish.
The episode was super funny (especially tha A-plot, the B-plot could have used some more depth in my opinion) But I am glad that they are moving Terry's storyline more and more towards becoming a lieutenant.
Very solid and funny episode
24 February 2019
"The Crime Scene" is another very solid, very funny episode. Being a bottle episode, its structure is similar to "The Box" (season 5), which is by far the best episode of the entire series. "The Crime Scene" does not reach that high, but it is very entertaining nevertheless.
It felt almost refreshing to finally see the characters do actual police work. The CSI guy was hilarious and I would not mind seeing him again. Andy Samberg and Stephanie Beatriz showed again that they work very well together.
In conclusion I would definitely like to see another bottle episode, because the tight set-up really gives the story enough time to evolve.
The Pontiac Bandit Returns
9 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Another very enjoyable and hilarious episode! Craig Robinson (Doug Judy) and Andy Samberg (Jake) still have an incredible chemistry, every interaction works and their singing is amazingly off-key as always (at least Samberg's). Terry (Tery Crews) keeping their craziness grounded worked very well and connected this episode with earlier Pontiac Bandit episodes (from 1000push- ups to 100.000 push-ups)
The B-story (cops vs. fire-fighters fighting for Shaw's bar and the resulting drink-off) was just as funny as the A-story line. In fact I wish it had been an A-story line with the entire squad drinking together (like in The Beachhouse and Cop-Con)
Altogether the episode fulfilled my wish to have the 99 do some actual police work and left me excited for the next one.
One thing the episode missed: A proper 99 cold open, which is almost completely unrelated to the actual episode (just like the full bullpen, dianne wiest, etc.)
Best moment of the episode: Captain Holt downing an entire bottle of chardonnay. (Closely followed by Jake singing at the funeral and doing a key-change)
One last thought: Andy Samberg and Craig Robinson should do a movie together!
A proper 99 Good-Bye
6 February 2019
I enjoyed the episode a lot. It was very funny and did not feel to short or to long. (Though I wish they had shown more of Gina's actual good-bye party)
Holt playing chess with Gina and learning how to trash-talk was my favourite scene,
I'll miss Gina on the show. #ThankYouChelseaPeretti
A series highlight
20 January 2019
"The Box" is by far the best episode of Brooklyn 99. The plot moves with an incredible pace and the three characters interact effortlessly with each other . Despite the quite dramatic set-up (there was a murder, the perp needs to confess, the story takes place almost exclusively in an interogation room) without any of the usual "99-shenanigans" the episode is absolutely hilarious, one comedic moment follows another one. Props to Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher and Sterling K. Brown. The latter recieved an Emmy-Nomination for his work.
"The Box" being the best episode on B99 so far, I hope we get more episodes like this one in the future.
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