foodieinaus Reviews

XO, Kitty (2023– )

Love pentagons are never fun

[6/10 · 18 May 2023]

This tv series tries to cram as much drama into 10 episodes as possible and by cramming so much in, it fails to explore any of the characters and themes in a meaningful way. A prime example of this is the love pentagon, with Kitty (the female lead) jumping around from crush to crush, making it difficult to connect with any of her romantic counterparts.

If the series had focused primarily on one or two main themes like Kitty's connection with her mother or her relationship, the series would have emotional substance but instead it comes across as a bottom of barrel rom com that Netflix mass produces.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)

Disappointing

[6/10 · 6 May 2023]

I went into watching the series with high hopes but unfortunately this spin off does not deliver, the story's pacing is too slow and then too fast in places, with unnecessary replaying of other episode scenes for exposition (which is unnecessary given the season is 6 episodes).

Their is so much push and pull between the two romantic leads that it is difficult to connect or root for their romance. The story also jumps between the Bridgerton timeline and Queen Charlotte timeline further detracting from the main story line. The chemistry between the leads is not strongly built before their sexual scenes, making these scenes feel out of place, rushed and uncomfortable. In addition, watching this series involves some uncomfortable bordering on unconsensual sexual scenes with crowd favourtie Lady Danbury with her husband. Lady Danbury in this spinoff also does not capture the quitessential essence of her original portrayl in the Bridgerton series.

This spin off was almost successful in turning me away from the Bridgerton series as a whole. I personally wouldn't devote 3 hrs to watch this again.

Disenchanted (2022)

"Disenchanted" lacks the magic of "Enchanted"

[5/10 · 19 November 2022]

Enchanted was great movie because of the lovely musical numbers, the satirical commentary on fairy tales, the innocence of Giselle (the protagonist) and Morgan and the subversion of the typical fairy tale story.

The sequel of Enchanted, Disenchanted, fails to deliver on the main selling point of Enchanted, which is the atypical fairy tale. Disenchanted instead falls into all the typical tropes of fairy tales, evil step mothers, evil queens and curses. The musical pieces also are generic, are reminiscent of other musical songs and don't leave an impact and a musical without great music isn't a great musical.

Auntie Edna (2018)

Wholesome family fun

[10/10 · 11 July 2022]

Just a wholesome and hilarious short about what happens when they leave Jack Jack (the Incredibles' baby) with Edna. Both Edna and Jack Jack have such great personalities and its great to see Jack Jack and the full exploration of his powers.

First Kill (2022– )

Lacking

[5/10 · 13 June 2022]

First Kill falls for all the cliche tropes of teenage fantasy. It lacks engaging characters, chemistry between the two leading ladies and compelling acting.

Young Royals (2021–2024)

Realistic portrayal of the struggles of royalty and romance

[8/10 · 30 May 2022]

Young Royals surprised me with the nuances it displayed about being a royal and dating a royal. The show opted for realism and this allows it to deliver a poignant 6 episodes. My only critique of the show is that although some characters are well developed, some characters are archetypal. All in all was an enjoyable series to binge.

Heartstopper (2022– )

All the warm and fuzzies

[10/10 · 9 May 2022]

This show is heartwarming coming of age story that balances realism, comedy and difficulties of belonging to the LGBTIQA+ community. It provides a voice to the community and show cases a number of young actors and actresses. Lovely to see such a beautiful representation of this community and diverse casting.

Kotaro Lives Alone (2022)

Heartfelt anime with substance

[10/10 · 28 March 2022]

This anime is endearing with its 5 year old main character and the relationships he has with the adults around him. The anime is full of innocence, laughter but also emotional substance that will really move you.

The Good Doctor (2017–2024)

Problematic

[6/10 · 24 February 2022]

The show starts out promising, but gradually the medical focus is detracted from and the focus is on the romantic relationships. My main issue and why I stopped watching the show is because of the protagonist's (Shaun) "nice guy" behaviour, his use of threatening his best friend Leah with a bat then eventually getting the girl he has threatened is incredibly problematic depiction of toxic behaviour.

My Spy (2020)

Unrealistic and cringe

[5/10 · 1 December 2021]

The movie is not the worst movie you will watch but definitely not the best. The action sequences and plot is incredibly unrealistic, the characters a little paper thin but it has its endearing moments between the two leads JJ (Dave Bautista) and Sophie (Chloe Coleman).

Outmatched (2020)

Funny and wholesome

[8/10 · 29 November 2021]

I walked into watching this show with no expectations and I was pleasantly surprised, the cast for the children in the family was amazing, especially Oatley Bull (who plays the youngest child, Leila).

The children's characters were well developed but the parents characters were a little underdeveloped. Overall an enjoyable 10 episodes to binge.

Modern Love: On a Serpentine Road, With the Top Down (2021) Season 2, Episode 1

Beautiful Story of Grief and Love but flawed writing

[7/10 · 15 August 2021]

It is a beautiful story of a woman's continued connection with her late husband and accurately depicts humanity's journey with grief however a disclaimer at the start of the episode that they would show an attempt of self harm would be helpful for anyone who might find this content triggering.