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Barry: forgiving jeff (2022)
BARRY IS BACKKKK
Finally, after almost THREE years of waiting... it feels so good to hear those drums and horns in the intro for the first time since the Season 2 finale, and boy, the premiere of S3 does not disappoint. In fact, it EXCEEDED my expectations than a normal season premiere would.
We dive right back into the aftermath following Season 2's finale, in a state where it would seem far from possible to mend things back together. Barry is in a tough spot, and seemingly almost depressed to do nothing but to kill, while on the other hand the police are trying to tie the monastery shooting back to the Chechens, only to find revelations that lead to... nowhere. And Fuches is on the run too! And not to mention Hank and Cristobal... being a real thing.
The episode is what you would probably expect from a season premiere, where it takes its time to unravel what has happened after the previous one, yet Barry's Season 3 premiere stands out on its own... and as a great one at that too. For the first episode this was a surprisingly tense one already, and if they can somehow keep the momentum and the tension established here throughout... we're about to get another banger of a season again. Possibly better.
Barry is BACK!!
Aggretsuko (2018)
AGGRETSUKO is surprisingly one of the most honest, relatable and best shows Netflix has.
First of all, let me start off with this: I need Season 2 so freaking bad. That's how good I think this show is. If you haven't watched it, seriously please go and watch it. It's really good. Or, if you want to read this review first then go ahead. (just go at your own risk; may contain spoilers)
I know: I'm late. It's June 2019, and I just started binging this show when Season 2 is already near. But hey, at least Netflix recommends me this show instead of nothing! Watched Rilakkuma and Kaoru, then it recommended me this. Boy: this is the best recommendation I've ever got!
The brutal honesty and how it relates to you is so excellent and so fine, it makes you feel like you're also part of their world or vice versa. Aggretsuko is basically a mundane worker's life, from the moments of being 'power-harassed' (in Retsuko's case) or something related to releasing all the anger contained by yourself. So accurate this is, I can't believe a freaking Sanrio property actually got made into this beauty.
But some parts of the show is also fantasy-typed, like the lovey-dovey parts and stuff. To be honest, I don't really care because workers tend to think this way when 'escaping work' comes to mind, so this is also fairly accurate. Not to say that I hate these parts!
Alright, that's it. AGGRETSUKO is by far one of the best Netflix anime shows I've watched. And when I say good: I mean really good (and I don't usually watch anime).
Go and watch it. The honesty brutally hurts, but at the same time it eases you with feel-good parts of its own. Go. Watch. Aggretsuko.
9/10
Game of Thrones: The Iron Throne (2019)
'The Iron Throne' review: Bittersweet send-off, but still a disappointing ending
Game of Thrones officially ends its final season with its eighth episode, 'The Iron Throne'. It may have concluded the story arcs that have been going on for eight seasons straight, but it sure as heck have not concluded my feelings of disappointment for this episode, or should I call this a 'series finale'.
Okay, I have to admit beforehand: the ending is bittersweet. Some moments were actually what we wanted, a reunion between Jon Snow and Ghost, his direwolf, and the death of Daenerys for some, but not quite in the way we expected for it to be.
Daenerys and Jon Snow starts a kiss scene between the two, but it ends with Jon stabbing Daenerys, hence her abrupt death. This is not what we wanted at all, we wanted to see at least a torturous death for a character if not Cersei then Daenerys but both died mildly. GoT is widely known for its ultra violent scenes, but in the FINAL season we only got this?
Daenerys' character arc's end is disappointing for me. Yes, we expected for her to die this episode but not just being stabbed by Jon and get flown away by Drogon right? Totally not what I expected at first. But then I expected some epic scenes to happen, but all were just dialogue-heavy about appointing the King. I know, its necessary, but they should have made it shorter.
Overall, this is quite a disappointing series finale. Despite some moments that left a smile on my face, this deserves better.
Game of Thrones: The Bells (2019)
(LATE REVIEW) 'The Bells' review: hmm....
So 'The Bells' aired on Sunday as the most recent episode of GoT as well as the penultimate one. I have to say, the first three episodes were still great, but how did it turn into this pile of mess after Episode 4?!
I gave this a '7' because honestly, I was still shocked by this episode. Okay, for me it was good, had those intense scenes in King's Landing and the battle between The Hound and The Mountain (R.I.P: they fell into flames). But that's the only things that were good in this episode. But I could have gave this a '1' if I wanted to, but like I said: gave this a 7 because I was still quite amazed by this episode. But the remains were not!
Cersei died. Okay, that's one thing we were looking for, but not dying from being collapsed by rubbles and stones and stuff, SHE SHOULD HAVE DIED THE MOST CRUELEST DEATH EVER IN THE SERIES! Same goes to Jaime, who also collapsed by rubbles alongside her. Now, I want to see Daenerys dead, because she just went mad and burned the entire city to flames! I see now why Jon is destined for the Throne.
Overall, 'The Bells' is one disappointing episode. But good thing the ending pays it all off. Look, I beg: if the series finale still contains the stupidity of D&D's writing, and ends in the most dumbest way possible, I just might pretend GoT ended with the White Walker cliffhanger in a whole, or Season 7 in layman's terms. Really!
HBO, GoT was what made you as you are today. You're not gonna let it go to waste by some writers who were destined to make the series fall when they run out of source material, aren't you? THEN FIX IT!
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)
POKÉMON Detective Pikachu is a YES FROM ME!
(Dont worry, this is spoiler free)
'Detective Pikachu' is outstanding. Not just judging from the video-game movie side, but in fact movies in whole. A lot may disagree with me, (thats okay) but I think DP (not Deadpool) is an excellent film.
Though I have some criticisms to make, the story is as awesome as the trailer promised. Ryan Reynolds did a really good job portraying Pikachu, and PSYDUCK IS FREAKING CUTEEEE!!! Also, the way that the Pokémon were designed earned respect from me. It was truly detailed as if the world actually had Pokemon living with humans now!
But I do have some criticisms (as mentioned): the human characters were a bit flat. Justice Smith did a good job as Tim, but felt that he could have done more as he was playing a role in the Pokemon movie universe. Not everyone could have that! Same goes to Kathryn Newton (Lucy), but overall they were also great in the movie.
No spoilers in this review, because bet the majority of you haven't seen it. So go watch it, but don't expect too much from it. Just have a good time watching a good video game movie for once!
Heard a sequel is already being planned, so can't wait for that too! I rate Detective Pikachu a 9.
Game of Thrones: The Long Night (2019)
By far the best GOT has to offer, especially in S8 terms.
(WARNING! CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS)
When Season 8 premiered, it was really good but like other people said: it indeed is dialogue-heavy. Focusing on reunions and dialogue rather than focusing on the battle with the Night King, and it followed the same pattern when the second episode premiered as well. Although Episode 2 is starting to focus more on the battle already, it stil is dialogue-heavy.
Things are definitely not the same for Episode 3. This episode is all-out-war, and we did witness horrifying deaths. This is the type of episode we've all been waiting for in S8! And the team did deliver a jaw-dropping episode here, with the entire battle keeping me on the edge of my sofa, and the death of Theon is the most emotional part of the episode for me. Not to mention I almost felt emotional when I nearly thought Bran was going to die, when suddenly Arya comes to save the day! (and actually killed the Night King...?)
Overall, this episode was amazing and suspenseful. I think (from my opinions), now that the Night King story arc may have come to a close, I can't wait to see how the second half unfolds, aiming for Cersei to be the main enemy next... maybe?
Back to this episode, the obvious difference between E3 and previous ones for this season is how minimal the dialogue is, and all is focused on the battle, and I love it! Can't wait for Episode 4!
Game of Thrones: Winterfell (2019)
'Winterfell' is a strong one for the final season premiere
So... the highly anticipated final season for Game of Thrones has arrived, with its premiere episode 'Winterfell'. After 1 and a half years of waiting, the end is upon us.
'Winterfell' overall is a really good starting episode for the final season. Most people may criticise it for containing too much dialogue and little action, and how it may temporarily ignore the outcomes after the Season 7 finale which the White Walkers breach the Wall, but this is all just to get us to fit back into the world of GoT. Though some dialogue and scenes were quite unnecessary, I'd say this is a great one.
The acting was spot-on. I felt like there was a real Jon Snow there, as opposed to people watching and saying that 'oh thats just Kit Harington as Jon Snow' but for me: I felt as if a person named Jon Snow was playing himself rather than Kit Harington playing him. I could not see a single bit of Kit in him! It was all Snow! Same to the others as well, felt more of his or her character than the previous seasons.
The story is also really well-done to start off the final season, continuing the stories after the breach of the Wall, and how they're all planning to take down the White Walkers and his army. It's already a great start, and from here I can expect the most historical ending TV has ever had in the series finale weeks from now. One moment that got me was when Samwell revealed to Jon that he is Aegon Targaryen, heir to the Iron Throne. His reactions were pretty accurate, walking down the dark paths as just King in the North then someone tells you you're the one for the Iron Throne. Shocking, right?
This is overall a great episode. A minute after the ending credits began and I demand the second episode to be aired earlier than Sunday. We want it #ForTheThrone!!!
No criticisms at all from me except that tiny bit of unnecessary dialogue and scenes (maybe the purpose was just to advance the plot, but just throw it away rather than to keep it). I give 'Winterfell' a 9/10, a great episode indeed. Again, can't wait for more!!
Will write a review for E2 on its page after I watch it. Till then, there's no middle ground.
Unicorn Store (2017)
'Unicorn Store' gets a solid okay from me
(MAY CONTAIN MAJOR SPOILERS)
Netflix's latest original movie 'Unicorn Store' started streaming last week. Watched it yesterday, and thought it was just an 'okay' movie. Thought it could have been something more, but definitely felt that things were missing.
First of all, Brie Larson's performance is quite well-done. Portraying as a woman living her childhood dreams after being told that a unicorn (what she wants when she was a child) can be one of her lifelong possessions, her performance as Kit actually shows the childish side of an adult when he or she finally gets what he or she wants from childhood, the tantrums, the 'wows'... though not accurately. Some parts were just.. over-acted. But overall, I can say Larson's performance were well-done.
Now onto the story. Felt like the story could have been expanded into something much more magical than it is, rather than just an ending that may be seen in other movies that is not incorporated into the fantasy genre. It's just that. McIntyre (writer) could have written the story as something that would be stuck in our heads for days before going away such as bittersweet endings in fantasy-imagination movies. Yet in 'Unicorn Store', a bittersweet ending is used, but not in the most effective way yet. It just goes away like that.
Overall, the movie is still good. It's just that comparing to other movies, 'Unicorn Store' is a disappointment to fans waiting for a magical ending, as it is just an ending. But Larson's performance is well-done, and kudos to the crew involved as well. Not to mention how Larson's directorial skills as a debut entry may actually overtake the whole movie production maybe! The direction from Larson is excellent!
Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
My short and spoiler-free review fo 'Velvet Buzzsaw'
Netflix's latest original film 'Velvet Buzzsaw' started to show last week and only now have I got the chance to actually and properly watch it. You see, the trailer for this film got me hyped considering there's Jake Gyllenhaal and Toni Collete, both being one of the most famous actors ever! And the story, the way they present it in the trailer actually works!
However, when I finished watching the movie in its entirety: the first thing that was in my mind was just 'kay.'. Dan Gilroy actually had the potential to do something much more bigger than what we've seen since its based from his own idea, but he did not. 'Velvet Buzzsaw' could have been a great film actually, it's just that the execution of the plot and the performance of some actors fell short.
But, this was actually quite refreshing for the horror genre. I think from all of the films I've seen so far, Dan Gilroy was the first to blend the art & design genre with horror. Pretty inventive, I have to admit. Jake Gyllenhaal as Morf was pretty good I have to say, since I think I've never saw him in a proper horror movie role. It's just that 'Velvet Buzzsaw' could have been a great art-horror movie, but it's just like the makers of the movie decided to just make a movie for the heck of it instead of making a GREAT movie.
Overall, 'Velvet Buzzsaw' was an okay film. But definitely something to consider if you just binged horror movies and tired of horror stories like spirits from other worlds or so, since this is actually blending contemporary art with modern-world horror. And I can see that Dan Gilroy is actually trying to deliver a message, which is to not love art for money, but instead love it as it is. And value it. Now that is a great message.
But if you had other movie choices that you think is better to watch than this, definitely go ahead. Because it may be better.
Christopher Robin (2018)
Not what I expected from a Forster-directed film
This review will be short and simple, and spoiler-free to not make those who haven't seen the film (story-wise, because I may ruin your expectations. But no mentioning of the plot.) Enjoy.
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Marc Forster. A director whom I have doubts with when it comes to directing a Winnie the Pooh film, let alone a Disney film. Went inside the theatre, watched for 1 hour and 38 minutes (6 mins are credits), and I realised that I was wrong.
'Disney's Christopher Robin' is what can make Forster truly appeal as a director that can make both adult and family-oriented films no matter the situation. Excellent work, Mr. Forster.
What I want to praise about the film is the story, the heartwarming messages, and the character animation they made. Wanna hear in detail? Watch the film yourself. But what I can say is that it's not your ordinary day with Pooh in the woods. It's a nicer one.
But what I need to criticise about this film is the 'multi-genre' element that they took. At one point, I nearly thought I was watching a Paramount-distributed drama when all along it was just a Disney film. Forster made it look like a Disney drama movie. I understand, that even before the film was released it was classified as one, but I never expected it to carry it on with me until the end of the film itself. Even when the climax scene is happening, I can't think of it as a proper Pooh adventure when all along it is one. Forster, if you are planning to do another film like this in the future, please take note of this. It's like a Forster film, not a Disney film.
That's all from me. Please, watch the movie if you haven't. You won't regret it, worth your 104 mins, but you may not completely fall in love with it.
The Usual Suspects (1995)
The best crime film ever if I may say
(ATTENTION! THIS REVIEW IS LONG)
Bryan Singer really did it with this one. 'The Usual Suspects' may just be... the best crime film I have ever seen till this day.
The actors were outstanding. It's like while watching the film, you always think that the character that they play is almost real. When I watched Kevin Spacey's performance, I nearly thought Verbal Kint was a real person. Same goes for the other actors, especially Chazz Palminteri (Kujan), Stephen Baldwin (McManus) and Kevin Pollak (Hockney). Honorable mention to Benicio Del Toro (Fenster) as well.
For the people behind the scenes, focusing on Singer, Christopher McQuarrie (writer) and John Ottman (editor, composer), they all made the film into what I call, a near-perfect movie that will live longer than I think.
Singer directed the film as if he had years of experience (when this is just his 2nd film after Public Access), and that's a huge compliment. Ottman edited the film with really amazing touches and him composing the film's theme as well as the entire soundtrack? He's gonna be really huge soon, as the theme still sticks into my head until this moment.
Now, let's talk about McQuarrie. He was the one who came up with the whole concept of the movie, starting from just a visualization of five men in a lineup. To make this outstanding film from just that, McQuarrie's super talented when it comes to scripts and screenplays. And the ability to direct too, just like how he did in MI: Fallout recently.
Lastly, the story. Super amazing, super thrilling and super twisty. Spoilers are warned. I have no clue that Kint (Spacey) was Keyser Söze. When Kujan tells us that Keaton was, already in my mind this is such a huge twist, but still questions come up: who really is Redfoot, Kobayashi and others beside what Kint just told? I thought usually, when the twist is revealed, it signifies the end of the film. But oh boy was I wrong. It was actually near the end, but to know that Kint made up the whole story as he talked, from words and phrases from Kujan's board, that was super crazy. He spontaneously made up the entire thing! When that came, I was super mind-blown and can't really accept that Kint was Söze all along. Now ladies and gentlemen, that's a twist. Huge applause to McQuarrie.
That's it from me. Now by the end of this review, I think most of you reading this have watched the film as I put a spoiler warning before. True or false, will The Usual Suspects live?
I think it will. Very much.
'The greatest trick that the Devil has ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.' -Keyser Söze/Kint