izzymusic Reviews

Sucker Punch (2011)

An incredible critique

[10/10 · 5 November 2020]

The way women have had to overcome social standards, setbacks and straight up sexism is not something we should forget. Even today.

This movie critiques it beautifully. With several layers, lots of symbolism and a huge "screw you" to men many will view this as sad or sexist itself if they manage to misinterpret or simply watch it while turning their minds off. But don't. Try to go into this movie when you're ready to focus and pick things up, because it's worth it.

The movie felt truly empowering. It shows that even in the deepest trenches a woman can be put in by power hungry, disgusting men, they can overcome; and it's all done mentally. If you don't give in, they have nothing. And this goes for anything really. This doesn't just apply to women. This can apply to anyone if you look at it from a bigger perspective. Always keep a strong mind going through life. You're your own guardian angel, never forget that. Highly recommend to watch it.

I'm not even gonna mention beautiful cinematography. We know what to expect from Zack Snyder. 10/10 on all fronts

Totally Spies! (2001–2014)

Serves its purpose amazingly well

[8/10 · 2 November 2020]

I'm not gonna talk about the plot as if you're not already familiar with it thanks to other reviews (and just by watching a single episode, really).

While the show follows a formula, by switching it up with memorable villains (years later my friends and I recognize villains from watching this show as preteens) and cool gadgets the show stays watchable and interesting.

What makes this show truly good for a cartoon is its self-awareness and satire. While many will probably take the show at face value, it's supposed to be /funny/. Sam, Clover and Alex being "like, total" Beverly Hills teens is funny because it's non-problematic satire. It lightly pokes fun at the whole culture that's developed in these above-average rich areas where teens really don't need to worry about a lot, and it shows this by using every typical mannerism that they could've used. Despite this, the main characters aren't actually all that unlikable in my opinion, which is key to this show being watchable.On top of that, they're unrealistic spies, matching satire with fun mindless action.

My only real gripe is inconsistency with intelligence / power. One episode they'll resort to hand-to-hand combat (and prove to be good at it), the next they don't / flee for no real reason. And at times I feel like they just don't think all that logically for no real reason (perhaps to move the plot along at times, but at times it doesn't even seem to serve any purpose other than to make it seem more difficult). It's a cartoon with flawed logic to begin with, but I don't think that's a real excuse. Just think of better problems if you don't want them to solve it too easily.

The show, however, set out to achieve something and it achieves exactly that. With quickly paced episodes yet easy to follow plots the show is great for zoning out and having a good laugh.

8/10, expressive animation, good voice acting, but repetitive and boring at times.