poseyfan Reviews

Dune: Part Two (2024)

Paul Atreides is handled masterfully

[10/10 · 1 March 2024]

"Dune" has been successfully put to the big screen. Not only is this a good adaptation, it passes with flying colors.

The character arc of Paul Atreides is fascinating and complex. I love how they delved into his psyche and motivations so prevalently in this movie. He is reluctant to take up the Messianic mantle because he knows it's a lie. But things go according to his vision and he becomes a morally complex character. Religious fantacism takes hold of the fremen.

It is up for interpretation what kind of character Paul becomes. Is he a tyrant? Was it the only path? What does religion have to do with it? Paul takes hold of the Bene Gesserit lie by exploiting faith.

This leads to other questions. Can one truly trust the arm of flesh? The frailty of man? Leaders have come and gone throughout history bringing different ideals.

One's own morality comes into play. Agency is vital to the human experience. Man will always falter. This leads to questions of a higher power and His role. Is there a God above? What are the implications of that?

We don't get stories like this in Hollywood anymore. There is no happy ending in Dune, and one can only ponder the moral complexities of it. The book and movie have made me contemplate many things and I deeply appreciate stories like that.

Others have already applauded the effects, acting and script, so I won't go into that too much here. What I will say is it was the best looking movie I have ever seen. Everything looked lived in. The fight scenes were choreographed masterfully. Each actor gave outstanding performances. Hans Zimmer gives a mesmerizing soundtrack.

Frank Herbert's vision was honored masterfully. Well done Denis Villeneuve.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024– )

I turned it off and watched the original cartoon instead.

[6/10 · 27 February 2024]

At long last, Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender has arrived. And I must say, I didn't necessarily care for it too much. This calls for the classic line: If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it.

I wasn't swayed one way or the other. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. It kind of just exists. I couldn't help but compare everything in the show to the original cartoon. (One of the best TV shows ever in my book.) Everything was done in its shadow.

At one point I was watching with my brothers and we were like "this is kind of mid. We should just watch the cartoon." And that's what we did. I think that tells you all you need to know.

I heard someone say that this was on par with Disney's recent live action remakes. Mostly soulless remakes. And I would have to agree.

The best part of this show is the casting I would say. The acting is just ok though.

Overall, I didn't care too much for it.

Avatar: The Last Airbender: Spirited Away (2024) Season 1, Episode 5

I just don't even know what to think

[6/10 · 24 February 2024]

I honestly didn't feel much after the episode. I feel like it has an almost impossible bar to reach because of the cartoon.

I was not expecting Koh so soon. I think they did a pretty good job with him. And I definitely wasn't expecting a whole episode in the spirit world. Having Gyatso was a nice touch. Also showing Katara's mom's death was a good choice. I like how firebending actually kills people in this show. It seems like so much more of a menace.

Overall, I don't really vibe with Aang yet. His actor hasn't really done it for me.

Some aspects seem a little lacking. Like almost lazy. I have been trying to keep an open mind though.

Avatar: The Last Airbender: Into the Dark (2024) Season 1, Episode 4

I have a lot of thoughts, and they're not all positive

[7/10 · 24 February 2024]

I have a lot of thoughts so far about this show. And they're not all positive.

Everything with Iroh and Zuko was very well done for the most part. "Leaves from the vine" was put in a very good place. You can see the conflict within Iroh when he is confronted by the earth kingdom solider. One thing I will say though, Zuko seems a bit too mature at this point.

I was slightly disappointed by Bumi. It was a very heavy deviation from the source material.

The secret tunnel shebang was interesting. It was weird having that in the season 1 story, but it was some nice fan service.

Another thing, Sokka sliding on Katara's waterbending was very weird honestly.

The show has been a mixed bag so far.

Avatar: The Last Airbender: Omashu (2024) Season 1, Episode 3

Very disjointed episode

[6/10 · 23 February 2024]

Lots of plot elements and characters were combined in this episode. I can see why they thought it a good idea, but everything felt a little rushed and disjointed.

I said in a previous review that it's very hard to not compare to the original cartoon. It seems everything done here is done in the shadow of it

Katara saving the Father was very awkward. It felt kind of unbelievable. That kind of thing is more prone to animation I would say. The translation is a little hit or miss so far.

Everything with Zuko and Iroh was a bit confusing. I kind of got lost in the me.

I still am not sure what I think of this show so far.

Avatar: The Last Airbender: Warriors (2024) Season 1, Episode 2

Sokka is the standout so far

[8/10 · 23 February 2024]

A much better episode than the first. I felt it was a pretty strong episode.

Sokka and Suki's dynamic was a pleasant surprise. I liked that development. The actor for Sokka not only looks the part, but he's funny and acts like him.

I'm still working on getting used to Aang. I don't know if I quite like Gordon Cormier yet.

I like Iroh so far as well. It's weird to see him as taller than Zuko though lol.

The bending has been pretty good thus far, as is the combat. There have been changes so far that I've enjoyed, and some that I haven't. Having Kyoshi channel through Aang was a cool choice.

Overall, I'm excited to see where this show leads.

Avatar: The Last Airbender: Aang (2024) Season 1, Episode 1

It's difficult to not compare to the cartoon

[6/10 · 23 February 2024]

Well after years of development, Netflix's The Last Airbender has released.

I wasn't too swayed either way to be honest. There were certain aspects that I liked, and others that I didn't. And then there were some that just made me go "huh?"

It's so hard to not compare to the show. I've watched the original series at least 20 times over so it's embedded in my memory. I will say this episode surpassed the movie in every way, shape and form though.

The story is roughly the same, but rushed. The actors and effects are ok so far. The bending is okay to great depending on the moment.

We'll see what the show has in store.

The Chosen: Episode #4.3 (2024) Season 4, Episode 3

The theater was silent

[9/10 · 4 February 2024]

Wow... I did not see that coming at all. I will reserve my judgment for the character decision until the end of the season, but I'm sure it will serve a good purpose. When Jesus went over to Thomas, I knew she wasn't going to be healed. I really like how this is portrayed because it happens to all of us in real life. Why doesn't Jesus just heal me? Why can't he fix this? My loved one died, why did it have to be now? Why can't they just be healed?

This episode really cut me open. Thomas' acting was superb and gut-wrenching. This show seems to be getting better and better.

I'm excited for the rest.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre-Algebra Teacher (2023) Season 1, Episode 1

Echoes the book almost completely

[8/10 · 21 December 2023]

Wow, i must say I didn't expect this. I really enjoyed the first episode. The story beats are largely the same as they are in the book, and it's better for it. It is extremely fast paced, so take that how you will.

The magic that I felt while reading the books has returned in a sort of way. Of course this is only the first episode, but I am still satisfied.

Percy's actor fits well, Grover fits well, and the story gets off to a familiar start. I hope the rest of the season follows suit and doesn't deviate from the books like the movies did. It really can't get much worse than those adaptations so I'm glad this doesn't seem to be going that way.

Can't wait to see more!

The Boy and the Heron (2023)

Is it bad that I just didn't get it?

[6/10 · 8 December 2023]

I have been recently getting into Studio Ghibli films and I've been impressed. I was highly looking forward to this movie strictly because it was the first time I got the opportunity to see a Miyazaki film on the big screen. And the English dub is studded with talent.

I must say... I feel let down. I almost fell asleep halfway through, and the ending didn't make sense. There was so much happening and things weren't explained. I understand that there was probably deep symbolism attached to certain writing choices, but what's the point if the viewer has no idea what they're trying to say?

There were some good scenes and some good humor, but overall I feel a little empty.

Ahsoka (2023– )

It's getting harder and harder for me to get excited about new Star Wars material. We've been delving in mediocrity for too long.

[6/10 · 5 October 2023]

The more I think about Ahsoka, the more I realize the writing wasn't all that great. There were some great moments sure, but there were so many plot choices that I wish were better. This is fresh off of my watch of the finale, which was a huge let down for me.

The writing is off in some places, and there is a good amount of plot convenience and contrivance. I go into more detail in my individual episode reviews. But another thing that has been a problem with most recent Star Wars projects, not just Ahsoka - is plot armor. You KNOW that all of the characters are going to survive. Consequently, this brings a lack of tension to most scenes where certain characters are in danger. This is why I loved Andor so much.

That being said, this show is definitely tailored towards fans of the animated shows. In that light, I enjoyed the connections.

The best part of the show is definitely Baylan Skoll. It's a shame Ray Stevenson passed. He stole every scene he was in. His character had a high amount of depth and prowess. In turn, his apprentice Shin Hati was an interesting character as well.

I feel like they did justice with Ahsoka's character. She developed in a clear character arc. I liked how they utilized Hayden Christensen in accomplishing this. Dave Filoni does know these characters well after all.

Overall, Ahsoka wasn't great, and it wasn't outright bad either. But man, I'm getting so sick of mediocre Star Wars.

Ahsoka: Part Eight: The Jedi, the Witch and the Warlord (2023) Season 1, Episode 8

Another Disney+ series fails to stick the landing due to poor writing and low tension.

[5/10 · 4 October 2023]

I will preface, I have enjoyed this show for the most part. It's not the second coming of Star Wars, but episodes 1-7 were ok to pretty good.

This episode had a lot to unpack. I was more disappointed than anything. The story beats were quite awkward, and honestly I felt little to no tension. There were also a few plot contrivances that usually I would let slide, but they just bothered me so much.

First: why were they traveling so slow with the turtle people?? A GALAXY LEVEL THREAT IS ABOUT TO RETURN TO THE MAIN GALAXY AND YOU'RE TRAVELING 5 MILES AN HOUR. I know Ezra was making his lightsaber, but didn't he make it a point last episode that the force is his ally and he doesn't need one?? I will admit however, there was a cool conversation about Kanan.

Second: WHY DIDN'T THEY RUN UP THE STAIRS after the zombies were trapped? Literally nothing is stopping you. But for some reason they acted like all of them needed to be annihilated before they could confront Thrawn.

Third: WHY DOES EZRA NOT PUSH SABINE ON HOW EXACTLY SHE GOT TO THE PLANET? He's just like hey Sabine! I'm ready to go home! And that was the extent. No further questioning.

Fourth: Not necessarily a plot contrivance, but the way Sabine harnessed the force was unceremonious and dull. I felt nothing when it happened. Maybe part of it is that I don't like the idea that just anyone can use the force. (I like the idea of it being in every being however) Furthermore, when she pushed Ezra a clear 100 FEET after she just unlocked the force was pretty dumb. But I guess plot convenience.

Another plot convenience: of course when Thrawn rained fire, NONE of the shots hit Ahsoka, Sabine or Ezra. And to be clear, this went on for a solid 10 seconds. And I wonder why I don't have any fear for these characters dying.

The zombie troopers were a nice touch, but they were a little wonky in execution.

The best part of the show (Baylan) was only in this episode for 10 seconds! Basically the whole time I was yelling "Where is Baylan??" Seeing the statues of The Ones was pretty cool though. I'm hyped for that, but what are they going to do about the passing of Ray Stevenson?

The good:

Scene where Ezra made his lightsaber

I still liked Thrawn

Morgan's nightsister intro was good

The choreography was good

Having Hayden at the end was a nice touch

Like I said earlier: the intrigue of the Baylan situation will be cool to unpack

So in summary, I was more annoyed than excited about this episode. I left with more of a "meh". It looks like a season 2 will happen, so I'll be cautiously optimistic.

The Creator (2023)

The Creator uses its budget masterfully, but it's not without its problems

[7/10 · 29 September 2023]

This is a lesson to the movie industry on how to use a budget. 80 million dollars was used splendidly. The cinematography was amazing, (Not terribly surprising because Rogue One) acting was great, and the story was decent.

It wasn't without problems though. The story moves at an increasing pace and at some points you lose track of what's happening. Suspension of disbelief will be needed in some moments.

The theme of the story was to make AI to be more than just robots. I think they succeeded there, but at the expense of the humans. Most of the humans in the story ended up being one faced - except for Joshua.

The dynamic between Joshua and Alfie was by far the best part of the movie. The acting was great between the two.

It was a good movie. Not great by any means, but I'm all for supporting a movie that is trying something new.

Overall, I think Gareth Edwards should be given some more projects. AND filmmakers everywhere should learn how a budget should be used.

Ahsoka: Part Seven: Dreams and Madness (2023) Season 1, Episode 7

Episode 8 will have a lot to cover.

[7/10 · 27 September 2023]

Alright, we are 87.5% done with Ahsoka. The show has gotten way better since the first three episodes. I will say that they have a lot to cover in episode 8.

This episode was good. Nothing spectacular though.

The stormtroopers are kind of just stormtroopers? Disappointing. Was hoping to see some nightsister magic.

Sooo is someone going to tell Ezra about how exactly she got to Ezra?? That was completely disregarded this episode.

Ezra was great!!! The actor has sold me. The scene where he was like "Ahsoka trained you?" and the one where Sabine was trying to give him his lightsaber seemed straight out of Rebels.

Ahsoka is more like herself and I love seeing it. That squeal she gave after she saw Ezra was adorable.

Baylan continues to sense something... and it's admittedly what I'm most excited to see from episode 8. Bendu? Abeloth? Something different?

Next week's episode will greatly influence my overall thoughts of this show, so hopefully it sticks the landing.

A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016)

I can't stop thinking about this movie

[10/10 · 24 September 2023]

I haven't watched most anime because well I was a bit biased towards it. I watched Spirited Away a couple weeks ago and thought it was good, and last night I watched 'A Silent Voice'.

I was BLOWN away by this movie. The themes it tackled were deep and the mature way it handles them was to be applauded. The scene where Shouko attempts to kill herself... and Shoyo has to race to the terrace... I hadn't been that on edge while watching a movie in so long. The stakes felt REAL. Because suicide is real.

Another fantastically done scene was when Shouko's mother and Yuzuru come out to see Shoyo's mother and just get on their knees and beg for forgiveness after Shoyo nearly dies rescuing their family. Devastating.

The character development of this movie was amazing in each character; especially Shoyo. I adored what they did with Shouko and her being deaf. It gave me new love for those type of people and a new appreciation for sign language. On top of that, the movie's theme on bullying hits hard. You never know how much you influence other people.

The theme of this movie is to accept yourself despite your flaws, and to really appreciate the people in your life. And consequently, to be nice to people.

Something that I felt didn't get a payoff though was the relationship between Shouko and Shoyo. They never even hugged and that made me sad. I think they were trying to detract it from being a romance though.

Again, fantastic movie. I will never underestimate anime again.

Ahsoka: Part Six: Far, Far Away (2023) Season 1, Episode 6

This felt like an episode of CW/Rebels and even certain moments from the Original Trilogy

[8/10 · 20 September 2023]

I was very pleasantly surprised with this one. It felt like I was watching Star Wars.

I am glad to see that Thrawn won't just be a cameo in the last episode, but that he'll be a big staple in the last 2 episodes. His army was very awe-inducing, and the Nightsisters were quite mysterious.

As always, Baylan is the best character in the episode still.

I loved the addition of the dog wolf thing and the turtle people. I literally thought I was watching Clone Wars or something like the ewoks from ROTJ.

I will say, the reunion between Ezra and Sabine was a bit underwhelming. Not completely botched, but could have been more emotional.

I am very excited for the last 2 episodes. I think I actually liked this one the most out of the 6 so far - even episode 5.

Ahsoka: Part Five: Shadow Warrior (2023) Season 1, Episode 5

This was the best live action version of Anakin Skywalker. Hayden, you're amazing.

[8/10 · 13 September 2023]

Well, I really didn't know what to expect going into this one. Let me start off by saying that the last 2 episodes have been on the level I was hoping this show would reach.

Hayden Christensen, you knocked it out of the park. Those cuts to Darth Vader as he approaches Ahsoka? Terrifying. The red lightsaber? The ferocity of his hits? The skill he has with the lightsaber? It just seemed so natural. And the flashbacks to CW Anakin were great as well. You could tell he was channeling Matt Lanter. The young Ahsoka actress did a fine job as well. And I would add, the effects team and costume team did a fantastic job as well.

I liked the message they were trying to convey; that Ahsoka needs to let go of her fear and regret to become something greater. Something I will say that would have made it even BETTER: a few more lines here and there from Ahsoka about why she is full of turmoil. She feels bad for leaving Anakin, she regrets almost everything that has transpired in her life. Just something like, "Anakin, I shouldn't have left you" or "You turning to the dark side was my fault"

As for the main story, we are finally getting to Thrawn and Ezra. The New Republic is as incompetent as ever and I would be ok with it except for the fact that Mon Mothma should be smarter than she is. I mean, look at her Andor counterpart!

I really loved the corner Ahsoka has turned. When Huyang asks where they'll end up and she's like "I have no idea" with a smile, I pointed at the TV and said, "now that's Ahsoka"

Dave Filoni and co, this was a great episode. Thank you.

Ahsoka: Part Four: Fallen Jedi (2023) Season 1, Episode 4

Honestly, this is one of the best episodes of Star Wars television

[8/10 · 6 September 2023]

I enjoyed the first three episodes to a certain extent but I had a lot of minor problems.

This episode however, blew me AWAY. We are finally getting to the meat of this story; this episode set it up brilliantly.

This episode is a lightsaber combat-lovers dream. I found the choreography to be good, and there were great stakes.

I really liked the misdirection they took with Marrok. Also how Ahsoka was just done with him after he spun his lightsabers. She was like I've had enough of this inquisitor BS.

Baylan continues to be the best character this show has to offer. He steals the show every time. Shin is cool too, and I would love to hear more of her backstory.

I liked what they did with Sabine and the difficult decision to either destroy the map or give it up. It made for some good tension. I appreciate how she didn't use the force in the crucial scene with her and Shin. She reverted back to her Mandalorian instincts and fired a shot instead. I really hope they don't actually make her force sensitive. *crosses fingers*

Everything was great story-wise for this episode. And THEN, we got the look at you know who! I can't wait for next week to see how that interaction unfolds.

One of the best episodes of Star Wars we have gotten on Disney+.

Ahsoka: Part Three: Time to Fly (2023) Season 1, Episode 3

This show has the potential to reach great heights

[5/10 · 30 August 2023]

We're not quite there yet, but episode 3 is a solid episode that sets the stage for the future.

The pacing was good in this week's episode. I quite enjoyed it. Huyang is a standout. The score (especially the end credits) is great. I liked Ahsoka's portrayal better in this episode, Mon Mothma was cool, and it was cool seeing the Purrgil! I wish we got more Baylan though, and I am not quite sure exactly how I feel about Ahsoka training Sabine. I will not form an opinion on it though until the show concludes.

A question I have: why did Ahsoka train Sabine when she wouldn't train Grogu? I'm trying to wrap my head around that. And I did think the Ahsoka space scene was a bit... interesting. I feel like it would have been better suited for animation. But, I guess I'm just nitpicking.

There are enough story elements here to make me pretty excited for the future episodes. The pieces are moving and I'm eagerly awaiting how they'll use Hayden Christensen, and how compelling of a character Thrawn will be in live action. In time!

Ahsoka: Part One: Master and Apprentice (2023) Season 1, Episode 1

A good start to Rebels Season 5

[6/10 · 24 August 2023]

Text: Well, after months of waiting, Ahsoka is here!

I am pleased to say that I am overall satisfied with the first 2 episodes. I have a few problems with some choices here and there, but first the positives.

The casting is perfect! Sabine is a standout.

The set pieces and cinematography are fantastic. It felt very cinematic.

I love the newcomers - the fallen Jedi. If that is the correct term

The lightsaber fights were pretty good

It feels like Rebels Season 5

Great setup for the rest of the season. It took it's time and that was very much appreciated

There is an obvious point to this show

Some little things I didn't like:

Ahsoka seems a little bored - or I guess I should say Rosario

Some of the writing didn't do it for me

The story is too much akin to the Rise of Skywalker

Well, I'm excited for future episodes.

Ahsoka: Part Two: Toil and Trouble (2023) Season 1, Episode 2

I'm definitely locked in for future episodes, but it wasn't a perfect start

[6/10 · 23 August 2023]

I enjoyed the first 2 episodes. The standout was definitely Baylan and Shin along with finding Thrawn. I'm excited to see how that develops. It does feel a lot like Rise of Skywalker though in the way that good and evil are trying to find the bad guy with the Macguffin - for better or worse.

The casting is still great, and Chopper is my favorite.

The atmosphere and planets are great. No Tatooine in sight!!

The fight scenes are good

A few things that could have been done better/could have gone without:

I wasn't the biggest fan of Sabine getting stabbed. It didnt hit any vital organs but I'm just getting sick of people getting stabbed without consequences.

Ahsoka is really stoic. Maybe that was supposed to be a character choice for the beginning episodes and she will loosen up a little bit later? Not sure, but it threw me off a few times because Rosario Dawson seems a little... bored? Not sure if that's the right way to put it.

I was pleasantly surprised by this show, but I hope it continues to improve.

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie, take a bow.

[8/10 · 15 July 2023]

Let me just say, this is the reason I go to the movies. Those 2 hours and 45 minutes felt like 1. Tom Cruise is one of the last true movie stars left in the industry.

The acting, music, set pieces, adrenaline, stakes, story, writing were all top notch. My favorite aspect of this movie though, would have to be the villain(s?) The "Entity" can be everywhere and nowhere at once, and has access to almost everything under the sun. This makes for a feeling of desperation to be draped over the entirety of the movie. His semi-physical counterpart Gabriel is convincing as well.

The most well done scene was the one in the club, where Ethan and company realize that The Entity is completely surrounding them. Well done camera angles, music and acting.

I also loved how they had the balls to kill off a prominent character. It gives the story real stakes and adds to the feeling of dread. That being said, Ilsa/Rebecca Ferguson will be missed.

One of my only real problems with this movie was certain action scenes where a character *narrowly and miraculously* escapes certain death. This happens quite a lot at the end and it gets exhausting. That being said, the falling train and the motorcycle sequence were astounding to watch, regardless of the occasional cliches.

A truly spectacular movie, and the best in the franchise so far. Tom Cruise continues to kill it and has no signs of stopping.

Secret Invasion: Resurrection (2023) Season 1, Episode 1

Bringing espionage back to the MCU

[7/10 · 22 June 2023]

This was a very solid introduction to the show 'Secret Invasion'. If I'm being completely frank, my excitement for MCU projects is at an all time low right now; that being said, when I saw the trailer for this one I was excited.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is my favorite of all the MCU movies, and I'm glad this show has a chance to mirror some of the tones set in that flick.

Nick Fury is having a sort of identity crisis, and there are a few familiar faces around. As always, it is always good to see Emilia Clarke.

The potential of this show and the characters is great, and they started off on the right foot. Looking forward to next week's episode.

Avatar: The Last Airbender: City of Walls and Secrets (2006) Season 2, Episode 14

City of Walls and Secrets is the introduction to the corrupt Ba Sing Se

[9/10 · 4 June 2023]

The ending of this episode is masterfully done. It really surprises me that something like that would be in a kids show. The Dai Li are pulling the strings and use the Earth King as a puppet.

Joo Dee is kind of ominous. Her presence elevates the aura that there is something not quite right... Regardless of what some may say. This is the place where all the refugees think is a haven. And it's not always black and white.

This was a great introduction into what we would be getting for the rest of the season. Season 2 has a great storyline and these parts get overlooked I feel like. I appreciate the creators.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

The animation alone is a mesmerizing spectacle. That paired with the excellent story puts it at another level.

[10/10 · 3 June 2023]

One of the best animated movies I've ever seen, hands down. I wasn't the biggest fan of the first. I thought it was a tad overrated. This one takes the strengths of the first and ups it to 11.

The animation: ethereal

The voice acting: pristine

The story: well done

The characters: convincing and well-developed

The themes in this movie are very good, and they're told in a thought out and mature way. In other words, it's not afraid to make you feel things and maybe scare your kids a little, despite the PG rating.

Comparisons may not always be the best thing, but I believe this movie is better made than No Way Home.

The twists at the end were completely unexpected. Overall, the final chapter was set up in a fantastic way.