Reviews
The Magicians (2015)
Disconnected Supernatural Drama
I've always enjoyed coming-of-age stories and supernatural dramas, but I didn't connect with the characters in this television series. The overall chemistry between couples and friends felt forced, making it hard to invest emotionally.
Despite watching until the end of season 2, the disjointed plot and lack of emotional impact left me indifferent. The visual effects were also unimpressive, failing to enhance the story.
Overall, despite its current ratings on this platform, the television series didn't resonate with me, and I couldn't continue watching.
[Note: I have watched shows meant for older teenagers and younger adults. But they were more watchable.]
Teen Wolf: The Movie (2023)
Atrocious follow-up
The movie brings back Allison Argent and a "recycled" villian, Nogitsune in an uninspiring and low quality narrative. Basically, the movie is about fixing Scallison as a ship, disrespecting Arden Cho and her character (i.e. The only lead WOC), and having a forced reunion. Again, introducing Hikari Zhang as a character and not mentioning Kira...is pure disrespect. And is it really neccessary to introduce her and Eli? And didn't the actor, Crystal Reed choose to leave Teen Wolf to pursue other acting projects? Her storyline is boring to begin with. Overall, the movie is pure fan service and an atrocious follow up to the television show itself.
The Midnight Club (2022)
Not for binge-watching
Unlike 'Hill House', 'Bly Manor', 'Midnight Mass', I was unable to watch the entire season of 'The Midnight Club' in one sitting. I took four days just to watch finish 10 episodes, and I don't think I will watch it for the second time. The stories told, bizarre occurrences, and overall narrative were not as deep or as chilling; be it emotionally or visually. There were many unanswered questions by the end of the series, and the last episode did not make me emotional like the other tv shows and films by Mike Flanagan. That said, the acting and chemistry between characters weren't even powerful. Basically, I was so bored. I continued watching....hoping it would get better. But, no!!!
Fall (2022)
Worst movie of 2022?
If you are dealing with trauma and fear, you should go to therapy, and not climb 2,000 feet.
Vultures only eat dead animals, and don't pose danger to living ones, and seasoned climbers would know not to climb on such a remote and abandoned remote tower. Right? But then, again, Hunter seems like your stereotypical youtuber who cares more about followers and likes. And the movie dropped a lot of hints that Hunter will die, and Becky will live in the end.
That being said, both the lead actors have no chemistry as best friends, and they cannot act well throughout the movie.
I do not recommend this movie.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)
Tatiana Maslany
The only reason I watched the first episode is Tatiana Maslany. I was a huge fan of the television show, Orphan Black. Besides the actor, I don't like the narrative so far. But, we could be judging the show too early. I will give it another 3 episodes to see if it turn for the better.
Élite (2018)
Binge-worthy until season 5
I'll keep it short. Elite is about murder mysteries tied with steamy affairs, scandals, attractive people and fashion. If you are a fan of Gossip Girl, Euphoria and How to Get Away with Murder, you will surely love this television series. I watched all 5 seasons and short stories in a week. The reasons why I didn't give it 8 or 9 /10: redemption arcs for pedos/rapists and how they didn't properly introduce new characters.
All My Life (2020)
Injustice, and unwatchable.
I know it is based on a true love story. But, sadly, the movie didn't do it justice. There were misinformation, over-the-top elements, and no insights into the what happened adter they found out Sol has cancer. Also, the movie was rushed. You can watch this movie while doing work, and know what is going on.
Redeeming Love (2022)
Christian Hallmark movie
Redeeming Love is built on the hallmark signature; all about cheesy romance and togetherness, but with a dose of christianity. God tells Michael Hosea to marry Angel and he obeys, or how Angel took time to feel worthy of love by God, or the man she was "assigned." Angel needs saving, and afterall, she is the most sought-after prostitute. But at the same time, I understand that it can seen as erotic by some devout christians. As an atheist, I also don't like it but for the knight and damsel narrative.
How I Met Your Father (2022)
So Boring
Can I say this series is a huge step back from How I Met Your Mother? Totally not funny, and I couldn't concentrate for the first two episodes. And the forced laughter as background isn't helping. I watch for a shallow reason; my crushes. Leighton and Hilary.
Love Hard (2021)
Nothing new in narrative
It is just a girl being catfished, and chasing after another guy (who seems perfect). But then, she realise that the guy is not perfect, and also getting along with the guy who catfished her previously. The only obvious differences are the X'mas setting and having more asian american characters. Okay okay I watched it because it was top 10 in my country.
New Girl (2011)
I don't get it.
After reading the good reviews and seeing that Zooey is the lead, I decided to give the first season a binge watch try. Interesting premise on the boy-girl dymamics in a living accommodation; from just a new roommate to a close friend. BUT it wasn't even funny after the first few episodes. So blan, or maybe I just don't get the humour utilised.
Mr. Nobody (2009)
Like a beautiful poem
The movie centers around the last mortal (after the rest of human race achieve immortality), who reflects on his past, and all the different lives he might have led. The movie is like a thought-provoking poem; it open our eyes to the idea - " Choices...We cannot go back. That's why it's hard to choose. You have to make the right choice. As long as you don't choose, everything remains possible."
Ojing-eo geim (2021)
Great, but not perfect
The story centers around 456 individuals who are in debt, and accepts the invite to play games for a chance at a large cash prize. Like Alice in Borderland, their lives are at stake. The tv series is great compared to Alice in Borderland. We can understand better where the characters are coming from, and what drives them as individuals. And the idea of deadly children's games is unexpected and refreshing. With each death of the main characters, some do feel sadness and disappointment. However, the tv series is not perfect, with my ability to predict who will win, who will be betrayed, and who is behind it all. And let's be honest, many of us were rooting for another person to win the prize. Anyways, I hope there will be a season 2, with the "cliffhanger" not being that shocking.
Saint Ange (2004)
Failure to induce discomfort
As a psychological horror movie, it fails to mess with my mind. I do not feel discomfort watching a pregnant housekeeper/maid, accompanied with "bizarre" sights and sounds in a "creepy" orphanage; and the slow pace and bland ending isn't helping. The ending is basically seeing the housekeeper and her baby as spirits of the orphanage; and in the next shot, the room is empty. No discomfort felt from the ending. 2/10 because the actors were good in acting; and I appreciate the lead actor's hardwork while working pregnant in real life. Again, the director sucks in his treatment of actors, and being a bad director/writer.
Ghostland (2018)
Sadistic and misogynist horror
The narrative mostly centers around the objectification and excessive torture (and possibly rape) of the sisters, Vera and Beth, as well as the murder of their mother. The brutal treatment of female characters as shock value is nothing new in the horror genre. That said, the narrative and jump scares was dump down for the audience. The "adulthood" of Beth seems too good to be true, and hence, such a twist is not unexpected. Still, the actors did great; love their acting performance. And the camera work was good. And now, I would like to talk about the director. If you read the plots of his past works, they all include female victimisation. And for this movie, he is responsible for the permanent scarring of the actor, Taylor Hickson's (Young Vera) face; only the production company was fined $40,000.
CODA (2021)
Beautiful
Like The Belier Family, CODA is about a female teenage with deaf parents and an older brother. She is torn between her passion and dream for singing, and being an essential interpreter for her family (that is needed for the daily operations of the fishing business). Both movies are not like any other coming-of-age movies. This movie puts a spotlight on the deaf community, and also, the deaf characters are played by deaf actors. With that, the tender family warmth is portrayed in the dymanics of the characters, between hearing child and deaf family members. All in all, beautiful narrative, beautiful cast and beautiful singing.
Old (2021)
Good premise. Bad execution.
The movie is based on the graphic novel, Sandcastle; it is about a family and a few others being confined to a tropical beach, but they come to realise that they age very rapidly. They are forced to deal with life, worsening health conditions, ageing and death. Pretty good premise if you are one to fear pain, suffering, old age and death. Would have been traumatic, but there is the bad execution. All the actors have no chemistry, or good acting performance. The lines and imagery, with awful camera angles have no depth, and makes the narrative pretty obvious to any audience member. Also, what is with the attempt to villainize people with Alzheimer's and Schizophrenia, and other illness. "Using" a character with Hypocalcemia (low calcium in blood) as a scary element is uncalled for as well.
Good Witch (2015)
Don't get it.
I've watched the first seven episodes of the first season to pass the time, and I don't know if I should continue. I intially watch the show for the actors. But I find the characters and narrative bland, anti-climactic and slow. The rating for the show does not match my experience.
Giant Little Ones (2018)
Complexities of teen sexuality
It is my second time watching this movie, and I am starting to love it. It touches mostly on the complexities of teen sexuality, internalised homophobia, violence, and also rape. Mostly teen sexuality cause' two of the male characters struggles with their sexual identity. Franky had a sexual encounter with his childhood and long time friend, Ballas, and later admits to his father that it felt normal at that time. Throughout his arc, we see him suffering from homophobia and violence from his peers, and later Ballas. And at the same time, struggle with defining his sexual identity. Is he gay, bisexual or heterosexual? His dad said that sexuality does not always need to be defined by a label at such a point of life - "I suggest you just pay attention
to who you're drawn to, and not worry too much about what to call it at this point." We see Franky happy , rekindling and dating Ballas' sister, Natasha. Natasha revealed to Franky that she was raped while unconsious, and how ther trauma affected her. Rape can traumatize not only the victim, but also her family (her father). Now, I'll talk about Ballas. After his sexual encounter with Franky, he lied to his peers that it was Franky who initiated it, watched as Franky was beaten, and later violently atracked Franky. And also, insulted and questioned Natasha's relationship with Franky. Internalised homophobia and fear of being discovered can lead to anger, and also explains another sphere of complexities within teen sexuality. However, it does not justify his actions of violence and treatment of his sister. I hope that he will apologise to both parties, and finally confront thre truth once he is ready ( if there is a second movie).
Cruel Summer (2021)
Cruelly Good
Each episode is addictive, because it allows the audience to trust and doubt the two female lead characters at the same time. With all the plot twists, you will find that both characters are the victim and the villian at the same time. Yet, I feel sorry for both. Also, I appreciate how they don't romanticise an underage student and authoriative figure relationship like pretty little liars. Instead, it covers the grooming, a real issue.
Friends: The Reunion (2021)
Reunion not so special
Great to see most of the main and supporting actors from Friends on my screen again. Definitely some nostalgic moments. But James Corden (as the host) and the other public figures ruined the reunion. Not special to make me feel it is worth it to watch again.
Lucifer (2016)
Binge-watched, and waiting for season 6
Updated comment: I binge-watched season 5B. Lots of laughter and excitement with the human characters meeting God. I will be watching 5 seasons of Lucifer for the third time, because the series was great as a whole. However, I would say there were downsides to season 5B. Lucifer's battle and final recognition as God from his siblings were underwhelming and rushed due to the restrictions (i.e., the number of episodes). Irrelevant scenes include: Linda's reunion and her daughter scenes, the musical episode, god's retirement party, Ella's very dark thoughts (just revealed now), etc. And Maze's journey from badass demon with human tendancies to token character, with the fan service with Eve; only 4 scenes of relationship development for the whole of season 5. Anyways, I heard there might be a season 6 involving a timejump. I need to know how Lucifer handles God-hood, and Dan being out of hell among other things. Original Comment in 2019: I love the dynamics between the characters and what they have to bring to the narrative. They are more than one-dimensional characters who fit into the black and white model. Lucifer is not the embodiment of pure evil. He is like some who are misunderstood and struggle in finding good in himself. Lucifer is one of the greatest fictional character.
Jessica Jones (2015)
Downhill after season 1
Seaaon 1: The tv series follows Jessics Jones, who tries to stop Kilgrave (aka Purple Man) as a skilled investigator and former heroine. Well, Kilgrave does not have his purple hair and skin, but still a powerful and vile character. And yes, a feminist tv series, but not like the other obnixious series.
Season 2 and 3: The villians were not as fascinating, and Trish's dark side/path was predictable. I only continued watching because I enjoyed Krysten's potrayal of Jessica.
Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
Not better, just longer.
4 hours, more context/development to each character, and extended scenes. Yes, it was not as "rush" as the first, with more scenes. But it was not better; I'll probably not watch it for the second time tho. 4 hours was too long, and felt dragged out.
Superman & Lois (2021)
Great start.
Loved the first episode due to its character portrayal of Superman and his family. Loved the fast paced narrative and new struggles as a father. Hope the television series remains great. Hence, I am giving the television series 8/10. (Btw, stop with the ageist comments about the female lead)