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The Suicide Squad (2021)
Much better than the first one
Arguably one of the best DCEU movies that's come out. I was not looking forward to this movie after the first film. But after hearing James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) was directing it I was intrigued. There's so many ways this movie is better than the first. It's comical, you end up caring for the characters, the film progression and development flows great, it's just all around a great movie.
Also, no one can make animal characters like Gunn either (I.e Groot and Rocket the Raccoon). They always seem to steal the show in every scene they're in. King Shark is that character in this film. Every scene he's in is amazing.
Overall, great film. Don't let the first one prevent you from seeing this one - 9/10.
The Umbrella Academy (2019)
I heard a rumor...
... That this show was so much fun to watch. Between the unique and diverse characters, the storyline, and the humor, The Umbrella Academy will keep you wanting more. Season 1 was better than Season 2 though - especially concerning Vanya's character. The humor, the banter, the character progression, and the diverse personalities are what makes the show interesting to me. Of course you have the mystery surrounding the show as well.
And no spoilers, but season 2 ended making us think we might be getting introduced to other special characters in the next season - at least I hope since we all know there are more out there (we find this out S1E1).
The rating could change but for now, The Umbrella Academy gets a 9/10. Even though S2 wasn't as much fun (for me) as S1 it was still a good season. And I was so invested in the characters from S1 it carried me through S2 even with the few bumps. Definitely will be a show I look forward to S3 release date.
Zeruda no densetsu: Buresu obu za wairudo (2017)
Such a great game
This game is so much fun and really unique. I'll break my review down into separate categories: Art, Music, Gameplay, Story, Overall
-Art-
The artistic design of this game is riveting especially for a handheld game. I am personally not a big fan of Anime, but this Anime leaning interpretation was definitely capturing. It's the little details throughout this game that caught my attention more so than other games I've played. I don't necessarily play games focusing explicitly on the picture and artistic design but this game forces you to acknowledge it. Everything is athletically pleasing for such a small screen. I was very impressed.
The artistic design of this game gets a 10/10
-Music-
Another category I don't give especially detailed notice to when playing games, but again, the music in this game captures the attention. I love how the themes, tone, tempo, and overall mood fluctuate based on where you are and if an enemy is closing in on you. Sometimes you may be walking through the expansive world and not know a bad guy might have honed in on you from behind. But the music will tell you. Very impressed here.
Music gets a 9.5/10
-Gameplay-
The controls were very easy to get used to and everything felt super natural once you got the hang of it. Admittedly, especially in big boss fights, it can be overwhelming remembering what certain buttons to press when to pull out a shield (and remembering to holster certain weapons when using the shield), using special abilities, etc. This is by no means a fault of the game, but more likely user experiences. I did find myself being overwhelmed often in the big boss fights having to rearrange by layout so I could use certain shields, weapons, and abilities as needed. Others may find no issues with this, but it was a slight setback as a newer player to the Zelda franchise (I know I'm behind the times)... Despite these tiny complaints it was impressive at all the options you had and how you could evolve your layout the deeper you get into the story. Aside from basic controls the rest of the gameplay features were extremely fluid and natural. And the world and map is extremely large, again, for a handheld device platform. Very impressive.
Gameplay gets a 9/10
-Story-
By far the best aspect of the game. There was a lot of time spent into the story and you can tell the effort. The way everything ties together (no spoilers), and the evolution of the story as you progress really gets you invested into your success and the continuation of gameplay. I'll admit, the story got me hooked where I'd find myself exploring, doing side quests, and main missions, for hours at a time. Several times I'd have to recharge in the middle of gameplay; a sign of a good game. In my opinion, this game is the best on the Switch market simply due to story and playability alone. I didn't speak much to map and world in the gameplay section but will add it here - the secrets, shrine seeking, and little Easter eggs throughout the world definitely will grip you even if the story doesn't.
Story gets a 10/10, easily.
-Overall-
Being a gamer all my life, I'll say again that I'm new to the Zelda franchise. In fact, this is the first Zelda game ever played. I'm very behind on this, and if all Zelda games are half as decent then I've truly missed out. Overall, this game in my opinion was simply amazing. I loved every minute of it. Even with the minor setbacks I had I don't blame it on the game. Others will likely have no issues that I had. The only reason the game doesn't get a 10/10 for me is because after the last boss fight the game ends and the last saved checkpoint is right before the boss fight. As with most games like this, I expected to be able to beat the boss and then explore and do things (especially in the castle) without fighting off the enemies. Unfortunately that's not an option. I thought this was something I did at first, but after reading online it's how the game was built, and apparently, is how most (if not all) of the Zelda games operate. Not a deal breaker but just a slight bummer. Otherwise the game is near perfect for me... It's challenging, it's fun, the boss fights are no button mashers, and the secrets and mysteries of the world keep you wanting to play and replay.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild gets a 9.5/10
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Solid movie
This was a fun, enjoyable, rom-com movie. Keanu Reeves stole the show, which shouldn't be much of a surprise. It was very fast moving though, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Overall, 8/10
Westworld (2016)
"I choose to see the beauty in this world"
Season 1 was amazing. You can definitely tell Michael Crichton is the creator here because you definitely get a Jurassic Park on steroids vibe with Season 1. By far, this season remains one of the best in television with interesting twists, turns, and a big finale reveal.
Season 2 was ok. I give it a 8/10 simply due to the character development. Definitely doesn't have the pizzaz that season 1 had but still an ok season. With it only being 10 episodes makes it better. The ending was odd though, but definitely had me hooked for season 3 despite the fact it is clearly not as good as the first season. The characters hook you and you want to keep tuning in to see if their mission gets accomplished.
Season 3 on the other hand... definitely not as good. It doesn't even feel like the same show honestly. The whole direction, writing, and even the acting takes a steep nosedive. Charlotte Hale's character (Tessa Thompson) comes across as overacting throughout the whole season. To some extent, Dolores as well. Didn't really care for her in the past seasons but this one is noticeably worse. And no one knows how to aim and shoot except for the hosts. As one person put it only Stormtroopers have worse aim. However, I still have hope for the show. And despite the downfalls, the story does seem to be going somewhere. While the writing didn't seem as polished I still give it a 6/10, but admittedly the prior seasons probably carry this one a lot more.
Season 1 - 10/10
Season 2 - 8/10
Season 3 - 6/10
Average = 8/10
Jurassic World (2015)
Welcome to Jurassic Park
You really don't have to watch this movie to know what's gonna happen. And while it is exciting simply based on the source material the movie is almost identical to Jurassic Park. They even have the same characters but different names.
Claire is John Hammond. She even wears white the whole movie.
You have the two kids who need someone to save them
You have Dennis working in the control room
And Chris Pratt is the Dino expert aka Dr. Grant.
It's a fun movie, don't get me wrong, but it is Jurassic Park. They try to spice it up here and there but feel like the execution feels forced in an effort to make it stand apart. Not sure it really works.
Jurassic World gets a 6/10
It Chapter Two (2019)
"It"'s Ok
Chapter 2 is an "ok" movie. The first one is much better. The adult actors do a great job playing off their child portrayals especially Ritchie, Eddie, and Ben. James McAvoy is great as always too. The scares just weren't there though. It was borderline cheesy at moments, but still ok. It was fun seeing the story wrap up, but the movie was too long almost not worth it.
Ironic that Bill's endings sucked in the movie yet the movies ending wasn't great either.
It Chapter 2 gets a very generous 5/10.
Ad Astra (2019)
Good message, slow delivery
This movie definitely has a message in it. Don't spend too much time chasing things, and miss what's really important right in front of you. I enjoyed the overall theme of this movie but it was a rather slow movie to me which is why it gets a 6/10
John Wick (2014)
Non stop action
This is a fun action movie. Keanu Reeves is a force to be reckoned with as John Wick. The fight choreography landed most of the time. Definitely not a dull moment in this flick.
John Wick gets a 8/10
Arrival (2016)
The art of storytelling
"I used to think this was the beginning of your story.... We're so bound by time", Dr. Louise Banks said within the first 30 seconds of the film. Little did I know upon my first viewing that this was the true theme of the whole movie.
Arrival to its core is about the power of language, and how much language shapes who we are, what we think, how we see the world around us, etc. When the alien race comes to earth Dr. Banks is tasked with discovering their language and how to communicate with them to understand why they're here. As she learns more she discovers that they don't think like we think, or communicate like we communicate. She discovers the aliens are not bound by time as the humans are, and encourages Dr. Banks to use "the weapon".
There's dialogue between Ian and Dr. Banks halfway through the film where they discuss the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which essentially means if you study a foreign language long enough you can rewire your brain; that the language you speak determines how you think. As Dr. Banks learns more of this alien language she begins acquiring the knowledge to think how they think - which is non-linear, unbound by time.
This theme is present through the whole movie: from her daughter, to the spelling of her daughters name, Hannah (makes more sense upon viewing the film), to the big reveal at the end.
But the true beauty is that the farther the viewer goes and acquires the knowledge along with Dr. Banks, we too understand that the story itself is non-linear - the beginning of the movie is actually the end. We see the beginning and think it's the beginning as you normally do, but as we become immersed and follow Dr. Banks, learning what she learns, we too become set free by time.
The question is: if you knew your life from beginning to end, would you change anything? This movie is more than an alien invasion, which we've seen a thousand times. It's much deeper than that, and should be appreciated as such. Arrival showcases the art of storytelling.
Easily a 10/10
The Revenant (2015)
Great acting; great cinematography
Leo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy are amazing in this movie. I've seen some hate that Leo's performance was overrated because he didn't have many lines and mostly just grunted and moaned throughout the movie. On surface, I could understand that perspective. But acting should be evaluated beyond dialogue. Leo's non verbal acting is on point. And Tom Hardy once again showcases his acting chops.
The cinematography deserves recognition as well. The shots and camera work in this movie deserve a ton of credit as well.
I'm late to the game on this movie, but The Revenant is easily a 10/10.
X2 (2003)
Better display of powers than the first
I really enjoyed the first movie, but X2 definitely does a better job at showcasing the mutants powers and abilities. The plot of this movie was well executed too.
X2 = 9/10
X-Men (2000)
The start of something special
Hugh Jackman made the X-Men franchise, and it all started here. Many might say this movie doesn't hold up well with time, especially with the backdrop of the Infinity Saga now alive. However, I'd disagree with that. Before The Avengers first suited up, before Captain America and Iron Man, came Marvel's first notable movie (to my knowledge): X-Men.
The movie definitely doesn't compare to the performance, tone, and general excitement and anticipation of the aforementioned movies, but that doesn't make it any less fun. It clearly should be viewed, and rated, on its own merits absent comparison to the more successful superhero movies of recent times. I still remember the excitement surrounding this movie when I was a kid in 2000 upon its release.
And because of that I give X-Men a 8/10.
Aladdin (2019)
The cartoon is much better
I think Will Smith and the Genie got a lot of extra hate in this movie. Was it weird? Yes. But not nearly as bad as Jafar, or I'd argue even Jasmine. Will Smith in this movie was nowhere near as bad as Jafar. Jafar was just unconvincing as an antagonist. Honestly, Naomi Scott as Jasmine wasn't that great either and her solo song was odd and felt misplaced. The movie wasn't necessarily terrible, in my opinion, but the movie was not representative of the cartoon I remember as a child. It honestly just felt like a cash grab by Disney.
Aladdin gets a 4/10.
Lost: Orientation (2005)
It's called a leap of faith
This episode is a lot of fun. I love the dynamic between Jack and Locke. Their philosophical differences come into display yet again portrayed through great dialogue and acting. Also, the orientation film just adds to the mystery of the island.
Orientation is a 9/10.
Lost: Adrift (2005)
"Udders"
Don't get me wrong here, this is a good episode that I thoroughly enjoyed. I love Lost and am a huge fan of the series. But if I have to be critical I need to call out a couple things timed too perfectly that make some scenes a tad unbelievable - Jin running out of the jungle as soon as Michael and Sawyer get to the beach for example.
I also loved episode 1 of season 2 but the ending raised a question for me. Then after seeing the scene again in this episode I wondered: how was Jack reminded of who Desmond was just because he said "brother"? Perhaps the accent? Maybe that moment in his life was very memorable and clearly it was especially given his emotions at that time. But who knows how long ago the Tour de Stade took place, however that is much more believable than the aforementioned Jin sequence.
Overall, a good episode and I think these couple things can be overlooked.
Adrift gets a 8/10.
Lost: Man of Science, Man of Faith (2005)
It's your destiny, brother!
This is an excellent season opener that captures and demands your attention right from the start.
The way this season opens is one of the most memorable jaw dropping moments in the Lost series. From there to the surgery scene (and outcome scene), to the Tour De Stade, to the last shot, I found myself barely blinking - and I've seen the show before. Love this season opener.
Man of science, man of faith hands down is a 10/10
Lost: Exodus: Part 3 (2005)
Man of science vs. man of faith
This finale is perfect, and the cliffhangers make me grateful for streaming capabilities. I would have hated to watch this live and wait a year for the next season.
The suspense between the story on the raft and the hatch further highlights the writers' craft of excellent story telling. We also the rift between Jack and Locke continuing to deepen, which will grow in the next season. The development of this tension results in great dialogue and great acting.
I love the conversation between Jack and Locke after the monster attack. They're philosophies couldn't be any different and what's even better is watching this episode knowing where the characters are going in the series.
The finale easily gets a 10/10!
Venom (2018)
"Like a turd in the wind"
I can see why this movie hasn't received many good reviews, but I'll give it credit where credit is due. Tom Hardy plays a good Eddie Brock and generally speaking the movie was fun especially during the scenes with Venom.
However, the antagonist was terrible, and I wasn't sold on Eddie and Anne's relationship. There was just something about them throughout the screen time that almost made me want to roll my eyes.
Unfortunately, I do think the movie is forgettable but it was fun while watching. Venom gets a 5/10.
Lost: Exodus: Part 2 (2005)
Dynamite!
The finale episodes are a great ending to a great season. This is technically part 2 of the 3 part finale, and the episode continues to add suspense and tension as we rise to the climax of the season. The mysteries of the island are really start to increase as we're finally introduced to The Black Rock.
Exodus Part II: 10/10
Lost: Exodus: Part 1 (2005)
The Others are coming
This episode pulls every emotion from you: suspense, anxiety, hope, joy, sadness, and grief. It really pulls at the heartstrings. Kate and Sawyer both miss saying goodbye to each other, Vincent is "loaned" to Shannon, and Sun and Jin finally make up. This is why I love Lost - yes the mystery, suspense, and questions keep you tuning in, but at the heart of the story it's all about the characters. The arcs are fluid and executed perfectly.
The Exodus Part I is a 10/10
Lost: Born to Run (2005)
"There's nobody on this island worth staying for"
The episodes centered around Kate tend to generally be my least favorite although they are still good. We find out in this episode where Kate's toy airplane came from, and we see tensions rise between Kate and Sawyer. Their street smarts on fighting for a spot on the raft are on display too. Sawyers line about why he wants to leave the island is also well executed as you can tell he's hoping for some emotional reciprocation from Kate to justify him staying behind for her. Of course, he doesn't get it.
A good episode; gets a 7/10.
Lost: All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues (2004)
In my professional opinion...
This is a great episode showing the moral and ethical dilemma Jack has between his father and the right thing to do in the flashbacks. Love the character depth shown between Jack and Christian in this episode, and the overall series.
Lost: Raised by Another (2004)
Psychics
The psychic scenes in this episode are cool, and it adds to the mystery of the show. Very interesting episode.
Lost: Walkabout (2004)
Don't tell me what I can't do
A great episode, and one of the most amazing twists in the first season. Love Locke, and love this episode. By far one of the best in the first season.