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Conclave (2024)
What's new inside Old School
Straight up drama. Almost melodrama. Well photographed. Straight up directed towards Oscar kinda film. But somewhat old school. And setting is an....old school.
There are big names, big gossips, big reveals. The messages however, are very direct, didactic even. Not subtle at all. For that, so very mheeem for me.
Acting is good, taken as first person, from Lawrence point of view. What I get is he is a shepherd amongst wolves. He navigates between forces of ambition, bigotry, falsehood, and testosterone to a degree.
The dig into American politics, again too straightforward, in your face. The bombing breaks the essence of conclave and as a device, relevance...I don't know. Kind of awkward.
The speech before the voting sets the tone, plot and payoff even. The subversion though, in a way, represented and foreshadowed by Rosollini, is also bookended by the three laughing nuns. Which is for me the best element, by far.
In the end, the delivery is not on par with the importance, gracefulness, weight and magnitude of the message. My preference would be for the nuns or Rossolinni to play a more distinct role in the delivery.
The Sea Beast (2022)
Short of a Full Deck
First off, need a better title. Like, even "Deep Red Waters" is better.
Overall, very well made and animation technically well done. Voice, and music...Etc also
The story structure slightly deviates from the traditional. Feels not like Disney or Pixar. Feels like a series would serve the story better. Currently as is felt a bit rushed and cramped in. Alot of story, slot of dialogue.
As 1, there's a lot of dialogue for a semi kid movie.2, not enough time for the beast. 3, would have love to see more beast and their own world. 4, the interaction and training needs to be more nuanced and detail personality from Red.
The tone varies quite a bit. From the captain to the kid to Jacob. And not sure who is the lead character. Definitely not the beast.
The Wild Robot (2024)
Compromise
Top notch animation, voice acting and touching story. But it's not close to perfect when standing on the shoulders of giants.
The theme is obvious, and not so layered. Nothing wrong for family movie. Storylines executed tight and smooth.
With the current onset of AI, ChatGPT, and of course robotics..Etc. A Family oriented animation had to simplify robot logic. That always gets to me. Logic is not a bad thing, certainly not reasoning and learning.
Giants like Princess Mononoke (or any of Miyazaki's films), Wall E. In my books are better. The silence in the first 20 or so minutes of Wall E is breath taking. The complex setting and respect for audience intelligence of Mononoke. I know, their target audience is different. And that's it. Those two dare to narrow or respect the audience more instead of box office receipts.
Theres something about the psyche of this style of storytelling. Such that there's a "need" for completeness, resolution, closure...Etc.
The Penguin (2024)
Pathological Liar vs Revengeful Scapegoat
Yes acting wise overwhelmingly holds your attention and the two leads are a perfect balance on the same side of the underworld universe. But that's it.
Makeup will probably win something too. Not sure of what the point is with the end for Vincent. Would have thought he'll contribute more in season 2. And the mother complex on one side, father on the opposite to me very ... drop-in textbook for the sake of it...kinda. Good on paper as literary device but clogs the character.
The story structure is fairly straightforward. Some back story, some backstabbing, tit for tat, realignment , regrouping and final showdown for top of the heap.
But all that did not elevated my engagement, no real wow moment, no edge of your seat suspense or doubt.
I've just finished Intimate Traitors, (or Doubt or Such a Close Traitor) a kdrama/thriller and liked that one much better. In terms of cinematography, story, editing and execution. Acting no slouch either. The pace seems slow but deliberately so. That one give me doubt, pause for thought, and unsure of how it will end.
Yitorok Chinmilhan Baeshinja (2024)
Cutting Edge
This series is great. A true marriage of direction, story, acting and cinematography. Reminds me of Beyond Evil, another kdrama. Or a much better execution of the another recent, and similar kdrama, Death to Snow White.
Some may find the pacing slow. But this helps you as the audience think. About the plot, the dialogue, the motivation.
Overall, the story not too complicated but how and when the details are revealed in relation to the characters, especially the two leads, is crucial.
Doubt is an alternative title and that is conveyed effectively in the dark lighting, doors, hurtfully clear dialogue and silences. Everybody lies in this show. Everybody. Even for the sympathetic sensitive understudy. For different reasons. Of evil deceit, confusion, buying time, or diversion.
And there's also a parallel between the two leads and the teacher with his parent: the single mother and the kid. Contrast between the two understudy. The two leads are actually very similar in personality, intelligence, and character but yet they don't see this because of past events and trust issues.
The style of shooting from the behind of a character is also often used here. Sometimes for scene transitions , or to shield what the character thoughts, or just focus on setting.
At times the camera styling reminds me of Wes Anderson symmetry, especially the dual interviews side to side/back to bac. How the house was shot also unique. The wide shot that makes the corridor in the dark house seems infinitely longer; or framing using double frames of the dinning room/corridor. The use of double mirror in the interrogation room...Brilliant cinematography overall.
In a story as such the ineptitude of other police team is a given. There's no way around it. Because it's a story where they are not the center.
In its core the story is about relationship between parent and their children. Even the runaways.
The climatic end is so true to the character and I'd almost thought she was gonna kill the real killer.
The airy and bright ending in spring is a positive conclusion.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
Mini Epic
Sometimes clearing you expectations before seeing a movie might be a good thing. But that's hard to do. Best practices is keep busy and just go see the movie on a whim. That's what I did here.
The story is not long but fairly detail. A coming not age story. The mistake, the capture, the training, the planNing and the revenge. The story loops around to various location, and characters of Fury Road and then some. You sit there and see these little a-ha moments happens along the way.
Hemsworth is a bit borderline ridiculous. But considering the company ... The emotions are emphasized through repeating actions/sequences, repeat failures, and repeating facial expressions. This gives the previous Fury road a motivation as well as a back story.
It's not perfect but a good yarn nevertheless.
Dark Matter (2024)
The wrong message on regret
Structures and story wise this series is very good. Up to standards and and above average.
The problem for me is all these recent musings of many movies, series, into the possibilities of multiverse, alternate lives provide an easy out on the emotion of regret. And here that is taken to an unlikable level.
Your past, your success and failure makes you who you are today. Treasure and learn from these lessons. To be able to redo and get a 'better' conceivable outcome is for one self-denial. And its selfish with disregard for the well-being, and choices made by others. And this series shows that as the main character is from the not so successful side.
Let's see how second season goes though.
Sweetpea (2024)
Overconfident Underdog
First season ends in a cliffhanger as usual but it may have been a dream sequence ? LoL. As that would have been too many corpse from the newsroom.
The story (and transformation) moves along really fast. Faster than I expected. But she's quite sloppy in these impulsive moments of convergence of inner anger/rage/and years of underappreciation. Then the rationalisation, justification begins.
The funny bits worked right in the middle of everything is welcoming relief. Like the editor chief, police captian.... Even Craig. The Marcus breakdown bit was a bit unnatural with cringe acting, or bad script, or not true to character, so deduction there.
The cop, DC Farrow grew a bit too strong in my opinion, from being not noticed in the beginning. And Jeff was rather enjoyably annoying to a degree.
There should be enough for second season and I'd look forward to it. Craig is a glaring problem, so is the disappeared Julia, or the older sister.
Baegseolgongjuege Jugeumeul (2024)
Repeating Record
To be fair, this show is probably for people who may like (guess only) kdrama shows similar to : Miraculous Brothers, Longing for you, Flowers of Evil,. Kidnapping Day, Let's get grab by the Collar.
Structure wise, it's not tight at all. First episode is solid. Then all seems to be on autopilot and went downhill with over the top melodrama, empty threats and rhetorical questions.
A classic innocent man story, that adds characters half way through the story ... and then some. To me that's cheating. The conspiracy seems all too obvious and yet overwhelmingly ..... what's the word..... ridiculous.
Just way too thin, substance that is. So thin that there's constant flashy backs and plot replays/reminders at episode beginnings. I just finished The Frog and so much more unique, creative and well written on all fronts : characters, plot, timeline and meaning.
Thin, when compare to (plot, execution, direction) other kdramas the likes of Somebody, Beyond Evil, Mask girl, Shadow Detective, Mouse, A shop for Killers, A Killer Paradox.
Overall, it's a melodrama disguised as a thriller.
Only saving grace is acting, that's it.
Fallout (2024)
Triangulation
Rarely an US series is up to par anymore. That is with the Kdramas killing it left and right. This one surprised me a bit. All because it's a SciFi story set with its origin from a video game.
Now I don't know the game. But from the get go it graps your attention. Unlike Silo, Outer Range, or Dark Matter, there is less human melodrama, especially in from the beginning. Plot is the main driver in the beginning, along with action. But soon starting from second half the deeper human elements slowly kicks in and builds towards a crescendo on the last episode.
Set in a future world, the story split from three (four really) different worlds and perspective, and then slowly connects together. In a way, how the story unfolded felt similar to the series Westworld. There are a few layers to the mystery. Or in another way, like characters need to level up in a video game. The characters need transformational events to grow. And the journey (basically road movie) shows this with fun events, unique characters; without being overbearing or didactic.
Overall, very solid story without need of uber shocking scenes. Plot is well thought out without head spinning twists. Because the fact emerges slowly, piece by piece, dot to dot, that's confidence.
Amudo Eobsneun Supsokeseo (2024)
Arthouse Serial
Preamble,: I gave 9 or more to Maskgirl, Somebody, Moving, and Beyond Evil. All Kdramas
So much care goes into many aspects in this series and it shows. No, of course it's not perfect. There are loopholes. The focus is not on a police procedural but on the the mindset of the hotel/pension owners.
Every episode either begins or ends with the voice over of the philosophic question of fallen tree in the forest. And that is not a coincidence.
The jump editing, the parallels, the variable timeline, and most importantly, the ultimate trust in the audience (for the right kind of audience to stay, others to let go) to figure things out. How many revision the script must have gone through to get to this point?
I found it clever that she's an painter. The explanation of what the house has given her. The laundromat is not really necessary but it added a flare, and a light positive outlook in the end. The detail to connect the son, the hat, the rifle is just right.
There are scene after scene of good writing. Case in point when the senior male cop see through the new female cop on inner workings of a grunge nose detective. As well as when the same cop explained to the reporter of what kind of person she is. Another is the prisoner argue in his own sensiblity that what happened is fate.
The three main actors are all solid and appropriately restrained or over the top for their roles. I remember all the subtle nuisance in The Chaser, Yellow Sea and Slow Turtle from the male lead.
Very well planed also is how the last episode set to relief the tension , the follow up to the chaos, a counter balancing act with a satisfying phone call.
So, if a murder happened in the middle of nowhere, and no proof, is it still a murder?
Simin Deok-hee (2024)
Truth exaggerated into half comedy
Probably better this way to lessen the monotony of a painful learning experience. Supposedly based on a true story about a factory working mom falling prey to a phone scam and how she relentlessly chased after the criminals.
The secondary characters like the friends and lead detective really help with the comedy. While the phone operator helped with the thriller part of the drama.
The whole thing is very improbable indeed but the dramatization isn't too over the top. In that especially with the ending at the airport.
The key part is how. How the phone operator have the guts, and the conscience, to call back the victim, schemes to get a phone, send the address, send the pictures , and eventually an face to face meetup with the factory mom. That is the crux and thrilling part. And it's well done. No FX, CGI, nor stuntmen.
And that is what most people can't appreciate. Well done.
Outer Range (2022)
Mixture of Acts
*****Season 1****
Yes, I agree, the Rivers character is annoying. I get it time/river. And also the antagonist I get that. But still no need to be so annoying since Tillersons are already good at being the rival.
I've always said good SciFi has mystery but good mystery does not need SciFi. Theres a lot going on here and acting is good. It's a good mix. Theres a Western property fight, faith/destiny/Religious struggle, murder and native American sheriff, family tragedy, ...etc. I've tried Dark a bit but can't seem to get into that.
The comedic moments does ligtenup things but is this a SciFi ? Not really. Second fiddle only. Human drama first. But I'm good with that. Still just a bit over the top on a few symbolic, mysteries episodic events than needed. Still a good show. Just good because Royal is written with dep. But can't really say for the others.
And I'm really not sure the Autumn and Billy conneCtion is playing for comedy or tragedy. Secular vs Spiritual.
*****Season 2*****
Two episodes in and my guess is this one is about history. As in how we got to season 1 and before. And let's see how you meet yourself, or how changing the past will change the future.... Etc. Looper, anyone?
Funny usually other series is the reverse where season 1 is all flashy to hook you into season 2 but becomes character development. Here, Outer Range does the reverse.
The pace seems to pickup but that's an illusion just because there are many separate timelines, and stories. Just more scene cuts and jumping around. There are little problems here and there with story continuity but maybe to become plot point revelations later.
Another usual tv drama device is everybody's got a secret. Not a real fan of such. Or everybodyas got their own regret either.
Im not complaining it's a good show. Good, not great. Because at least it tries, took some risks. But not everything works.
****Last updated ****
Clearly the last episode is trying to setup next season and as such became bits and pieces. Perry's other timeline is interesting while Joy is now tied with Royal in a circle. While Retts turn of character is just a bit outta line. However as more and more people kNows about the hole, it's becoming a bit ridiculous.
Jiu Long cheng zhai · Wei cheng (2024)
Caged Fight
This story definitely needs to have a proper set and production. And they nailed it. Through the first fight and chase sequence, this served as an introduction to the character and to the walled city.
Supposedly a trilogy, this one starts out with quick edit history, which I'm never really fond of. Its as if either the story was originally too long or the other 2 parts will pickup the story. Everything is well done, the martial arts, costume, cinematography, makeup to enhance a particular place and time.
The set pieces of various fight scenes keep one uping each other to an, almost over the top, metaphoric finale. Theres almost no time for anything else.
Look back now, in a way, I wish this was not just about revenge in the physical form. What would happen if this movie was pure drama, with the martial arts take a background step?
Chao yi shen tan (2024)
Over
Overcomplicated , overproduced, over storytelling.
That's about sums it all up. Oh, and over the top referencing. Reference mythology, psychology even criminology but obviously other movies. So the actual meat of story is really thin.
The setting of kinda timeless cyberpunkish retro future also distracts more than helps. This is because there are not enough details. Like the police station interior and office details, all other desktop items, room furniture, even costume of the minor characters.
And the ultimate cop out is a character with total memory recall. This is not to mention lack of character depth. Having a back story is not enough if time is not given, and actor not giving space to act.
Btw. No normal people talk like that. The dream with in a dream, twist within a twist just show the lack of confidence in the substantiality of the story.
And do I care about how this ends?
Wicked Little Letters (2023)
Psycho an alysis
Alright little story. Top notch, spot on production. Very confident edit and direction. But the story is just a tad bit too diadatic, political for me. Would prefer more mix of comedy, of various types.
The story jump starts in a hurry right from the get go, and very obvious messaging hits you in the face. And often. That sort of took me out to the fourth wall. Disengaged for a bit.
Performances and casting are fine and nothing to worry about. Who the culprit is, and how are probably not the point but rather more importantly, why. The side characters steals the show for me, down to the station chief and old frail lady.
The Lyricist Wannabe (2023)
Local Dreams
Very local, very HK, good humanistic yet realistic story about having to dream yet wrestling with reality.
The lead and story is very focused, staying strictly in a first person pov. But there are usual conflicts, some clichés, and funny lyrical moments of how to learn, and become a lyricist.
Even though this is a basically a feel good story, there are more than her share of hardship, bad luck, youthful naievity and heartbreak. As Malcolm Gladwell says it take at least 10,000 hours to honed a craft and the story show it well here. And when you are that focused, inevitably sacrifices need to be made. As in relationships. However, her parents, anyone's parent, are by her side.
The end is fitting. When you really love to do something, it is never work, not a hobby, and money is not the primarily reward.
IF (2024)
Incomplete
The movie is a assortment of vignettes but not an entire story. Structure is too loose, but have a few long showy scenes. (But not spectacular) The CGI worked overtime, and over the top and killed alot of time.
Pacing suffers a bit and tad long for a kid show. The main lead is ok, she seem a bit rigid or maybe under directed. The story is also quite uderdeveloped. The script is probably on stage two instead of five. Star power Ryan helps barely with the physical stunts but mostly a distraction.
Wise sayings, clichés like never grow old, never forget, when you're a kid, whst were your dream, wanna be......etc. Are here and there just like the over used Coney Island.
In the end, good intention/ideas is further mismatched by cgi overproduction, over showmanship, not enough detail extraction, generic linear point to point storytelling. Sadly, I felt no magical touch of a instinctive storyweaver.
Kyeongchalsueob (2021)
Waaaaaaay too dragout
It's just a meal ticket. Salary dump. The story is slow, long, not funny, in all kinds of genre. So mixed up, sprawling, dumbed down, it is like a teenager trying to find oneself.
Only the basic setup is clear. A veteran police office relegated to police university teacher. And a young computer whiz who has no direction in life.
They go through the training, have side kicks, friends, love interest, other teachers. In trying to catch a gambling ring. Just way too many characters that do nothing really. For one long plot that crawls along from one red herring to another.
There is no grit, no realistic investigation, but instead, guesses, having fun and slow motion walkabouts. That should tell you something.
Connection (2024)
Comes down to how it ends
Twelve episode in and this show is staying the course. And a finely tuned course. The plot is pretty air tight, complex yet not too outlandish. Distinguished and clear-cut characters.
We the audience gets string along right from episode one. Super fast pace that keeps on expanding the plot with more and more characters. Yet everything is played out logically, systematically with events.
And there is a back story, which is significant in terms of changing and identifying relationships. And characterization. What is your character, tendencies, demeanor and how that stays with you.
At the beginning of the show there seems to be at least 3 sets of people. With some weak links. Slowly the deeper, and more indelible connection is shown. More evidence, more bodies, more beytrals.
And who knows what secrets and who doesn't is one of the keys to how the plot unfolds.
Excellent handling so far. But how will it all end?
********
**Update on ending**
Too neat. Everything fits but too... perfect for the good side. Because nothing in life is like that. Wraps up so neatly. Only works on paper.
If the old men is so powerful, calculating and experienced, how come he's not that careful to suspect recording and being so emotional? Same with the prosecutor.
Ending is always a conundrum. There should be some closure yet hard to be realistic.
Crash (2024)
Carmeggedem
Besides specific to traffic related cases, police collusion and corruption, there's also lots of car flip, stunts and .... obviously crashes.
Theres a large cast, a key back story related to a past event/crime/accident. Some of the characters and story are a bit over the top. After one of the episodes , an Easter egg scene explains what is a 'black car' and why they are used. That was kinda interesting.
To me, the leading role actors are not that famous.(or just good acting and characterization ) And that is good in not setting a predetermined stereotyping into the audience mind.
10 episode in, however, there is also history of female lead with an ex lover that I don't understand where is that going. The length is odd also as the last case seems completely separate.
Finally, the comedy is kind of unexpectedly comes from the station chief and his assistant.
Chief Detective 1958 (2024)
Nostalgic formula
Not a bad show. Probably has some roots with history. Not overly sentimental but it's a feel good story.
It seems many Kdrama police procedural involve corruption right up to the top. No exceptions here. The story centers around a country cop reassigned to big police station in Seoul and his fight against crime , questionable police practices, collusion and favoritism.
The heroes are never really in danger, there's a love story and various types of crime. The team starts small but with recruits, time and determination, the tide seems to change.
It's very straight forward type of drama. No tricks or twists really. A little under produced but no real flaws either.
Jibaejong (2024)
Not without flaws
As with most Kdramas, this show has a tight script with little breathing room, solid fleshed out characters and relationships, plus an intricate plot that contains relevant social issues.
Although there are some minor plot holes, it is an very entertaining show. The debates, questions and implications bought on through artifical meat and bio tech will probably hit our future society in similar fashion. Added the political intrigue, grand standing along with conglomerate business jockeying makes many complicated plotline indeed.
The last episode seems to be cut/edited and reduced only waiting to be render/explained in a more complete episode in the next season. This was kind of similar to the now discontinued series, The Grid, which I like much more, however more confusing.
Let's hope for a 6 months turnaround time.
Let's Get Grabbed by the Collar (2024)
How long ....to hang on and keep viewing
Only 4 episode in and lots has happened. And yet maybe not so much. All the tension are from guesses, speculation, and incomplete information.
Two murders already and some love triangleS. And possibly more explosive details from past events to come.... For sure.
It's kind of formulaic once you seen many of these. Unlike something more refreshing like a recent Japanese TV movie of a series, Do Not say Murder. Albeit that one has some heavy political undertones.
Back to this. The main actress to me can hold the screen.... Some of the times only. The husband and other detective not that much better. It seems everything is well done but...Yet nothing spectacular stands out. And the pace begins to drag, story without enough substance and being drawn out.
Question now is should I keep watching when other shows like 1958, dominant species BF seems more interesting or fun to watch ?
Nope.
Shinobi no Ie: House of Ninjas (2024)
What's next?
It's a long setup for season 1. The first season is a revival story it seems. And background/characters buildup/plot setup that turns sorrow into conflict for season 2, should there be one, that is.
It's a serial drama, not a MCU movie, and Japanese(ie not Kdrama) so don't expect wall to wall action. Even for Netflix, the production value is just bit higher than usual Japanese tv series. See that in the lighting, finale sets, big casts and visual effects.
Like so any serials that based on mystery, thriller, the plot comes down to human relationships. And is about letting go. What is family? What is freedom.? What are rules for? If you can slow down to watch, it's well done and engaging.
The betrayal, twist are expected . And in a way its rather a relief from the normal stupendous twists like True Detective 4.
Music has been well discussed. But maybe because of the executive producer is non Japanese? Or was it a contractual point/experiment/future testing/English audience consideration for Netflix?