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Skeleton Crew (2024)
Less charm than Time Bandits & who wants this?
The opening scene holds promise for long moments of space silence, before that silence is punctured by the low budget kids pirate antics that tonally set the scene for the show. Between the little nods like blue milk, somewhat pedestrian dialogue, mediocre costuming and cgi draws the eye.
You can tell the creatives wanted to infuse a Speilbergian sense of adventure into this story, although this isn't well sold beyond the peppy soundtracking. Perhaps they have more love of that however, than the star wars setting, which seems almost irrelevant.
Stranger Things by comparison has a more ultimately mature tone, and is popular with adults moreso than actual kids. I can't help but wonder if millenial writers these days are falling out of touch with what very young gen z, and very old gen alpha might want - with gen z watching shows like 'Invincible', 'Loki', 'Rick and Morty' + 'Wednesday' for eg as well as a lot of animated shows.
I'm not sure Star Wars has ever particularly weighted for these generations, let alone a kids on bikes trope kind of 80s nostalgia than millenials lapped up (and if anything gen z seems more like a 90s nostalgia generation)
I digress a lot! But hey, word count lol. Will this be renewed? I'm very skeptical. I suspect it'll find very little audience.
Levels (2024)
Uneven, but still an indie sci-fi gem
Whilst the script could have used refinement, some of the visual gimmicks were heavy handed, at the heart of this story is real substance. Unlike a lot of Hollywood movies, especially in genre adjacent stuff, this movie feels like it has a genuine human element as well as a sort of wistful philosophy befitting the subject material.
The special effects are beyond what one would expect from a low budget, and indeed so is the acting, which successfully sells the premise. On the downside there's a little too much exposition and as mentioned before reliance on visual gimmicks.
But where you can watch most blockbuster movies and feel like you've been exposed to no real new ideas, or effected by the premise, the heart this movie has makes the sci-fi experience more personal - as science fiction should be, a reflection of our human experience.
All told, worth a watch IMO.
Am I Racist? (2024)
Kid gloves
For me this documentary was not as affecting, nor as funny as what is a woman as it treated the subject matter at hand with too much sincerity, or perhaps it was deadpan humor?
Sure there were moments of satire throughout, but they often felt awkward often more than anything. It could be this is just a dark humor approach to the subject and many people might find it funny, or provocative.
But for me the documentary felt tepid and perhaps even safe by comparison to it's predecessor. Your mileage may vary, so by all means see it if you are curious.
The final bit, or scene before the summation however was quite good, in terms of testing exactly how far people would go.
The Substance (2024)
Is it about narcissism?
I genuinely don't know. This film is basically close ups of skin, booty shaking and body horror. It focuses on the stardom of an actress, which you would know from the trailers, and he attempt to reclaim her youth. But I'm honestly not much sure what it's about other than that. It uses a lot of light flashing and I guess artistic shots, but as far as plot, it just kind of unsurprising, simple and not particularly interesting. If you are a fan of body horror you might like it. It might also be for audiences other than me. In any case, it was not boring per se, but just there. Make of that what you will.
Kaos (2024)
Sloppy
This cliched retelling of ancient myth starts with an exciting premise - not just a 'hidden world of gods' ala most urban fantasy but rather an entirely greek mythology driven modern culture. Unfortunately this is where the originality ends. Without getting into plot details, the story deals with such modern tropes as wealthy people bad, female agency good, authority bad, and much more typical modern storylines in between. That the themes are unoriginal is not however what truely lets this show down - having clearly spent a massive budget on actors, this show is poorly assembled, with FX that could come from a show in the 90s, trite dialogue and plotting that makes it feel like a churned out commodity TV b-series.
Alien: Romulus (2024)
Alien: The force awakens
There are original story beats and character arcs here, and lore elements from other films. But for the most part this is a retread of the movie 'aliens' in broad strokes. The template at least, of a claustrophobic space horror and even quite a few individual elements thereof.
There are moments where it puts it's own spin on things, or ties things into the broader alien universe, and like the force awakens - it does entertain. The practical effects bring a visceral quality, the pacing and sound score create a high anxiety ride - it's less ambitious than it's prequel forebearers and the plot beats given the entries into this franchise are not awfully surprising, placing it solidly in a middle territory in terms of said franchise.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
Probably the best movie of the year so far
It's not at all what you'll be expecting. A good deal of this movie focuses like the original on character drama, and not merely on the thriller aspect. But it does both of these very well, in a memorable way that will likely stick with you long after you've forgotten the plotlines of all the other so-so movies released so far this year.
Is it amazing? No, it's not the best movie that I've seen, but it's well acted, affecting, well shot, and will leave you with an impression. I recommend it.
Lastly, somehow the whole stay silent thing will never not be effective. It doesn't wear off unlike deadpools jokes.
The Acolyte (2024)
Disappointing Journey to the High Republic
I waited for episode 3 to review this, to give it a proper chance, and unfortunately things only got worse. A blundering story that feels like a fanfiction, this largely flashback episode, episode three tacks lore into the world that doesn't really feel like it fits - even moreso than the previous additions where no effort was made to weave the ideas into the setting cohesively.
While boasting good cinematography, makeup, costumes, and occasionally impressive special effects, this Star Wars series suffers from numerous issues that undermine its overall quality. The pacing is uneven, rushing through the setup and then slowing to a crawl with an extended flashback episode. Many of the action sequences feel choppy with too many cuts.
The acting is largely mediocre, with most performances coming across as either phoned-in or overacted. A major bright spot is Lee Jung-jae as a compelling Jedi master who outshines the rest of the cast. However, the dialogue he and others have to deliver is often corny.
Beyond the acting, there are jarring inconsistencies in the lore, action, and plot that pull you out of the experience. The attempt to reimagine the Force and Jedi as more martial artists than monastic guardians strips away some of the mystery. Additions like "witches" feel tonally inconsistent with the established Star Wars universe.
While ambitious in trying to depict the High Republic era, the series lacks a clear creative vision. Rather than deepening the lore, it often comes across like a kitchen sink fantasy or fan fiction disconnected from the core themes, lore and tone of Star Wars as a setting. With some more experienced actors, tighter writing, and a firmer grasp of worldbuilding, it could have lived up to its potential. As is, it ends up feeling like a B-grade 80s/90s TV series or even a stage play rather than being actually immersive.
Doctor Who: Rogue (2024)
More unfortunately shallow writing
The Victorian setting, while visually appealing, does little to invigorate this narrative. The romance is uninspiring, and a departure from the Doctor's typical relationships in the series, it lacks the depth and engagement necessary to make it compelling. This deviation might intrigue some fans initially, but it ultimately feels puddle deep and sophomoric.
Character progression is minimal, with little development for either the Doctor or the bounty hunter. It's not a show that has ever been primarily about romance, and when it has, usually it tries to make the emotions feel earned, which they don't here.
There's a lack of tension, wonder, menace or intrigue needed to elevate the stakes, resulting in a narrative that feels stagnant and unengaging. The plot meanders without offering the excitement or clever twists that fans have come to expect from Doctor Who.
Overall, "Rogue" misses the mark with a dull romance, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of thrilling or thought-provoking moments.
Doctor Who (2005)
The Glory Days
When I think of the peak of the nu who era, I think of RTD last season, through to Moffat's second to last season - Season 4 to season 9.
David Tennant, Matt Smith & Capaldi were powerhouse actors in the role of the eccentric mad genius. John Barrowman, Billie Piper, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Alex Kingston & especially Michelle Gomez were absolute standouts as supporting cast.
The first season of Moffat's reign, and the last of RTD captured a certain kind of magic in particular. Now, some people may prefer Davies era, and there certainly were gems in there outside of the last season, but for me it was a bit campy. The show began to fall off IMO, when the BBC started to have priorities which were larger than capturing the essence of the long running show and Moffat grew tired of his role as showrunner. Both those things seem to coincide.
Chibnall's era started with a casting choice (Whittaker) that I don't think reflected the identity of the doctor at all. You can complain that she didn't get good writing, but I don't think she ever had the correct range for the character. With so many audiobook, book and guest writers on the show, many of whom are deep fans like Moffat was, the choice not to let any of them run the show seems quite conscious. Like they were producing something they wanted the fans to like, rather than producing what they actually liked.
Now, looking back at the end of this era of nu who given the show has been rebranded I can honestly say there are amazing gems in here, in this long running regeneration of the beloved franchise.
Silence in the Library. Forest of the Dead. The Time of Angels. The Big Bang. The Pandorica Opens. The Impossible Astronaut. The Doctor's Wife. Heaven Sent.
These are gems that will live forever in Who lore and fandom, no matter what happens to the show or the BBC, and I don't think that a two-three season drop off at the end of this Nu who era should brandish what was over all, an incredible run. It was a hell of a ride.
Interview with the Vampire: What Can the Damned Really Say to the Damned (2024)
A promising and marked improvement
I had mixed feelings about the first season, the uneven characterization, the unlikeable characters, the hard to relate to abusive romance.
But this first episode of season 2 almost promises to completely re-write my expectations. The characters feel human, deeper, relateable, the story telling promises mystery, and creates tone with layered atmosphere. The new backdrop, the verbiage of the narration, even the characters seem to have an emerging depth.
The one part of the show I still struggle with even in this promising new start is the interview itself. There's a back and forth that feels more like an obstacle that an unraveling mystery or reward.
But that said, if the whole season continues with this caliber, as an audience member, I will have been drawn back in to something I almost have up on.
Promising.
Doctor Who (2023)
Tonal Shifts
While the new Doctor Who era is watchable, there are some areas that could be improved. Ncuti Gatwa's portrayal of the Doctor still comes across as more whimsical than a deeply intellectual and ancient being, with showrunner Russell T. Davies leaning heavily into a campy and lighthearted tone. Millie Gibson brings a certain charm as the new companion, though the overall lighthearted approach raises questions about whether she will have opportunities to showcase a broader acting range assuming she is capable. Gatwa and Gibson do have an enjoyable on-screen chemistry that makes the Doctor work better than one might expect given the strange tonal choices.
The new season's shift toward a more supernatural or fantasy-focused storytelling is a departure from previous eras and abstracts the show's connection to exploring our actual universe in favor of a very light fantastical setting.
In casting recent Doctors, there seems to be an emphasis on eccentric personalities over projecting a sense of gravitas befitting an immortal, genius alien. Previous Doctors all balanced eccentricity with an underlying aura of experience and depth that has been lacking. While an improvement over the previous era in terms of maintaining interest, this new season is at least not boring, if odd, it struggles to maintain tonal and thematic continuity with classic and new era Doctor Who.
The season's specials in particular featured heavy-handed moralizing that came across as simplistic rather than cleverly insightful at times, unintentionally veering into parody. I hope that Russell T. Davies can recruit talented writers who can inject more depth, nuance and flair into the stories. This would give Ncuti Gatwa more opportunities to explore the Doctor's ancient, complex character beyond just the eccentric surfaces.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)
It's okay but not compelling
I'm not sure how they managed to make a fictional retelling of a real historical military story like this one feel low stakes, but unfortunately that is how the movie feels. In addition, the chemistry and verbal sparring between the characters feels somewhat forced, almost cartoonish, I suppose. Also anachronistic.
But the acting is competent, the pacing works well, the cinematography and set work and action scenes are entertaining and competent, if a little low stakes despite the carnage. Overall it's entertaining, but generally has a shallow modern interpretation that feels a little comic book like.
Worth a watch, but not if you have something better to see.
3 Body Problem (2024)
Do it
The 3 body problem is an absolutely engrossing genre mystery with compelling characters, human drama and even a few laughs.
I binged this entire first season and I can't wait for the next. The premise does stretch the plausibility of the physics, but does not eliminate any suspension of disbelief. The execution of this show is top notch, the production, writing and the acting.
There are themes here that not everyone will agree with, a certain misanthropy underlying the show, but you can easily enjoy the show without feeling like these ideas are being shoved down your throat like many shows these days do.
If you are fan of genre fiction, and you haven't watched this already, you are missing out!
Dead Boy Detectives (2024)
No Sovl
I wanted to like this, and I didn't even really have high expectations. It follows a relatively modern formulae of 'quirky' but trope heavy characters experiencing 'quirky' supernatural challenges. The plot isn't terribly interesting, the characters aren't particularly relateable or compelling, a lot of choices in show seem orientated around progressive message fiction (ie conveying certain popular moral messaging), rather being for any genuine creative reason. It's not terribly subtle and tbh, this sort of writing is not only generally just bad writing (which this absolutely typifies), but it also fails at it's purpose - a good moral story takes the viewer on a journey from point a to point b. A bad moral story just presents some things as right or wrong and in the process convinces nobody.
In short, this show lacks soul. It lacks anything creative, interesting, compelling or human. It's not funny, exciting, mysterious or charming. And even that would be okay, if it was moderately entertaining, which even a commodity TV series with a low bugget, it fails to acheive. Do not, at all recommend - and if you don't believe me, look at how few people have even rated this show - no one even knows it exists, and that's for a reason.
Wolf Like Me (2022)
Interesting but
The characters here are a little hard to watch or relate to. The main female lead is ....not likeable. She seems selfish. Or has an inability for empathy. The male lead is weak, sort of high on compromises, doesn't really look out for himself, and both characters are quite immature.
The concept is fine, the first season watchable. But the characters, they lack anything that would make them truely relatable. That's where this show fall short. Sort of a watch if you are bored kind of scenario. You won't really remember it after you have though. Maybe apart the finale in season 1, that's okay actually.
Gen V (2023)
Lackluster Spin-Off with Limited Entertainment Value
I watched Generation V with a sense of anticipation, curious if it would boast any endearing characters or capture the cutting social satire that made its predecessor, The Boys, so compelling. Regrettably, it appears that the only common thread between the two lies in their penchant for shock value, sporadic action, and a hint of intrigue. In fact ironically it seems to take many of the things lampooned in the Boys seriously.
Is it entertaining? Well, in my opinion, it won't leave you utterly bored, but it's unlikely to evoke any profound affection for its characters or its world, nor will it really elicit laughter. If you do decide to tune in, it will likely be solely to follow the progression of the plot.
It's hard to imagine that a show like this, relying on the now shock tropes from the Boys as being safe, but here we are. The series adheres to the familiar tropes of a teenage action show, featuring spirited underdog protagonists who forge bonds and defy the odds within a flawed system, all while exuding an undercurrent of confused sexual desire. In comparison to other shows of its genre, it may surpass many in quality (it at least doesn't solely rely on sexual tension), but it fails to offer any significant character insights or compelling comedy. Whether you choose to watch it or not, chances are you won't despise it or love it. However, if you find yourself pressed for time, it might be wise to await a more compelling streaming option.
Black Mirror: Beyond the Sea (2023)
Significantly overrated
The plot itself here is easily guessable in the first maybe ten minutes of the episode. It's a very slow moving episode spanning something like an hour, and it treats this unwinding of it's predictable plot as some kind of surprise.
Now it may be well acted and well produced - and it is, but a story this guessable, would be better suited as a 20-30 minute twilight zone style episode than the lavishly over produced episode we actually get.
However, within the greater context of the rather poor season 6, this is probably the 2nd best episode after episode 1 - none of which actually deal with any social or technological dystopian themes (ie the original purpose of this show).
Has black mirror outlived its purpose?
Black Mirror (2011)
Once unique gem, that has lost its way
It's strange that in the modern era - one of still rapid technological change, global influence and experimental social reform, one would find it difficult to come up with futuristic, technology and culture focused dystopias - the kind which was the original focus of this psychological thriller anthology. Certainly people themselves fear these potential endpoints probably more than ever.
The show has always had some unevenness. This has been true since the first season, of course (the mixed nature of the episodes). But the premise - a dark reflection of reality, hence the name is now all but absent from the show. And absent this unique spin on the twilight zone-esque genre, the thought provoking, or challenging commentary what's left is more of a competently produced, fantasy/science fiction thriller anthology.
Good, but not great.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Fails to Capture the Essence of the Game
Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Amongst Thieves is a movie that tries to capture the magic and adventure of the popular role-playing game, but falls short of delivering a compelling story. The movie follows a group of adventurers who are hired by a mysterious benefactor and it's an entertaining story, but one without much gravitas.
The movie has some decent enough action scenes and special effects, although they tend towards the comic booky and exaggerated, and the actors do their best to portray their characters with humor and charisma. However, the movie fails to create a sense of real world building, and the characters are somewhat clichéd. The movie does not do justice to the rich and complex world of the Forgotten Realms, which has been explored in many novels and games. The movie simplifies and trivializes the lore and history of the setting, and does not capture the darker and serious elements that fans of the game will expect.
Overall, Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Amongst Thieves is an entertaining enough movie for casual viewers who are looking for some fun and fantasy, but a disappointment for fans of the game who are hoping for a faithful and immersive adaptation of the Forgotten Realms.
The Last of Us: Look for the Light (2023)
This season ending is ...odd
I'm obviously going to have to spoil this completely to explain what I'm talking about. But the tone of this ending basically suggests that this grief torn teen should have suicided by surgery for a big maybe on a plot contrivance that would save the world, and that Joel was a terrible person for not going along with the scheduled murder and then lying about it.
I can't say I understand that contrivance either - the birth circumstances were perfectly replicable if they wanted to be all Dr Mengele about it, and any messenger that existed would have to be propagated throughout her body, so in reality there should have been no need for brain surgery - it would have just been about replicating that messenger protein.
And beyond that, the way it was portrayed in the plot, was that they were certain about the outcome - which doesn't make sense at all, if they had found this messenger, they could replicate it. If they hadn't they wouldn't know what they would find in the brain exactly. It was a very jargony handwave that doesn't stand up to much examination.
Basically the whole thing would more sense as a pure theory, than a certainty, as it came across. Then there's letting Joel go, instead of locking him up, and not telling Ellie when they thought she would be perfectly willing.
It all essentially just exists to get a particular outcome.
I guess the underlying idea here is the utilitarian view of ethics - where only the whole matters, and the individual does not. But it's jarring to see that as the moral tone of a story, because that isn't how most people think. And we didn't get some kind of long journey there either, like you might in a troubled survival story. Zero warming the audience into the idea that this might be the right way to go.
Anyway, it's well acted, and well produced obviously, it's just an odd story telling angle. Obviously never played the game, I assume that's the same.
Knock at the Cabin (2023)
A good premise made to work
There's an effective premise that is relatively uncomplicated, but quite unique, and the way we are introduced to the story and the characters is intriguing and creates mystery. The unfolding I think is what really makes this work.
The characters are compelling, the premise allows you to guess how it might play out, and the story beat moments are psychologically impactful.
It's by no means a complicated movie, because it is centered in this very unique premise, but it does what it does well, and should entertain - it entertained me.
Would recommend, but definitely not for the very sensitive. Seven out of ten for me.
Shrinking (2023)
Almost Great
It's a compelling premise, workable comedy, good acting - unfortunately it's a little bit racist. There's just a sort of abundance of progressive writing tropes in here, that I suppose would be charmingly out of touch and very tolerable if they were not so common in Hollywood.
It's not like there's a giant angry trump mob or anything, it's just sprinkled in the jokes so YMMV.
Anyway, hollywood writing aside, yeah it's not bad. There's a certain depth to the drama elements and that elevates the light comedic touch. Honestly mostly I would avoid this type of show, but despite it's flaws, it's probably worth checking out.
Interview with the Vampire (2022)
Difficult to relate to characters
I honestly can't say how faithful this adaption is or not, because I've never read the books. What I can say is that Lestat is so wildly unlikeable that you wonder why Lious likes him or puts up with him. Lious is also so weak and fawning in the relationship, that in in fact, combined with his tendancy to uncontrolled rage, his weakness of character makes also seem very unlikeable. And then there's Daniel - he also thoroughly lacks any backbone, or distinguishing character. Perhaps being mortal the former is understandable. Finally Claudia - she wavers between being a bloodlusting maniac and waving her finger at lestat for a lack of morality. Sure she's a child, but as perhaps the one character with any clarity of vision in the events, she also fails to meet any kind of threshold of likeability.
Perhaps this show is supposed to be some kind of abusive relationship metaphor, where every character is pitiable. But because it focuses so hard on the relationship with lestat, rather than any broader lore elements in the fantasy setting it becomes a cringeworthy experience, like watching a trainwreck in slow motion.
Not exactly I think, what anyone looking for a vampire show, is really looking for.
Mayfair Witches (2023)
Honestly found this compelling but
There's a turn in episode 6 that does not bode well.
So far it's been a slowburner supernatural drama, with some pretty compelling tension and lore building. I can't really talk about it without spoiling it, so I'll just name it. Apparently the anti-witch group is some kind of pathetically tropey misogynistic caricature.
It's quite disappointing because so far the story has been well written. But that kind of political turn into message fiction usually only gets worse. I won't watch Christian movies, and I feel the same way about any other story that rather than try and create a journey just crudely tries to jam ideas into the audiences throat.
Yeah, so IDK, I guess if you can abide by a story that likely will descend into political messaging/tropes, and you are fine with a slower story, you might like it. Myself, I'm anticipating watching out the season and then walking.