raforehand
Joined Jan 2016
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raforehand's rating
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raforehand's rating
I had really been hoping to enjoy this more. An Addams family related property, in the hands of Tim Burton, how could it not be amazing?
Well, unfortunately it was very underwhelming. Overall look is pretty good, actors are all pretty good, but the script was maybe...not what it could have been. Honestly not surprised I later found the writers also worked on Smallville, and the level of quasi teen/high school-ish drama is sort of understandable once I learned that. It doesn't make it great, it makes the character of Wednesday feel less like an Addams though and more like a teeny bopper detective.
I would recommend trying it if you haven't, I was really wanting to like it more for the as already mentioned Addams family connection and Tim Burton in director's chair. I couldn't make it past the first episode, but don't let that discourage you. Even though it wasn't for me, it looks like it definitely is finding traction, so I'd say worth trying at least.
Was really hoping to at least make it to that dance scene, that looked great on the YouTube clips.
Well, unfortunately it was very underwhelming. Overall look is pretty good, actors are all pretty good, but the script was maybe...not what it could have been. Honestly not surprised I later found the writers also worked on Smallville, and the level of quasi teen/high school-ish drama is sort of understandable once I learned that. It doesn't make it great, it makes the character of Wednesday feel less like an Addams though and more like a teeny bopper detective.
I would recommend trying it if you haven't, I was really wanting to like it more for the as already mentioned Addams family connection and Tim Burton in director's chair. I couldn't make it past the first episode, but don't let that discourage you. Even though it wasn't for me, it looks like it definitely is finding traction, so I'd say worth trying at least.
Was really hoping to at least make it to that dance scene, that looked great on the YouTube clips.
When I read about Turning Red I knew it was going to be something special. As I do not have Disney Plus, I had to accept it would be a little while before I got around to watching this, and because it was on sale on Amazon Prime I picked it up.
After watching it, I was extremely pleased that it matched my expectations. Having the film set in early 2000's, there was a fair amount of 90's nostalgia, touch tone phones, tamagotchi, and the international obsession with 90's style boy bands.
What really makes this such a great film though is the focus on Asian diaspora. The details all ring very true, if you ever had friends or family with an east Asian background, you've met parents like Mei's parents, met aunties just like Mei's aunties, so much about the characters has a verisimilitude to which anyone can relate. And Mei and her group of friends, if you you went to school in North America, it's almost a foregone conclusion you've met (or been in) a friend group just like them. Everything about the setting and the story is incredibly relatable, and the core themes of coming of age, balancing the hopes and expectations of family with the hopes and dreams of the individual are incredibly well done.
After watching it, I was extremely pleased that it matched my expectations. Having the film set in early 2000's, there was a fair amount of 90's nostalgia, touch tone phones, tamagotchi, and the international obsession with 90's style boy bands.
What really makes this such a great film though is the focus on Asian diaspora. The details all ring very true, if you ever had friends or family with an east Asian background, you've met parents like Mei's parents, met aunties just like Mei's aunties, so much about the characters has a verisimilitude to which anyone can relate. And Mei and her group of friends, if you you went to school in North America, it's almost a foregone conclusion you've met (or been in) a friend group just like them. Everything about the setting and the story is incredibly relatable, and the core themes of coming of age, balancing the hopes and expectations of family with the hopes and dreams of the individual are incredibly well done.
I was first exposed to the story of the Proud Twins as adapted in The Force of Buddha's Palm comics. It is a sweeping tale of revenge full of almost operatic characters and many twists and turns leading to the eventual climax. What I really love about this Chor Yuen directed feature for Shaw Brothers was the inclusion of the comedic talents of Alexander Fu Sheng. The highlighting of the comedic aspects really helps balance the overall story, which at its core is quite grim and dark. Another thing I really loved in this adaptation was the use of sets and the production design going into them. Many of the the scenes feature some stunning set pieces that lend an air of idealized realism, much like sansui landscape paintings, to the world, really making the story feel like it lives in some ethereal and magical realm. While they may look dated to modern eyes, it still holds charm to my eyes.
The basic storyline follows two brothers separated due to circumstances revealed as the story unfolds, Jiang Xiaoyu, played by Alexander Fu Sheng, and Hua Wuque, played by My Wai Kwok. Xiaoyu, raised by The Ten Villains in an abusive environment eventually outwits and escapes his captors, and makes his way out into the world seeking revenge for the death of his parents. Wuque, raised by Hua Palace and unaware of Xiaoyu's relationship with himself, has been tasked by the leader of Hua Palace to hunt down and kill Xiaoyu. With many twists and turns, betrayals and reveals, the story progresses to climactic battle in the mountains as the two brother's stories unfold.
Alexander Fu Sheng really holds the story together, really playing up the mischievous and playful side of Xiaoyu while also showing his superb athleticism and Kung Fu skills. Had Fu Sheng not tragically passed away in 1982, this film would have been excellent proof to show him as a prime competitor to Jackie Chan in making Kung Fu comedy.
While The Proud Twins may not be Chor Yuen's best adaptation of a Wu Xia novels for Shaw Brothers, it certainly is the funniest and most charming.
The basic storyline follows two brothers separated due to circumstances revealed as the story unfolds, Jiang Xiaoyu, played by Alexander Fu Sheng, and Hua Wuque, played by My Wai Kwok. Xiaoyu, raised by The Ten Villains in an abusive environment eventually outwits and escapes his captors, and makes his way out into the world seeking revenge for the death of his parents. Wuque, raised by Hua Palace and unaware of Xiaoyu's relationship with himself, has been tasked by the leader of Hua Palace to hunt down and kill Xiaoyu. With many twists and turns, betrayals and reveals, the story progresses to climactic battle in the mountains as the two brother's stories unfold.
Alexander Fu Sheng really holds the story together, really playing up the mischievous and playful side of Xiaoyu while also showing his superb athleticism and Kung Fu skills. Had Fu Sheng not tragically passed away in 1982, this film would have been excellent proof to show him as a prime competitor to Jackie Chan in making Kung Fu comedy.
While The Proud Twins may not be Chor Yuen's best adaptation of a Wu Xia novels for Shaw Brothers, it certainly is the funniest and most charming.