TheLittleSongbird
Joined Jan 2009
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TheLittleSongbird's rating
Reviews21.6K
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'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' "Remember Me in Quarantine" (2020)
Opening thoughts: It is still very early on in Season 22, but so far it had not made a particularly good impression. While really liking the ideas and finding the tackling of good relevant themes admirable, the execution in the previous episodes and this are very flawed and it was true for too much of Season 22 in general. Namely because of the cases being too bland or trying too hard and in some cases being too heavy handed. It does have to be said that the season did improve quite a lot with the next handful of episodes, but the show's glory days are quite long gone.
"Remember Me in Quarantine" is another underwhelming episode and continues the less than promising first impressions that Season 22 had made with the previous episodes. Is it terrible? No it isn't, it does have good things with the mental health aspect being handled remarkably well. Is it good? Again, it is a long way from that, with the case and character interactions bringing "Remember Me in Quarantine" down significantly. Those and that it felt rather out of place within 'Special Victims Unit'.
Good things: There are good things here as said. Generally, the production values are fine, with the slickness and grit still present. The music has the right amount of the haunting and melancholic without being overdone in sound and placement. Most of the acting, with one exception, is solid.
Also did feel that "Remember Me in Quarantine" did very well at showing how the pandemic has affected the mental health of people, as somebody whose mental health has suffered massively how it's done here resonated with me hugely and made me feel emotional and angry. Really appreciated at how it even addressed the topic, when very few shows recently have. Lexi is a very interesting case.
Bad things: Sadly, that cannot be said for the case. It came over as too derivative, some of the truth was easily guessable very early on (the actual perpetrator surprised me though) and the ripped from the headlines aspect felt too sensationalist. Just hated the media's distorted and judgmental portrayal of Lexi, which represents everything that is wrong with it today. The case felt like too second fiddle to the addressing of what the pandemic has done mentally and how Lexi is portrayed, the character is interesting but the episode didn't seem to make its mind up about whether to be sympathetic or vilify her.
Will admit to not being sure sometimes what the episode was meant to be about and that is not a good sign. Also didn't how Tamin and Rollins' very understandable and spot on irritation with this and the double standards immediately cast them in a negative light. Actually did lose respect for Carisi when he shut Tamin down for vocally addressing and voicing opposition for the double standards, really don't like Tamin (and the episode generally didn't do anything to change my mind) but she was right here. Tamin is a flat and too pushy character and Jamie Gray Hyder's limitations continue to show. There is some very unsteady camera work and somehow it didn't feel like a 'Special Victims Unit' case, instead like a TV drama on the pandemic with the characters inserted and it felt out of place.
Closing thoughts: Overall, didn't come together unfortunately.
5/10.
Opening thoughts: It is still very early on in Season 22, but so far it had not made a particularly good impression. While really liking the ideas and finding the tackling of good relevant themes admirable, the execution in the previous episodes and this are very flawed and it was true for too much of Season 22 in general. Namely because of the cases being too bland or trying too hard and in some cases being too heavy handed. It does have to be said that the season did improve quite a lot with the next handful of episodes, but the show's glory days are quite long gone.
"Remember Me in Quarantine" is another underwhelming episode and continues the less than promising first impressions that Season 22 had made with the previous episodes. Is it terrible? No it isn't, it does have good things with the mental health aspect being handled remarkably well. Is it good? Again, it is a long way from that, with the case and character interactions bringing "Remember Me in Quarantine" down significantly. Those and that it felt rather out of place within 'Special Victims Unit'.
Good things: There are good things here as said. Generally, the production values are fine, with the slickness and grit still present. The music has the right amount of the haunting and melancholic without being overdone in sound and placement. Most of the acting, with one exception, is solid.
Also did feel that "Remember Me in Quarantine" did very well at showing how the pandemic has affected the mental health of people, as somebody whose mental health has suffered massively how it's done here resonated with me hugely and made me feel emotional and angry. Really appreciated at how it even addressed the topic, when very few shows recently have. Lexi is a very interesting case.
Bad things: Sadly, that cannot be said for the case. It came over as too derivative, some of the truth was easily guessable very early on (the actual perpetrator surprised me though) and the ripped from the headlines aspect felt too sensationalist. Just hated the media's distorted and judgmental portrayal of Lexi, which represents everything that is wrong with it today. The case felt like too second fiddle to the addressing of what the pandemic has done mentally and how Lexi is portrayed, the character is interesting but the episode didn't seem to make its mind up about whether to be sympathetic or vilify her.
Will admit to not being sure sometimes what the episode was meant to be about and that is not a good sign. Also didn't how Tamin and Rollins' very understandable and spot on irritation with this and the double standards immediately cast them in a negative light. Actually did lose respect for Carisi when he shut Tamin down for vocally addressing and voicing opposition for the double standards, really don't like Tamin (and the episode generally didn't do anything to change my mind) but she was right here. Tamin is a flat and too pushy character and Jamie Gray Hyder's limitations continue to show. There is some very unsteady camera work and somehow it didn't feel like a 'Special Victims Unit' case, instead like a TV drama on the pandemic with the characters inserted and it felt out of place.
Closing thoughts: Overall, didn't come together unfortunately.
5/10.
'The Holly and the Ivy' (1952)
Opening thoughts: There were three main reasons for wanting to see 'The Holly and the Ivy'. One was my love for classic film, something that has been the case at an early age. Two is my lifelong love for Christmas, and there are many film classics such as 'It's a Wonderful Life', 1947's 'Miracle on 34th Street' and 1951's 'A Christmas Carol'. Three is the cast, Ralph Richardson being the best-known name to me.
Seeing 'The Holly and the Ivy' with relatives a while back (being behind with my reviewing after deciding to slow down), to me it is a great film, a festive treasure if you will. And one that deserves to be much better known, that it isn't a film not many people have seen is something of a mystery. Will admit though that it was quite different to what was expected (very much how my father felt about 'It's a Wonderful Life'), was not expecting the grittier edge or the exploring of bold subjects judging from the title and plot synopsis. From them, it sounds feel good and fluffy, but there was more depth than that.
Bad things: Not much wrong here actually, but for my tastes a couple of situations resolved a little too quickly and neatly.
Good things: However, it is extremely well acted, especially Richardson who plays his role with great authority. The characters are flawed while also not hard to connect with, compelling in their realism. The music is beautifully orchestrated and rousing, there is a festive vibe that is very nostalgic (carol singing reminding me of singing to neighbours outside their houses with my siblings).
Visually, the film is well made. Simple, but still elegant and cozy looking. It moves an efficient clip and the direction has both momentum and breathing space.
Furthermore, 'The Holly and the Ivy' manages to not be dull or stagy despite it being talky. Luckily, it is intelligent and thoughtful talk that didn't ramble. The story is moving and heart-warming, as well as surprisingly gritty in how it deals with realistic subjects that was bold for films to explore back then (alcoholism), done tactfully but not in a way that was sugar coated or trivialised.
Closing thoughts: Overall, excellent and criminally under-seen.
9/10.
Opening thoughts: There were three main reasons for wanting to see 'The Holly and the Ivy'. One was my love for classic film, something that has been the case at an early age. Two is my lifelong love for Christmas, and there are many film classics such as 'It's a Wonderful Life', 1947's 'Miracle on 34th Street' and 1951's 'A Christmas Carol'. Three is the cast, Ralph Richardson being the best-known name to me.
Seeing 'The Holly and the Ivy' with relatives a while back (being behind with my reviewing after deciding to slow down), to me it is a great film, a festive treasure if you will. And one that deserves to be much better known, that it isn't a film not many people have seen is something of a mystery. Will admit though that it was quite different to what was expected (very much how my father felt about 'It's a Wonderful Life'), was not expecting the grittier edge or the exploring of bold subjects judging from the title and plot synopsis. From them, it sounds feel good and fluffy, but there was more depth than that.
Bad things: Not much wrong here actually, but for my tastes a couple of situations resolved a little too quickly and neatly.
Good things: However, it is extremely well acted, especially Richardson who plays his role with great authority. The characters are flawed while also not hard to connect with, compelling in their realism. The music is beautifully orchestrated and rousing, there is a festive vibe that is very nostalgic (carol singing reminding me of singing to neighbours outside their houses with my siblings).
Visually, the film is well made. Simple, but still elegant and cozy looking. It moves an efficient clip and the direction has both momentum and breathing space.
Furthermore, 'The Holly and the Ivy' manages to not be dull or stagy despite it being talky. Luckily, it is intelligent and thoughtful talk that didn't ramble. The story is moving and heart-warming, as well as surprisingly gritty in how it deals with realistic subjects that was bold for films to explore back then (alcoholism), done tactfully but not in a way that was sugar coated or trivialised.
Closing thoughts: Overall, excellent and criminally under-seen.
9/10.
'Hilda' (2018-2023)
Opening thoughts: Have adored animation for as long as can be remembered. Actually love it even more now, despite seeing some real disappointments recently, with a broader knowledge of it and appreciating the various animation directors and animation styles more. Have always had a thing for great concepts and 'Hilda' had one of the best and most appetising ones of any recent animated show, one that was very creative and easy to identify with (things that this reviewer is also big on).
After seeing a lot of abominations, when it comes to animation after revisiting Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, recently, 'Hilda' was a much needed joyful jewel and one of the best animated shows seen recently. And possibly one of the best and most refreshing shows seen in recent memory as well. This is coming from a reviewer that has always aimed to be encouraging with her ratings and reviews but has become more critical overtime. It is a smart, cosy and relatable show and succeeds brilliantly in every area.
Bad things: Nothing.
Good things: Where to begin praising 'Hilda?' First and foremost, the animation is very vibrant and beautifully detailed with character designs that never look ugly or weirdly proportioned. The music fits the tone of the show perfectly and at its best enhances it, giving it a cosy charm and quirky energy. The theme song is catchy.
The voice acting is full of spirit and nuance, everybody being into their roles without being manic. The writing is smart and perfectly balanced, with genuinely funny writing that has wit and also sophistication. Nothing coming over as crude or childish. While also having a lot of heart and charm without falling into schmaltz.
Furthermore, the storytelling lives up to its creative concept with some real imagination and great immersing into the world that the show is set in. It has a subtle energy while also being cosy and heart-warming with the more action oriented moments being far from tired. There have been shows seen recently that are very good and at their best outstanding but start off quite slow, with filler like storylines and characters that take time to warm to. To me 'Hilda' in both areas settled straightaway.
Really related to all the characters, with the titular character being one of the most identifiable anywhere, and related every bit as much to the remarkably mature themes and situations dealt with very maturely while being understandable and educational to younger audiences.
Closing thoughts: Overall, brilliant.
10/10.
Opening thoughts: Have adored animation for as long as can be remembered. Actually love it even more now, despite seeing some real disappointments recently, with a broader knowledge of it and appreciating the various animation directors and animation styles more. Have always had a thing for great concepts and 'Hilda' had one of the best and most appetising ones of any recent animated show, one that was very creative and easy to identify with (things that this reviewer is also big on).
After seeing a lot of abominations, when it comes to animation after revisiting Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, recently, 'Hilda' was a much needed joyful jewel and one of the best animated shows seen recently. And possibly one of the best and most refreshing shows seen in recent memory as well. This is coming from a reviewer that has always aimed to be encouraging with her ratings and reviews but has become more critical overtime. It is a smart, cosy and relatable show and succeeds brilliantly in every area.
Bad things: Nothing.
Good things: Where to begin praising 'Hilda?' First and foremost, the animation is very vibrant and beautifully detailed with character designs that never look ugly or weirdly proportioned. The music fits the tone of the show perfectly and at its best enhances it, giving it a cosy charm and quirky energy. The theme song is catchy.
The voice acting is full of spirit and nuance, everybody being into their roles without being manic. The writing is smart and perfectly balanced, with genuinely funny writing that has wit and also sophistication. Nothing coming over as crude or childish. While also having a lot of heart and charm without falling into schmaltz.
Furthermore, the storytelling lives up to its creative concept with some real imagination and great immersing into the world that the show is set in. It has a subtle energy while also being cosy and heart-warming with the more action oriented moments being far from tired. There have been shows seen recently that are very good and at their best outstanding but start off quite slow, with filler like storylines and characters that take time to warm to. To me 'Hilda' in both areas settled straightaway.
Really related to all the characters, with the titular character being one of the most identifiable anywhere, and related every bit as much to the remarkably mature themes and situations dealt with very maturely while being understandable and educational to younger audiences.
Closing thoughts: Overall, brilliant.
10/10.
