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Well, that was... underwhelming. For a show about a rogue security android with hacked protocols and a penchant for watching soap operas, Murderbot Episode 1 somehow manages to drain all the life-and irony-out of a concept begging to be fun.

What should have been a fast-paced, darkly funny intro to a unique antihero turns into 30+ minutes of monotone narration, exposition-heavy dialogue, and characters with the emotional range of drywall. The titular Murderbot, supposedly a sarcastic, self-aware killing machine with anxiety, comes off here like an audiobook with lag. The internal monologue is so robotic that it makes you wish it would malfunction-just to inject a bit of personality.

The pacing? Glacial. The stakes? Vague. The worldbuilding? Dumped in our lap like a user manual nobody asked for. And the action? Blink and you'll miss it-which honestly might be for the best.

By the end of the episode, you're left wondering how a story about a murder machine who doesn't want to kill anyone could be so bloodless-emotionally and literally. It's not that the idea doesn't have potential-it absolutely does-but if Episode 1 is any indication, the show's main achievement might be making murder and robots feel boring.

Here's hoping Episode 2 remembers to turn the "engage viewer" protocol back on.

I'd give Mickey 17 a solid 8 out of 10. It's not perfect, but it's one of the most quietly bold and intriguing sci-fi films to come out in years. Rather than flattening its themes for mainstream digestion, it leans into ambiguity-offering atmosphere, complexity, and subtext over exposition, which is exactly why it's been misunderstood by so many.

A lot of people walked into it expecting Parasite 2.0, but this isn't that. In fact, I'd argue Parasite, despite its praise, was one of Bong Joon-ho's most conventional films. It was smart, sure-but also very didactic. Its metaphors were handed to you on a platter, every symbol underlined twice in red. Mickey 17, by contrast, dares to be quiet. To not explain. To suggest. It respects the audience in a way most films don't anymore.

It shares more creative DNA with something like Poor Things-not in content, but in spirit. Both films are imaginative, layered, and uninterested in obeying the usual rules of narrative clarity. They build strange worlds and trust you to navigate them without a map. If you enjoyed Poor Things for its willingness to challenge form and spoon-fed meaning, you'll likely appreciate what Mickey 17 is doing too.

Yes, the film spreads itself thin thematically at times. And yes, its commentary on systemic oppression could've used more development. But those aren't fatal flaws-they're the byproduct of a film trying to do more than just entertain. It wants to make you think, even if that means not everything lands cleanly.

And honestly, that's a risk worth praising.

Slant (2022) is an underrated gem-a darkly comic neo-noir that thrives on sharp dialogue, witty banter, and a distinctly Australian sensibility. Cleverly written and full of biting humor, the film balances a genuinely intriguing mystery with a satirical take on journalism, media culture, and the self-absorbed world of 1990s Melbourne society.

At its core, Slant follows a journalist investigating the disappearance of a socialite, but the mystery is just the foundation for a much richer experience. The screenplay is fast-paced, clever, and effortlessly funny, filled with intelligent wordplay and sharp social observations. The main actor delivers a performance that is both interesting and intelligent, bringing the lead character to life with a mix of charm, wit, and self-awareness that makes every scene engaging.

What Works:

✔ Exceptional Writing & Dialogue - The script is razor-sharp, packed with brilliant, dry humor, and filled with witty, quickfire exchanges that keep the story moving.

✔ A Unique Blend of Mystery & Comedy - If you enjoy mystery films that don't take themselves too seriously while still delivering intrigue (think The Nice Guys meets Kiss Kiss Bang Bang with an Aussie edge), this is for you.

✔ Engaging, Intelligent Lead Performance - The main actor is captivating, charismatic, and intellectually sharp, carrying the film with ease and keeping the audience invested.

✔ Atmospheric & Stylish - The Melbourne setting is captured in a way that feels both nostalgic and cinematic, adding to the film's offbeat charm.

✔ Unpredictable Storytelling - Keeps you hooked with its mix of quirky character interactions, satire, and genuine suspense.

Minor Drawbacks:

➖ Not a Traditional Noir - If you're expecting a hard-boiled, brooding mystery, Slant is lighter and more self-aware than something like L. A. Confidential.

➖ Humor May Not Work for Everyone - It leans into dry, sarcastic humor, so if that's not your style, some of the dialogue might feel too smug.

Final Verdict:

If you love smartly written, dialogue-driven films with a satirical edge, Slant is a must-watch. It's a rare mix of mystery, humor, and cultural critique that keeps you entertained from start to finish. The lead actor's intriguing, intelligent performance adds an extra layer of depth, making the film as compelling as it is sharp-witted.

Highly recommended for fans of witty neo-noirs, fast-paced dialogue, and genre-bending mysteries.