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Dune: Part Two (2024)
Breathtaking - A Work of Art
Having read the books, and being a huge fan of the first movie, I walked into the cinema expecting a masterpiece. I walked out feeling exactly that. Amazing cinematography, score and stunning performances. Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya and Rebecca Ferguson deserve Oscars.
The scenes shot in IR are some of the best cinematography to exist, period. Dune: Part Two captures the essence of the book, and elevates it to an art form that is beautiful, terrifying and utterly breathtaking.
There were scenes where the raw power of the film and score led me to tears. This movie deserves Best Picture, and so much more.
However, I do have a few gripes. Firstly, the relationship between Paul and Chani was one of calm and trust in the book. Here, it was one of doubt and mistrust. That is a bit sad to see, although it does add significant tension into the relationship, which may become a pivot point in the future.
Also, many scenes were omitted, particularly for length decisions. However, not getting to see Hawat, or the decadence of House Corrino and the Golden Line Throne was a bit of a shame.
That said, Dune: Part 2 is a work of art. I will be watching this film again and again. It is a reminder of what can be achieved when pure passion and love is dedicated into a rich, complex and beautiful source material.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
Truely a Mixed Bag
Having read The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes a long time ago, I remember that it was nowhere near as good as the OG hunger games trilogy.
And the movie seems to echo that.
I was disappointed to see Snow painted an utter antagonist. Yes, he killed his friend and his moral compass is very askew, but isn't he preserving his and Lucy-Gray's life? Isn't he doing it out of love? There is good in him, up until his last breath. But why does the movie force us to think of him as a mad killing machine in the third act? Speaking of the third act, it is extremely awkwardly paced near the end.
I'm sorry to say but Lucy-Gray is nowhere as likeable as Katniss, where she detracts from Snow's storyline. Rachel Zegler's performance is so overpowering to the point where it feels adds disbelief to the plot, and elevates it to an emotional level that is nowhere near realistic, while Jennifer Lawerence's performance is grounded and natural, which amplifies emotions with the audience far better.
There is too much singing in this movie. I get it, Rachel Zegler can sing, but that is no excuse to turn this movie into a musical. What makes it worse is that the songs are so stylistically sung that it clearly doesn't fit in with the scene's emotional tone, or that it is blatantly obvious it was recorded in a studio.
Also, it is extremely hard to like any of the characters in this movie. Their backgrounds are glossed over. There was no real interaction from Lucy Gray prior to her reaping. It wasn't like the Katniss/Prim dynamic. Plus, the awkward camera angles and the POV of the games from Snow felt like there a massive lack of stakes.
Positives, well it was good to spend a few hours in Panem again. The nostalgia was good, and so were the references to the original films, although they were completely unnecessary. That being said, I think I'll watch the original hunger games trilogy again to actually feel something more surreal.
The Last of Us: Kin (2023)
I Balled my Eyes Out
For the first time in a long, long time, I sobbed like a baby for the better part of 10 minutes.
The scenes between Joel and Tommy, and Joel and Ellie's argument is the definition of world class filmmaking, as a result of exceptional character development. Both scenes are faithful to the game while bringing out an extra layer of emotive captivity that has the raw power to reduce the audience to tears. Those two scenes were the solidification of Joel and Ellie's bond. The moment they became a unit. The moment they became... family. Those two scenes defined what it means to be human.
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey deserve Emmys for those two scenes. The possibilities of what they can do next leaves me excited beyond words.
M3GAN (2022)
Horror? No. M3gan is a Comedy.
M3gan advertises itself as a horror, yet it is hilarious in every way possible. There is essentially nothing scary about this movie. Every scene with M3gan is a delight. It's voice, its face and the music choices all blend together into a gripping combination of an on screen fiasco that is delightful in every way.
The movie explores themes surrounding the role of artificial intelligence in children's lives, and the essence of parenthood. Unfortunately, this brief exploration drops off around the halfway mark, as the movie descends into a big action scene at the end, which isn't very believable.
How exactly M3gan evolved from a toy to a killer robot within a few days isn't fully explored. Kurt's role in copying M3gan's files, and it's impact on M3gan is also very unclear. This makes M3gan's evolution very hard to believe.
This movie has many nonsensical scenes. Why would anyone parade a company prototype that's hailed as the most advanced toy of the decade out in the open? Why did M3gan turn on Cady other than for dramatical effect? Why did the therapist not take Cady away after so many failed attempts at bonding, if not for plot progression? Why are Gemma and Cady always eating the most stereotypical foods like a piece of toast with nothing on it, or a hotdog? There's also some really bad and cringy dialogue.
Overall, M3gan is a fun movie that barely brushes the edges of horror. It is predictable and it doesn't have the best logic or dialogue, but it delivers some ionic scenes whilst managing to be gripping and entertaining. Highly recommended, and can't wait for part two!
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
The Most BEAUTIFUL Movie - Ever
Hands down, the best visuals I have ever seen. I was in tears through the whole movie. The visuals of Avatar: The Way of Water define it, and it delivers on the magical yet awe filled atmosphere that reverberates within the first movie.
Yes, this movie is essentially the framework of the first Avatar, with different characters in the same scenarios, and the plot doesn't create any significant change to Pandora, but the sequences are shot and compiled with a power that brings tears to your eyes. This film defines the very essence of the Avatar franchise: Family, love, hate, exploitation... humanity.
Avatar: The Way of Water is touching on every level and sets an example for the ability of modern filmmaking in the digital space. It defines the essence of what it means to be human, just as the first movie did.
This is, hands down, the most BEAUTIFUL movie I have ever seen, and I will be watching it again.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
A Good Movie... With Quite a Few Flaws
This was a pretty good movie and wrapped up phase 4 pretty well. The idea of the Avatar style water world was executed quite well on screen, while the movie paid a good amount of respect to the original.
But a few flaws did stand out.
Firstly, the emphasis on the "American scientist" kid was really heavy, like the queen would shield her with her own body? That the princess would not leave without her, risking herself, the hier? Yes I understand this is the nature of Wakanda but this just was a tad excessive given that this girl had nothing to do with Wakanda, except for the fact that she's a political asset since she can make Vibranium detecting machines.
Secondly, the runtime was a little excessive. Nearly three hours, when so many scenes could have been cut? Pretty slow pacing throughout.
Thirdly, the final fight scene was a little disappointing. Complete lack of air and underwater combat. Any fighting that could be physically intense occurred on a rectangular surface, on top of the ship, not to mention that the only purpose of the ship was to serve as a rectangle of land. There wasn't even a single shot of the inside of the ship, or it cracking or leaking. It was a literal, unrealistic brick.
Fourthly, there were some pretty bad scene cuts, and the movie was pretty inconsistent at times. From an incredibly emotional scene to a 10 minute drag of a conversation to a pretty unintense fight scene.
Again, it was a pretty good movie overall. Would I recommend it? Yes. Would I watch it again? Probably not.
House of the Dragon: We Light the Way (2022)
The Dance of the Dragons is Here
The seeds of war have bloomed at last in this episode, as Alicent claws above the abyss that she has been forced down. She lights the way for The Greens, Ageons ascension, and what would eventually be half the realm. New alliances are being made and old ones broken, peace is corroding away, and Westeros has begun to crumble. The Dance of the Dragons is here, in what is so far, the best episode of the season.
This episode has the richest characterisation in the past five episodes. Ser Criston and Alicent's arcs this episode were flawless. The wedding was flawless. The score was flawless. "The Green Wedding" is very close to equaling the red and purple weddings.
"We Light the Way" was impeccable, and I'm very much looking forward to what's to come.
House of the Dragon: The Rogue Prince (2022)
The Essence of Game of Thrones
This was the very essence of the earlier seasons of Game of Thrones. Each character is so intricately constructed that there is just layer after layer of nuance.
There is not a single "action" scene in this episode, but the dialogue between the small council, between Viserys and Rhaenyra, between Daemon and Corlys, they cut deeper than any sword would. This excellent writing and characterisation of these flawed characters are what propelled Game of Thrones into success, and Miguel and Ryan are mastering it.
This show could have come in with one gore filled epic battle sequence after another, since that is what Thrones is renowned for. But it's sticking to the deeper essence of Game of Thrones, and I appreciate that so very much.
Ps. The opening credits are INCREDIBLE!
House of the Dragon: The Heirs of the Dragon (2022)
The Future of Game of Thrones
We are back to season one of Game of Thrones! With Dan and David OUT (thank the gods). This episode was an exceptional, and despite knowing the outcome of the Dance of the Dragons, I was mesmerised by Viserys and Daemon. Mad respect to Paddy Considine, Matt Smith and Milly Alcock.
This episode redelivered the pinnacle of moments that had defined Game of Thrones. I won't go into spoilers, but please, PLEASE, Miguel and Ryan,
don't let the quality of the scripts drop, and involve GRRM for every episode, because you both directed THE BEST episodes of Game of Thrones. Some of those episodes redefined what a television show could achieve. Handle it delicately and with care and respect, as you had before and in this episode as well. House of the Dragon has the potential to recraft the "end" of Game of Thrones, and again raise Westeros to the glory, respect and intrigue that it so righteously deserves.
Nope (2022)
A Fascinating Social Commentary
What an interesting movie. Half Arrival, half Dune, fully confusing. Yet hidden deep within this movie is a fascinating commentary about the hidden cycles of abuse and neglect in Hollywood, and the confronting truth of commercialising on disasters, risking everything for a spectacle, because its just what people do, with that storyline being deeply intertwined with Jude and Gordy's storyline.
How fascinating is it that the only reason Jude survived the attack was by focusing on the upstanding shoe, and in effect, acknowledging the true predator, Gordy, which none of the other humans could do? And similarly, OJ's possible survival of the alien's attack was through through the acknowledgement that he indeed, cannot face the predator, yet maybe he truly did die from the alien, and the final scene, surrounded in mist and fog, was a vision, which amplifies that idea even more, which really says something about power hierarchies in Hollywood and the world in general.
"Nope" has some excellent visuals, and many crazy intense scenes on top of that. The false scares with the children in alien masks? Really suspenseful. The final 30 minutes of the film were gripping, and the lack of unnecessary dialogue, and the extended moments of silence with a thumping, gripping soundtrack, amplified Peels' intense direction.
A great, and somewhat confusing first time watch, but once you let it sink in, the resounding themes hidden in this film do reveal themselves.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
The Punch That Marvel Movies Needed
Never before has a Marvel movie existed that contains all the elements of a Marvel Movie while being so fun, witty and laughable. Taika Waititi has made a movie which brings together the epic nature of Thor with a ridiculously funny and unbelievable script. Yes, it might seem childish and offensive to the franchise, but let yourself like it, this movie is really a work of art.
Stranger Things: Chapter Nine: The Piggyback (2022)
The Pinnacle of Modern Television
If there's anything this season has shown, it is that it is no longer the small, nostalgic show that we once knew. It has expanded to every corner of the globe, with the fate of the world at stake, and it has done so masterfully.
With a runtime that is longer than most movies, the two hours and thirty minutes passed with the blink of an eye. I can't and won't even begin to talk about how good the episode was, the word count is more than this site can handle.
All I want to say is that I have watched Stranger Things evolve from a small, nostalgic show about a kid who went missing, and the mysterious Upside Down, and it has evolved into something greater season by season, episode by episode. I am so proud of The Duffer Brothers, the cast, the crew and everyone who's been involved in this production. This show has now become the pinnacle of modern television, and it sets a standard for what television should be. I am so grateful and proud of Stranger Things and what it has become, and I cannot wait for the final season.
Stranger Things: Chapter Eight: Papa (2022)
Eleven is BACK!
An epic start to volume two, Will's conversation with Mike near the start had me in tears, and the finale of the Nina crew was as epic as it could get.
Like Eleven BRINGING DOWN THAT HELICOPTER? Words cannot describe how incredible that was.
The finale of Brenner's arc was wonderfully executed with that heart-breaking scene between the two, while the death scene was so wonderfully executed.
The Duffer Brothers have created masterpiece after masterpiece. Each episode, the standards are raised to another bar that everyone thought was not possible. This season is now seen as the pinnacle of storytelling and modern television, and no doubt the season finale will create emotions that none of us knew even existed.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part V (2022)
Finally, An Episode Worthy of Kenobi's Name
Wow. That prequel flashback, intertwined with the Kenobi and Vader in the show, is an example of the best Star Wars is capable of. After more than a few disappointing episodes, and overall, a disappointing, inconsistent and poorly written show, Part V has just revived it, being the only episode that is worthy of Kenobi's name.
Every scene with Kenobi and/or Vader? 11/10
Every scene with Reva or anyone else? Still a solid 3/10
Reva FINALLY gets a backstory, alibeit in the same episode as her death (a little late Disney?)
However, the double plot twist of Reva revealing her intentions (which itself doesn't make any sense because surely she is not stupid enough to think that Vader can't sense it, especially after seeing all her friends butchered by him), and Vader revealing he already knew (Duh...) was pretty guessable but still cool nonetheless. Tala being force sensitive as also an awesome idea.
There are still plenty of writing inconsistencies, plot holes, and scenes that don't make much sense, like how Reva is essentially at the hands of death, and oh wait, now she's energetically crawling to reach the communicator which, out of everything Bail Organa says, just so perfectly plays the critical words pointing to Luke's existence. Perfect coincidence? I think lazy writing.
These plotholes are giving me GoT VIII flashbacks, and the episode length is terribly short. Marvel's putting out hour long episodes, Stranger Things is putting out nearly two hour episodes, and we have to make do with episodes that are 4 times shorter, where 50% of each episode is filled with stuff no one cares about. The only reason this is a 8/10 is because of the Kenobi/Vader arc and flashbacks. That is where the true Star Wars lies.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
Kenobi's Legacy Reduced to Ruins
Y'all say the sequels are bad, and that Disney Plus shows saved Star Wars, I hope episodes that are three times shorter than Stranger Things episodes and writing that is on par with Game of Thrones S8 live up to "Obi-Wan's Legacy"
Terrible characterisation, terrible choreography, Reva gets more screen time than Kenobi while the potatos growing in my backyard had a better backstory. The five lines Groot says in GoTG are better written than the 500 Reva says.
We wanted Kenobi and Vader in full length episodes
They gave us Reva and Leia in 30 minute snippets. And that's also considering that nothing the characters do make sense, nothing that happens make sense. Reva talking to Leia like she's some 40 year old women for instance, and Tala just slapping a stormtrooper. The one duel we did get so far is actually worse than the throne room duel in The Last Jedi.
They say that The Mandalorian saved Star Wars, that the future of Star Wars is on Disney Plus. No. Dave Filoni saved Star Wars. Everything else continues on a downward trajectory, from Visons (gag) to The Book of Boba Fett (-1 episode) to this.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part IV (2022)
Wow This Writing is TERRIBLE
Y'all say the sequels are bad, and that Disney Plus shows saved Star Wars, I hope episodes that are three times shorter than Stranger Things episodes and writing that is on par with Game of Thrones S8 live up to "Obi-Wan's Legacy"
Absolutely nothing makes sense in this episode.
How is tala talking so loud that I have to turn my volume down, but oh wait, absolutely no one hears her.
Why is Reva talking to Leia like she's 40?
Why is Leia talking to Reva like she's 25?
Why does Reva get more screen time than the literal title of the show - Kenobi?
Wtf was that stormtrooper slap?
This show is beyond saving.
Game of Thrones: The Last of the Starks (2019)
It's pretty bad but still on the verge of watchable
Having read all the reviews here before watching this episode, I can confirm the reviews are true, although the 1/10s and 2/10s are certianly an exaggration. Yes, it's really bad in term of GoT standards, yes, it's pretty bad in terms of television standards, but it was at least watchable.
My thoughts as the episode progressed:
Randomly crowned Gendry as a lord
How is everyone so happy after the burning wtf
Seems as everyone forgot the whole battle and that half of Winterfell was killed.
Wtf is this drinking game an absolute waste of screen time, killed the emotional atmosphere
Dialogue is incredibly forced
Brienne drunk? - would never happen
Man, this gathering scene is terrible - 20 minutes as well
Brienne would never do this - completely off the books.
Jon swears to never tell anyone and breaks it ten minutes later. Something again Jon would never do
The irony of asking the others to swear it when he's broken his sworn promise, terrible writing, Jon would never have such irony
Makes them swear it and doesn't even film the reactions wtf
Bronn would never take this arc for Riverrun
Tyrion offered Highgarden like it was a joke wtf.
And five minutes later Sansa breaks her sworn promise ffs
What Jon just gave Ghost away with no craps given
How tf does Drogon miss every arrow
That was the worst water battle I've ever seen
How did they even capture Missendei
This Jamie revelation for Cersi is completely out of character
BUT, the Jon/Daenerys bedroom scene was pretty good, and the final 10 minutes was sloid, and even though it was built on a broken storyline, it's the only 10 minutes in this 1h and 13 minute episode which felt like real GoT.
Overall, terrible writing, minus two good scenes which weren't well written anyway, the performances carried it. But contrary to other reviews, it is still watchable, barely.
Stranger Things: Chapter Seven: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab (2022)
WHAT DID I JUST SEE
I can't believe my eyes. I'm literally SHAKING. Three hours later and I am still trying to process this.
VECNA IS 001??
Eleven DIDN'T commit the Hawkins massacre?
WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO NANCY?
I could not have asked for a better backstory with Vecna. This was everything I hoped for and more.
My heart aches for Eleven's characterisation. This season has built up so much pain within such an innocent girl, so many internal forces that devastate her again and again and again. She is so strong, she is so pure, she is an absolute example of the good and moral justness of the world hidden under the evil.
I just CANNOT WAIT for part two, and I couldn't have asked for a better part one. From this day on, I will be counting down the days from July 1st. The Duffer Brothers, cast and crew, everyone that was involved in making this season... Thank you.
It is people like you who push the limits of filmmaking and show us what television is truely capable of. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Stranger Things: Chapter Six: The Dive (2022)
An Episode so Full of Character
This is the most charismatic and fun episode in the whole season. LOVE the reintroduction of Susie (I was expecting to never see her again). The full revelation of Hopper's storyline with Antonov is so satisfying, and Murray absolutely carries the comic relief.
Another top notch episode again.
Stranger Things: Chapter Five: The Nina Project (2022)
They Just Can't Do Anything Wrong
Wow. Another excellent episode. I'm so invested in every single storyline, and with Millie carrying the entire Eleven/Hawkins lab storyline, she just can't stop impressing. Her talent grows episode by episode, and just when you say it can't get any better, she just takes it up a notch.
If this isn't a Emmy worthy performance, I honestly don't know what is.
Stranger Things: Chapter Three: The Monster and the Superhero (2022)
Every Episode Just Gets Better
Millie is just incredible. Eleven is so emotionally packed in this episode it's hard to have a dry eye. Every episode has gotten better to the point where I am questioning "How can the next episode be better than the last one?" And it always is.
Stranger Things: Chapter Four: Dear Billy (2022)
Possibly the Best Episode of the Show
As someone who watches a lot of horror, S4E4 "Dear Billy" is quite literally a horror movie. Primarily focused on Max, the show's most underrated character, this episode is a true example of filmmaking being pushed to it's limits.
Sadie Sink's full emotive potential is so captivating, and everything in this episode is so well balanced, with a strong emphasis to many horror elements that push this episode literally over the edge.
This may well be the only season of television where each episode becomes magnitudes better than the last. Every time you finish an episode in season 4, you think "The Duffers can't pull off anything better than that", and they do. And they've done it again.
This may well be my favourite episode of Stranger Things - ever.
(Until the next one hits that is)
Stranger Things: Chapter Two: Vecna's Curse (2022)
Excellent Continuation of Season One
After a perfect season opener, "Vecna's Curse" continues to deliver quality Stranger Things content. Vecna grows more and more mysterious and there are some seriously heartbreaking scenes.
EVERY scene with Eleven broke my heart.
Hopper/Joyce and Murray's storyline is very interesting, and so is Nancy's, but the real story lies with Mike and El, and the Hawkins Gang.
Not as full on and emotionally confronting as the first, but still, an absolute hell of a episode!
Stranger Things: Chapter One: The Hellfire Club (2022)
The Best Season Opener of the Show
I couldn't have asked for anything better. From the moment "Written and Directed by The Duffer Brothers" flashed across the screen, I knew this episode was going to be damn good. But nothing compared to this. What an absolute rollercoaster of an episode. I was in tears for more three or four times in just an hour. My head is spinning. Absolutely incredible setup with Chrissy's character, and man I love Eddie, who I thought was going to be incredibly. Eleven's bullying scene was actually difficult to watch.
I couldn't have hoped for a better Season Opener.
Despite lacking any action, the extent to which we love the existing characters twists our emotions in this episode. This is one of the best character driven episodes in Stranger Things, and possibly, television history.
Game of Thrones: The Long Night (2019)
The Only Rival to BotB
This episode may be the most underrated episode in the whole show. It's visuals are an 11/10, great cinematography and direction. Having just finished it I am sitting here gobsmacked and quite literally shaking.
This is the only episode that can rival Battle of the Bastards, and is one of the best episodes in the show. Absolute masterpiece and "The Night King" score was absolutely breathtaking.
Thank god Miguel Sapochnik is directing the first episode in House of the Dragon.