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edward-27911
Reviews
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Udûn (2022)
A story that builds is a story that thrills.
A fantastic pay off for a series that at times seemed very slow paced and repetitive. We have finally left Numenor after three episodes of intense stagnation and tedious exposition that lead nowhere.
But, that aside, this episode delivered. Beautiful cinematography, well acted, gorgeous landscapes and higher stakes.
The threads seem to be coming together, the question is, was the dallying about at the beginning of series necessary? And, will it hurt the future of the series.
This episode is a 10/10, the three preceding episodes 5/10 with an overall score for 7 for the series so far. This reviewer would say watch, but be prepared to for the torturous 3 episodes in Numenor, stick with it... and it will become interesting.
Andor (2022)
Sci-Fi but not fantasy, not Star Wars
It should be noted that the mature tone of Andor is commendable. It's not a series that is meant to appeal to kids, such as Mandalorian or Boba Fett.
It cuts through the tin can self contained episode format that Star Wars television seems to be ruled by. And, much like Obi Wan, it tells a continuous narrative that builds.
The main problem with Andor is its allusions to Blade Runner. It seems to borrow a lot from it, including the more minimalist tones and slow beats of the drama. So some scenes feel tenuous and strained as the dialogue and conversations seem overly teased and indulgent in parts. I understand that this is by design to provide exposition but due to the restricted character writing, it offers little love for the characters.
This appears to be a Rebel act which is likely setting larger Rebel acts in motion, however, we are now halfway through the season and little in terms of moving the plot has happened.
This too seems to be a construct of serialised shows with a long narrative in recent times. A slow and repetitive arc where all of the story telling is left for the third act and often, not entirely requiring the initial filler episodes.
The writing is solid, the pacing is slow and repetitive, the scenery and landscapes are beautiful. The world building is beautiful. It's not a bad show, hence the critique might sound harsh but it is missing something. It doesn't give you the Star Wars atmosphere and while this might be because they want to show us something new, there should be equal investment in characterising the new elements as there as in world building something that's closer to Blade Runner than it is to Star Wars.
At the halfway point during the first season, I am entertained but it is missing some of the Star Wars elements the other Lucasfilm offerings were careful to include.
Oddworld: Soulstorm (2021)
Great Game very different from Abe's Exoddus
Very enjoyable, mind frenzying and difficult at times. Much like its predecessors you'll swear and shake the controllers in the air, and almost give up... only to make it.
I will say that the game can be quite buggy at points. Some Mudokons can't be rescued due to software bugs. I haven't played it since the latest update so it might be fixed.
A thrilling nostalgia ride, I do wish that there was more of the outside world in it. New n' Tasty captured some of the vastness in Oddysee. Would have been nice to have that feeling of vastness in Soulstorm... it gets repetitive in parts due to repeating pipes etc.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part V (2022)
Great Show
People say bad acting, bad writing, too woke... it's almost as if they've never seen Star Wars Episodes 1,2,3,4 and 6 where the plot is clunky, dialogue terrible, writing awful but the adventure wonderful. Episode 5 was well put together but again not without its flaws. Nobody comes to Star Wars expecting great writing, great acting and an ALL white cast... as for being too woke, if you don't like black people on TV, that's your problem.