Change Your Image
zillizard
Reviews
Daredevil: New York's Finest (2016)
Perfect harmony of screen and comic art
This episode is extremely compelling- it shows each member of the legal office flexing their assets. Karen reinforces that she is tenacious, and willing to take a risk in order to protect her team from a morally corrupt DA office. I found her scenes gripping in a different way than the other two members of N&M legal associates, though undoubtedly important to the overarching plot of the season. (Side note: why on earth was the x ray she holds up at the end so friggin BIG? How big is frank castles head?!?)
Foggy and Claire show excellent rapport, and I enjoyed his commanding performance in the ER. While not knocking heads in the metaphorical or literal sense of the other two, he brings the spirit of what daredevil is trying to do to life in finding ways to better the lives of denizens of Hell's Kitchen without murder. (Side note: would love to see some women in ponytails, it's a frickin heat wave and neither Karen nor Claire have their hair up? A tiny issue but still immersion breaking for this viewer. There are so few instances of that when they do occur it's somewhat distracting!)
Finally, MM's confrontation with Frank on the roof. While I find the overall hammering of "what truly makes a difference to the city" themes a little exhausting, there was plenty of tension added through the encounter. While the other two members were dealing with the ever increasing tinderbox of the city, frank literally shoots a match to light the fires. Other high points of the roof: the old man coming to investigate was incredibly well story boarded- each shot increased the unease and volatility of the interaction. Knowing frank is unhinged, not knowing his motivations or what he is willing to do to reach his ends made a somewhat brief encounter compelling and world-building.
Finally, the single/long take fight scene in the stairwell showed exactly what a live action adaptation can add to a comic book medium. Many other reviews have said plenty on this scene, and I wanted to mention this aspect. The choreography, lighting and framing of the fight were all spectacular. Even the initial frame, where the old man pops out of the door after MM is clearly trying to make a quick and clean getaway was the perfect spark to show how DD is a protector who is not afraid to draw blood to stop innocents from being hurt. Extremely well made and intentional episode!
The Bear: Doors (2024)
My heart is aching
This episode is incredible. The music works in perfect harmony with the building tension and frustration of everyone in The Bear. Each part of the team is getting more and more exasperated with Carmy, who is clearly suffering and has gone cold turkey on the coping mechanisms he had in the last two seasons (smoking, going to AA, Claire). The comedic elements are refreshing and understated, though they do little to dissipate the rising dread created by the multiple montages of the more rock solid members of the team messing up. Every second, every shot, every vignette and audio cue are building the tension and signaling how precipitous the fallout will be. I haven't finished the season yet but I'm very excited to see how this will pay off.
On a side note, the latent/nagging intrusive thoughts (depicted as quick flashes, not always connected to the scene directly) is one of the more accurate visual representations of how my PTSD has manifested. I really applaud the entire team on The Bear- definitely hard to watch at times but for all the right reasons!!
Supai Famirî: Bond's Strategy to Stay Alive/Damian's Field Research Trip (2023)
green's voice
Hearing roronoa zoro's voice added a million layers of love I have for this episode. Perfect casting of mister green's dub for adding a positive male role model who can lead the boys without tamping down their youthfulness. Chris sabat does an excellent job!! The first half was also very enjoyable- the dynamic of bond and yor is positively precious. Love this series so much!!
Oh my god I have to add so many more characters to post this when I just wanted to express my love for zoro and his voice actor in the dubs. I just finished the dubbed one piece episodes today so I immediately recognized it. Okay done and done!
Barbie (2023)
I feel so seen- and that's what Barbie is!
I continuously laughed and cried the whole movie. The acting is impeccable. There are so many small details and visual gags that I'm sure there were things I missed because I was laughing so much. It's clear the writers are intimately familiar with doll play, and how Barbies are actually used by children.
Special shout-out to America Ferrara in this respect. Obviously Robbie and Gosling are amazing, but Ferrera brings the "human woman" perspective with enthusiasm and warmth. Her delivery for certain monologues is achingly relatable, and acknowledges issues facing both women and Barbie in a way that validates what women may or may not feel without judgement, just camaraderie.
The movie is self aware, the auteur lens making it feel like you're watching alongside someone. I cannot imagine watching the movie and feeling alone- Greta gerwig has brought you into the fold, acknowledging your role as audience but also as witness.
This is most apparent in the scenes of the movie that other reviewers have deemed feminist. The whole point of Barbie (the movie and the doll's origins) are to make women feel seen, feel valued and to show that you can be you without collecting things to validate your identity.
I absolutely loved every minute of this film and I am so happy that it was made. Thank you to everyone involved in this project, you truly created movie magic.
I am unsurprised that there are negative reviews for this movie, as some people do not enjoy looking at the truth head on. Suspend any need for Complacent Barbie, and embrace the wonderful magic of this movie.
(barely a spoiler) the second to the last scene of Barbie made me feel the way I did when watching Lovecraft Country, episode 7 (titled "I am.") if you need a dose of that energy before you can see the movie again, I absolutely recommend it. No need to watch the whole series if it's not your bag.
Rent-a-Pal (2020)
Excellent study in psychological horror and dread
This movie was incredibly hard to watch- in a great way. As others have mentioned, it has excellent cinematography and pacing. Each new scene brings anticipation and dread of what might happen. The way the story is revealed slowly, without a ton of exposition is honestly masterful. I took off one star because the ending was a bit unsatisfying- I did not understand why David felt so attached to a video of someone being a friend and eschewed a real tangible relationship for the video. It made me think deeply about parasocial relationships and the age we are currently in- with a new generation learning to form one sided relationships with influencers and how that might change their understanding of socialization. A subtle detail I loved is that when David is watching tapes, the audio fades into clear, undistorted much like if the person was in the room talking. It starts very early in the movie, and I think is excellent for building a case that he is having trouble differentiating between reality and media. Overall, it was an excellent movie and I would definitely recommend to anyone who loves horror but doesn't love gore- it is very minimal in this piece. So glad I watched it!
The Bear: Honeydew (2023)
Touched my heart
This season has been such a great deep dive into characters so far. This episode, looking at Marcus going to Copenhagen, warmed my heart immensely. We all know he is a great guy, but adding the additional context by showing him with his mom, helping a man who has fallen, and sending pictures to people at home characterizes how much he loves his family and his home. Will Poulter is also a welcome addition to this episode as the chef tasked with teaching Marcus how to become better. The calm, smooth pacing of the episode is perfect for Marcus. It's also wild Ramy Youssef directed, what a great surprise at the end credits!
South Side (2019)
Undeniably funny
I watched the first season and was amused. There were some very funny moments, definitely enough for me to be interested in a second season. At about the episode 4 mark in season 2 (the Ferris bueller one), I was HOOKED. I'm howling with laughter, rewinding scenes to catch all the jokes, and loving every minute. I'm not sure why people say the show is not woke- it's humor and comedy without punching down. The humor comes from the situations and personalities, not at the expense of marginalized people. There is not a huge amount of politicizing issues, but that's on brand for the characters and their lives. I absolutely love this show and will continue watching it! 8/10 because the first season was a little hit or miss for me.
Hellraiser (2022)
LOVED it!!
Had no idea a hellraiser remake was coming up- absolutely LOVED this one. A huge problem with the original(s) is that there weren't any characters to root for!! I love the direction this went- there was so much tension and just enough expectation subversion that it kept me on my toes. I genuinely enjoyed this immensely, the visuals are a wonderful update from the original movie. I cannot wait to see where the franchise goes next- if they stick with a similar formula from the original series or go a completely different direction, doesn't matter to me!! Definitely recommend watching this to horror aficionados! Bravo!
Reservation Dogs: Wide Net (2022)
Not sure why it's so much lower than the other eps!!
This episode made my heart full- just when I was thinking about how the women (mothers, aunties, matriarchs) of the show weren't getting enough screen time, they dedicated an entire episode to them outside of their families and obligations!! I love how the show demonstrates generational trauma and coping with loss by showing, not telling. Cookie's absence is felt- even though we've never met her, her absence looms in each frame and moment. Each character ends up doing what they need for where they are at emotionally, without FOMO or guilt for their indulgence. Rez dogs proves again that stories and moments come from every stage of life, not just the youth or even the elders.
The Wilds: Day 30/1 (2022)
The boys can't hang
The actors for the "control group" are not as compelling as the original cast. I do love all the varied and realistic responses to trauma the women portray. I also cannot believe Nora is truly dead but I guess I'll have to keep watching!!
House (2008)
bad, bad, BAD
Content of the story aside (there's nothing there to note) I will elaborate more on the visual aspects of the movie. These are important in a horror/thriller movie.
1000x jump cuts per minute. It feels like the director and editors were aware of the limited set budget and decided to compensate by close ups of uninspired facial expressions and "creepy" garbage. Especially in the first 3/4 of the movie, I was constantly thinking "what is going on?? I can't see through all this clutter!" All of the camera angles are weird, but not for an apparent reason. There is no shot that lasts for more than 5 seconds without cutting, except for a scene where the couple is stumbling around in the forest. It doesn't even look like Alabama!!
The only way you'd know what's going on is if you've watched a lot (or maybe even a few, it's not that imaginative) of horror and if you have, everything is telegraphed ahead of time. I can't believe I spent time watching this. I'm not mad, but the execution was so terrible it wasn't even entertaining. It's not even a movie that's so bad it's good!! Don't waste your time if you want to be interested, entertained, or honestly even distracted.
Bingo Hell (2021)
Loved it!
This movie was a wild ride with a lot of visual interest, likable characters and a menacing villain. Though it lacked the twist of a more classic horror genre film it was thoroughly entertaining and I would definitely watch it again. The main characters were all cast well, acted phenomenally and really made me care about the outcome of the events of the film. I loved the layers of metaphor and symbolism and the fantasy interspersed with reality- it made me question what was real and what the character wanted to see. Bravo!! Would definitely recommend as a late night fun watch!
Superstore: Valentine's Day (2017)
Wish they'd stop making S.A. a punchline
Multiple episodes now have included characters "misinterpreting" behavior or definitions of sexual assault or harassment as a punchline. It's not funny and I don't know why it's supposed to be? There may be a time in society where it could be joked about but with victims struggling to speak up and be believed it is extremely tone deaf to keep doing this tired bit.
Honestly, it's exhausting enough that it makes me want to stop watching. And this came out in 2017? Get out 🙄
Reservation Dogs: Uncle Brownie (2021)
coming of age for uncle brownie
I have enjoyed every episode so far but this one hits different. Watching the rez dogs bring along "uncle brownie" into a world that he has closed himself off from is a fun take on the "coming of age" premise that the youths have been steering for the previous two episodes. I hate waiting a week for a new episode but this show is so precious and important and well worth the wait!!!
Gehenna: Where Death Lives (2016)
Lots of good details
If you enjoy watching movies that make you want to go back and look for details you may have missed, this will be moderately pleasing to you. As with all horror, there are several twists (predictable in timing but not always content) that keep the story moving along. Is everything explained? No. Did it have some uncomfortable depictions of non-white people? Yes, though not as egregious as it could have been while not being great. Was the script awesome? No, but there wasn't so much dialogue that it mattered tremendously or distracted from the plot. Overall I enjoyed it I think. I would watch it maybe once more but not more than that.
Await Further Instructions (2018)
As a Matrix prequel, not bad!
Other reviews covered the basics: strong first half, interesting premise, limitations due to budget constraints, some confusing actions from the characters at times.
I'm here to propose if you want to imagine a Matrix prequel, this really fits the bill. The enemy has a similar tentacle structure to the machines of the Matrix, and a lot of the aesthetics aren't too far off. If you frame it that way, the ending is actually very fitting and interesting..... but again, maybe I've just watched too many movies. Worth watching in the background or if you're curious!
Adventure Time: Mama Said (2015)
Canyon!!!
She might be my favorite character, I would watch a canyon spin off sooooo much
NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service: Collateral Damage (2008)
Better than average episode.
Surprising they don't revisit the probie agent introduced in the episode again in the series. Kind of disappointing but not surprising.
NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service: Friends & Lovers (2007)
Finally!
Up until now I'd treated NCIS like mildly intriguing background noise. There were upsetting sticking points and not really a lot to keep someone watching. This episode has more heart and intrigue than the previous 3.5 seasons combined.
Gibbs has to answer to a chain of authority, Tony has to grapple with his feelings, and two really likable characters are introduced. Fun twist at the end in two ways. Enjoyable!
NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service: Faking It (2006)
What did I just watch...?
So Gibbs watches a cold blooded murder by his former mentor, and does nothing?
Then finds out the whole thing was a front put on by the mentor, and smiles and laughs? Who is satisfied by this ending? Where is the justice?
WHO IS THIS FOR????? Some of the episodes from this period in time are sickening in their groveling to appeal to the "law and order" crowds. As an American, this kind of depiction feels nauseatingly familiar. This is closer to reality than many may think, and that is the problem with American "law enforcement".
NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service: Iced (2006)
Yuck.
Hopefully everyone who watches this gets a sour taste in their mouth. Absolutely disgusting.
Gibbs drops off their suspect with the knowledge and expectation they will be murdered by their gang members. Cuts to news story of the body being discovered. Repulsive.
Rick and Morty: Meeseeks and Destroy (2014)
Why?
The episode was really enjoyable until they introduced the idea that morty was sexually assaulted in the bathroom. Why include that? Why depict that as something that a 12 year old boy might be exposed to? There are probably kids who have encountered situations like that and being forced to relive it is not artful, it's not poignant, it's really harmful to viewers who were not expecting a revival of emotions they may have stemming from a loved experience. This really sours my take on the series. While the event wasn't treated in a light hearted way, there's no reason for a viewer to have to worry that something like this would come up in such a visceral way.
I suppose I'll keep watching but this was beyond upsetting. I don't know why this episode is rated so highly, the depiction of a pubescent person being sexually assaulted is never something I could brush under the rug.
Legends of Tomorrow (2016)
Like wine. There when you need it, better as it ages.
This show has consistently gotten better every season. I'm rating this during season 6, after mick and Sara talk about how they're the only remaining of the original crew.
I hadn't even thought of that. I started with other CWDC shows, and gravitated to legends because some of my favorite side characters ended up on the wave rider.
The show has finally found its stride- a self aware, buddy superhero gang bouncing from crisis to crisis with poignant emotional scenes to ground the time bros/Book Club in your heart. Is it the best CG on television? Absolutely not. Is it the most compelling storytelling? Also no.
For those who find DC to be too "dark and depressing", this is the answer: a lighthearted superhero adventure that feels very much like a weekly serial comic book. I love it and will watch every season they make, probably multiple times.
Doom Patrol (2019)
Not for everyone, incredible nonetheless.
Sometimes the best shows suffer from too much hype and onus on the actors to carry it through the boring times. Are there plot lines that are slightly more boring to me? Yes. But every episode does what it pleases. The chemistry and relationships between both the characters and the actors are sophisticated and delectable. Incredible example of character studies that are enjoyable to watch. This show is not for everyone, but for the people who don't mind being taken on wild goose chases with more character development than plot development, buckle up and get ready to call in sick to work.
Season 2 does a great job of continuing character development, going deeper into the idea of family and familial relationships. The plot is compelling and the first few "villain of the week" episodes are very very well done. I really cherish this show and commend the writers, directors and actors who have brought these characters to life for me.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018)
Absolutely amazing.
I was drawn in by the fun, extra girly graphics of the first season. While it has a pretty slow start, She-Ra is one of my favorite shows of all time. From the realistic and varied appearances of characters, to the flawed and human personalities, to the gripping plot lines and heartwarming friendships/relationships, I cannot WAIT to show my children this (even though I don't have any now). This is exactly the kind of messaging and representation that people deserve and need to see. This is the best of what "children's programming" can offer.
For anyone pining for the old series, that's fine. I understand it's hard to bring back the magic of seeing something with childlike wonder for the first time. Please stop rating a show based on what it isn't, and instead watch and celebrate it for what it is.
For all ages, all genders, all sexualities, all HUMANS! Simply amazing.