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Reviews
Disclaimer (2024)
Interesting at first, then it gets annoying
Never read the book, so judging the series as a standalone. The series is way too long, stretched way too much. It was intriguing and mysterious for the first few episodes, but by episode five, I was like, "Oh my god, just conclude it already.". Catherine's silence/constantly being interrupt while trying to tell her side feels like just a plot mechanism to keep the story going. Clearly setting up for a "twist".
The constant, detailed sex scenes are just ew. Literally porn. I don't mind sex scenes, but if I want to watch "detailed" sex scenes that last ten minutes, my first choice for that would not be Apple TV+.
It's What's Inside (2024)
Interesting watch
I really liked the style and tone of the movie. Although, Some characters were frustrating to watch, making questionable decisions or lacking depth, which took away from the immersion at times.
The director makes an interesting choice with both the tone and cinematography, creating a visually interesting and cool looking film. It was engaging and enjoyable, with humor that didn't feel forced and a few genuinely funny moments. The use of lighting was effective, and the unique score fit well.
The plot near the end does feel a bit rush, and unsatisfying, the pacing, while mostly solid, had moments that felt uneven.
Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval (2024)
Ramble
There are far too many applause breaks for moments that aren't particularly funny or noteworthy. The narrative about being 'kicked out of' show business doesn't land when she's literally here on Netflix with a multi-million dollar deal. Clearly, despite the controversy, companies still willing to pay for her work, it's ultimately within her power to remain in or step away from show business.
I was hoping to hear her side of the controversy, or at least how she would weave it into her routine, but instead, she skims over the issue without offering much insight or depth. The constant jumping from topic to topic with no clear link makes the special feel disjointed and unfocused. It lacks the depth or insight that I expected, leaving the entire show feeling more like a ramble than a cohesive stand-up performance.
Monsters: The Hurt Man (2024)
Standout Episode
This episode is absolutely amazing and easily stands out as one of the best of the season. The one-shot take is simply breathtaking-truly impressive filmmaking. The actor's performance is nothing short of phenomenal, delivering raw, powerful emotion throughout the entire sequence.
There's no noticeable cut, so if this really was filmed in a nearly hour-long single take, it's mind-blowing how the actor maintained such intensity throughout all of it.
The slow zoom into the actor's face amplify the intensity of the moment. The underlying subject matter elevates the emotional weight of the episode. An incredible episode from start to finish.
Uglies (2024)
Don't expect much
Just no. First of all, the cast members are far from "ugly" or even "mid." Given the premise of the show, they should have cast average-looking actors, not models trying to pass as "ugly." The storyline is also a mess. The introductory monologue about fossil fuels and war is supposed to set the stage, somehow, but it feels disconnected from the main plot.
The script is terrible, and there's zero chemistry between the characters. The cgi is subpar, the pacing is slow and boring.
If you've run out of things to watch, this might work as a background filler, but don't expect much. Might as well watch a summary on YouTube.
Wiman Nam (2024)
Heavy
The movie, especially near the ending, had me wanting to yell at the screen, which I suppose means it did a great job of getting me invested. The cinematography is impressive, and the film tackles important underlying subject matter. It's a unique Thai movie, one that we haven't seen in a long time.
On the other side, The script can be frustrating for viewers to watch, perhaps intentionally so, but it's annoying not to see the protagonist "win" even a little. There are many cliché moments, and the direction is somewhat convoluted. The female antagonist is poorly developed; she comes across as simply evil and greedy. While there is some attempt to explain her motivations, it ultimately feels like she's just evil for the sake of it. That said, people like her do exist in real life, but they are just as annoying to interact with as they are to watch on the screen.
Deo Inpeullueonseo (2024)
Cringe overload
The first episode alone is obnoxiously boring. Introduction scenes alone takes like half an hour. Then there are constant clips of them; TikTok clips after TikTok clips, I feel like I'm watching a TikTok compilation. Not literally every single one of these needs their clips played to introduce them to prove how "big of a deal" they are.
It's like the producers saw people complaining about influencers in reality TV shows instead of normal people and thought, "You know what we need? Seventy of them in the same room." Let's see dozens of people walking around , talking, using their phones, how entertaining could it be ? It might get better as time goes on and few people are left, but the first episode is such a drag I don't even care to watch any more of this.
Century of Love (2024)
Proper Rom com
Just saw this on Netflix. It's quite comical, lol. The premise is unique, offering an interesting twist on the "love lasts through time" trope by exploring a somewhat comical yet intriguing concept: what if the reincarnated version has a different gender altogether? This twist brings a fresh and humorous angle to the story, making it stand out in the crowded field of romantic comedies drama genre.
Now, it has some flaws, some cringe dialogues, some overused romance cliches such as character touching mouth alone after the kiss, characters tripping and dropping to the ground, then, wow, they almost kissed. Groundbreaking. Still, overall, it's a fun and entertaining series. It's definitely worth a watch for its creative approach to lgbtq story.
Uranus 2324 (2024)
A for Effort, Still A lot of room for improvement
First of all, I must commend the filmmakers for their effort in pushing the boundaries of the Thai movie industry. It's evident that a lot of hard work went into creating this film.
That said, there is still much room for improvement. The film felt like a drama wrapped in sci-fi clothing. The opening gave a theme of a sci-fi story, but then it went on a long shift to focus heavily on romance and drama, leaving the initial interest in the sci-fi elements unsatisfied.
In the first half, The narrative is frequently disrupted by prolonged flashbacks and time jumps, making it difficult to follow the core storyline.
The film is also way too long, with many repetitive scenes that has the same premises. On the top of my mind, Kath diving, many many times, which lose their significance and disrupt the narrative flow.
Additionally, like many Thai shows and movies, this film suffers from the "Make Up Even When Waking Up" syndrome. In stressful situations, close-up shots fail to convey emotion, instead showing smooth, beautiful faces devoid of the natural wrinkles or sweat one would expect under stress. Even after fighting, the hair is still smooth, flowing, and flawless.
Twisters (2024)
Fun but Cliché-Packed Disaster Movie
As expected from a disaster-themed thriller, this is filled with clichés: the talented moral girl with a tragic past, the evil money people, and the "rural guy that's looked down upon at first, but actually very smart" guy.
Regardless, it delivers on the main promise-exciting tornado action. The cinematography and action sequences are well-executed, immersing you into the chaos. While the CGI is mostly okay, some parts do stand out that it's computer generated.
If you're planning to watch this, seeing it in a theater is recommended. The bigger the screen and audio system, the better the experience.
Bôifurendo (2024)
Wholesome Calm Vibe
I think this is the first mainstream same-sex dating reality series in Japan. The overall vibe is quite calm, heartwarming and delightful. No "Bammm Bamm Bamm" sounds, no ten super-cut, no dramatic "I will do whatever horrible thing to win this.." cliché.
The cast consists of clean-cut and polite individuals. The show seems to focus on friendship, self-improvement, and romance. Drama does occur occasionally to make things interesting.
The show follows the men's daily lives, including cooking, hanging out, and occasional dates. Sex is rarely discussed, although there's a sexual undertone to some scenes. The show's emphasis on emotional connections and personal growth is a welcome theme.
Now, aside from all the wholesomeness, the pace is quite slow. Additionally, the "commentator" panel thingy is not something I'm used to.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
Quiet Place : Cute Cat
The story isn't as focused on family as the previous ones, which I liked. I'm tired of watching oblivious children mess things up in these kind of movies. There's also a very cute cat, which lightens up the horror element.
This film is an interesting addition to the franchise, showing the initial alien invasion. I felt engaged throughout the almost 2 hr runtime , with no boring moments. However, I wish they had explored the origin of the aliens more, as there's so much potential for interesting lore beyond just following the two main protagonists.
The sound design is amazing, and while some CGI is great, some parts aren't. Lupita's performance is amazing and emotionally strong, adding depth to the film.
Inside Out 2 (2024)
Emotions Personified
This recaptures the magic of the first film. The personification of various emotions cleverly shows the nature of human feelings and actions.
The writing is great, with a strong message about emotional growth and understanding oneself. The animation is full of bright colors and unique designs, making every scene visually appealing. The voice actors' performances were fantastic, adding depth and authenticity to the characters. The story flows smoothly, and the pacing keeps you engaged from start to finish.
I recommend watching it in IMAX-it enhances the immersive experience. The larger screen and better sound quality make the vibrant animation and emotional scenes even more impactful.
Queer Planet (2024)
Showing Nature as It Is Recorded
At its core, it's just another nature documentary among many, it shows the observed behaviors of a diverse array of animals.
It shows nature as it is recorded. What sets this documentary apart is its focus on showcasing a side of nature that was not mainstream in traditional documentaries.
The cinematography is excellent, as nature docs often do. I think it provides an eye-opening look at wildlife. I already know that animals have been recorded doing same-sex stuff, but this documentary still surprised me by showing so much more species e.g., hyenas, dolphins, macaques, clownfish , giraffes and more.
Breaking the Cycle (2024)
Progress and Hope
This documentary shows a group of progressive Thai politicians and activists who are challenging an oppressive institution, representing a movement that many once thought was impossible in Thailand. This is clearly demonstrated by the majority of Thai people in the recent election, where the progressive party in this documentary made significant gains, securing a substantial number of seats and disrupting the established order.
At its core, it's a documentary, so I hope it reaches a wider audience than just the "orange party" supporters and their allies. The subject is important to everyone, and I hope that even those who disagree will watch it with an open mind, and see the importance of this forward-thinking movement.
Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial (2024)
Worth watching
Considering the voluminous information surrounding WWII, it's not going to cover every detail or aspect that one might want to see. However, I think they've managed to include the key moments of the narrative they're focusing on.
This documentary combines commentary, historical footage, and reenactment scenes. The reenactment scenes help enhance the documentary. A lot of important meetings were done behind closed doors and were not recorded, so the reenactment gives a sense of what might have happened.
I think this is a great documentary and shows how such dangerous regimes can come into power. Hopefully, although unlikely, such grand scale atrocities are behind us.
Sous la Seine (2024)
Whatever
Don't overthink it. It's just a dumb (non-derogatory) shark movie. This is good for shutting your brain off and just looking at it, kinda thing. Every cliché you can think of will be there. The camera will shake so much you wish you were eaten by the shark.
A lot has been said about its inaccuracy, and duh, of course it's inaccurate. In fact, it has so many inaccuracies and nonsensical things that you wish, again, that you were eaten by the shark.
Also, There's this weird plot with the 20-year-old Shark Lover, which is so out of place, I can't even hate it because it's like, huh? Is she gonna turn into SharkWoman?
I wish the director would have just said "whatever" and just leaned more into the satire genre. Make "Under Paris" literal, like, literally swimming under the cold hard ground, in the soil, in the road , everywhere all at once.
Deo Eiteu Syo (2024)
Amazing social commentary show
Another amazing social commentary show from Korea. I binged it all in one day. The premise of the show is incredible. The setting and metaphors, as well as the commentary on how society works, are perfect. The out-of-touch "elite" girl is annoyingly insufferable.
One thing, though, is that I feel like things got a bit too extreme toward the last two episodes. I'm not saying it's impossible for humans to be cruel in the pursuit of money-people have literally killed for money in real life. But for the last two episodes, even though such extreme actions are possible, when it went there so abruptly in the show, it just broke the immersion and suspension of disbelief and make the show felt unsettlingly too weird to watch.
Still, this is a highly recommended show to watch. An important reminder that power corrupts even the most well-intentioned people.
Hollywood Con Queen (2024)
Worth Watching, But Too Long
I think the story can be a good lesson on scam awareness, making it worth watching. However, the nearly three-hour runtime felt unnecessarily long to me. The start of the first episode successfully hooked me, but the second episode suffered from repetitive dialogues, filler monologues and seemingly stretched expositions, which all came across to me as redundant.
Showing the efforts made to track down the scammer was intriguing, but I don't think that literally every single detail needs to be depicted so exhaustively. For example, in the second episode, there are many scenes of the journalist selfie style portrait video showing him monologuing to his phone. It's redundant because the journalist was already being interviewed by the film crew.
Towards the end, it felt weird because the journalist seemingly makes all this to be about himself.
Dark Matter (2024)
I like it, hope it's more sci-fi though
Another life drama show wrapped in sci-fi clothing. Don't get me wrong, I love these multi-dimensional concepts. And I think it's interesting enough to keep watching until the end. But instead of making the plot more "grand" with the technology, we have to watch this family drama unfold.
With technology like that, one would hope the story would explore something more profound than just "I want to have my dream life with my dream wife." You could have made this about an apocalyptic event, an ambitious dictator, etc., but here we are stuck with this personal adventure. The acting is great, of course. The pace is slow in the first episode, but it gets better in the second.
Bodkin (2024)
Too Slow
The show had potential, but its pacing was too slow, with numerous scenes where nothing really happened. All the content could have been condensed into half the number of episodes.
I thought they were going to do something interesting with the True Crime Podcast theme, but that wasn't done well either; the podcast thing seemed to be an afterthought. It was tagged as a mystery, dark comedy, and drama, but by trying to do too many things, the overall quality suffered. Apart from the lighting, I don't think it's that 'dark'. I also lost interest in the "mystery" due to repetitive scenes of characters saying things ominously that seemed to lead nowhere.
Dead Boy Detectives (2024)
Could be better
The dynamic between the two 'dead boys' is fun to watch. However, Crystal the psychic seems out of place. Her sudden integration into the group felt forced, and the first episode focuses so much on her that you'd think she founded the agency.
Maybe it should be written better, because at first, I thought Crystal would be just a one-time character as a client. Then, out of nowhere, she suddenly becomes central (like, literally positioned at the center of the screen) in every scene.
Fortunately, things improved in the second episode. I enjoyed every scene that actually focused on the 'detective' part. Crystal character also got better towards the end, so probably just the introduction that's not smooth enough.
Baby Reindeer (2024)
The Story is Insane!
This is insane. The story, the woman, every bit of it, just insane. Oh my god. There were so many moments that just made my blood boil.
Somehow, This story is shockingly real, the show is written and produced by the guy this happened to. Even more shockingly, The actor who plays Donny, Richard Gadd, is the guy this stalking situation happened to! I cannot believe one could have the energy to write, produce, and act in a show based on one's own traumatic experience.
Now, I get that Martha is sick, and the series made it clear that she needs help. However, I won't empathize with Martha. Don't confuse empathy with sympathy. Sure, Police/Institutions should learn many things from this Martha situation, and society should provide more resources to those with mental illness. Still, no, I don't empathize. Build many affordable therapy centers, then send her to them, permanently.
9-1-1: You Don't Know Me (2024)
"I'm An Ally"
This is the first episode in a while that I decided to watch entirely live. I think many would agree that Buck's direction has made the show more interesting and engaging. Interestingly, from what I have seen in general, even those who don't like the "change" are still investing their energy into engaging with it.
As already seen in the promo, Buck went on a 'first date with a dude.' It went about as smoothly as anyone would expect. Awkward at times, a bit cringey at times, but real to what many people in their 'first date with a dude' would feel. Nice acting performance from everyone involved.
Unlocked: A Jail Experiment (2024)
Somehow, It's somewhat hilarious
LOL All the reality TV tropes are here, even in prison:
- Classic "you disrespect me!" drama. Also, "How dare you talk to me like that?!" drama
- Inmates are introduced with close-up footage, multiple angle cuts, posing, lens flare, and dramatic music. Like, hello, these people committed CRIME lol
- Various things were smashed. Many angry hands movement
- Inmates having confessional-style reality TV talk to the camera as if they're Kardashians.
The overall experiment itself was somewhat interesting, and there are serious moments in the show. However, I don't think I have absorbed any serious message. It's the prison drama that kept me watching.