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Blakegilham
Reviews
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
A Fun, yet Meaningless Sequel
I was very excited to hear that the Sanderson Sisters would be returning for a sequel to one of my childhood favorites. I tried as best I could to watch this film without letting my love (and nostalgia) for the first film sway me too much, and in that I think I was successful.
That being said, I was mildly disappointed with the direction the film went. In the first film, the Sanderson Sisters felt as if they were a genuine threat to the protagonists. The heroes constantly had to be quick witted to get out of situations, but they constantly were beaten, captured, and in danger. In this, it seems the deviation from that was very sharp. The three protagonists in this film are never in any real danger. They constantly outsmart the Sandersons, they are never threatened even in the slightest. To me, this takes away from any vested interest I might have.
Instead of this being a film about witches trying to do what witches do, it takes a turn and becomes about friendship and love, even with the Sandersons. The sentiment didn't quite deliver to me.
The movie is fun. Campy and silly magic, tons of little one liners that will make you at least smile a little. Children will probably enjoy this film quite a lot, but for those who were fans of the original I think you will be ultimately disappointed.
The Walking Dead: East (2016)
He'll be alright....
The go-home show before the finale had its amazing moments, and its head scratching moments.
We begin the episode with virtually every major character leaving Alexandria. Half are in search of Carol, and the other half is chasing a vengeful Daryl. This is one of the head scratchers, because it makes no sense that every big name would leave Alexandria basically defenseless. However, there has to be a build-up to next week, so this is what it is. It isn't bad, it just didn't make sense.
We follow Carol as she is almost taken by Saviors, before she kills them with a concealed gun. She cries almost the whole time. I have read reviews in which they complain about the character development of Carol. That she is a "whiny old lady". I completely disagree. Carol started the show as a weak woman, and grew into the most bad@$$ woman on the show. However, now semi-safe behind the walls of Alexandria, she has a moment to slow down, and realize what she has become. She looks in the mirror and does not like what she sees. this week was proof however, she will still kill when necessary. I am interested to see where she goes.
Rick and Morgan for the first time in a LONG time, exude that chemistry I loved from earlier seasons. Rick finally seeing a glint of truth in what Morgan has argued about not killing was very good. And the line about the protein bar was hilarious.
The cliffhanger. MAJOR SPOILER. We see Daryl get shot. No question it was him. Then they insert the "He'll be alright" as it fades to black. Without this line, the cliffhanger is amazing. We all believe Daryl is dead. This wasn't like Glen's cliffhanger, because we wont wait all season to see if he is alive. We will know next week everyone's fate, for the most part. So to throw the sentence in, kind of takes away excitement. Maybe Dwight wasn't talking to or about Daryl, but most will assume he is, and that takes away excitement. Still, I jumped off the couch when that trigger was pulled. My mouth stood open for several moments. So it was good in the moment.
All in all, the was a perfect set-up for next week. Negan is Coming...