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evansjoshyr
Reviews
Fallout (2024)
An absolute delight.
I am so thrilled this show was as good as it was. It nailed almost everything I hoped it would. It excells not just as a fallout show but as a series of television by itself. Just blast from begining to end.
They nailed the feel of the games. The humourous tone is interwoven with mystery, suspense action and character drama. The sets are incredible and the world feels so tactile. There are clever nods to the games, but they never feel like cheap fan-service. The original story is simple but very effective. It allows first time viewers and fans of the games alike to get attached to the characters and setting.
In summary, it's just so easy to like Fallout. It has a charm unique to the franchise and it feels like every department was working at their A game. An incredible achievement in video game Adaptations.
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off: Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life (2023)
Incredible
I had very little expectations going into this and that's definitely the best way to experience it, so I'll keep it brief. I've watched the movie and read the first book, and this feels like a perfect combination of the 2 while having it's own style. Both the books and film are very funny, but there's just something about the sense of humor of this episode that made me laugh just a little bit more. The video game references are stylishly done and make this a really fun watch, it's so creative and vibrant. There's also huge inspiration from anime and I think it pays off incredibly well. I'm extremely excited to see what direction they take this unique show in.
Justice League: In Blackest Night: Part II (2001)
Thrilling, thought provoking and action packed
A fantastic court-centered superhero adventure, just like the first part. Jon Stewart again is so brilliantly written. He doesn't say many lines, but you always know how he's feeling. He plays off brilliantly with the flash as always, who is in many ways his polar opposite. Hawkgirl has a lot to do in this half of the story. The scene where she quite literally whacks some sense into the green lantern core is badass. And while it will be obvious to many that Jon is innocent, accidents like a whole planet being blown up could happen when heroes are reckless. I appreciated that the episode showed the repercussions of a superhero messing up even once. It's really interesting and thought provoking. Overall, just a brilliant and somewhat underrated couple of episodes.
Justice League: In Blackest Night (2001)
7.3?? Seriously?
This episode (and part 2) was amazing. It goes from character drama, to huge action sequences to courtroom drama and packs an emotional punch while doing so. Jon Stewart is such a likable character and seeing him treated in such a vile way is really heartbreaking to see. The genius of this episode is that Jon even believes he is the monster everyone (other than the justice league) sees him as. His reactions to the whole situation really do steal the show. But all the characters in this show are brilliantly written and acted. Overall, a fantastic watch and a thrilling piece of superhero fiction. I couldn't believe it was rated so low.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
It took me a rewatch to fully appreciate this masterpiece
The spiderverse movies truly are not only some of the best superheroes and animated movies, but simply some of the best movies of all time. They are such a spectacle to behold, pushing the boundaries of animation with every frame, but never forgetting to provide an engaging story with so much depth and heart to every character.
Across the spiderverse is bigger and bolder than the previous entry. There is so much fan service and so much happening at once it can be hard to keep track of it on a first viewing. It wasn't until a second viewing that I began to appreciate and respect the care and love that went into every scene of this movie. It had an unpredictable story and ended in a way that will make you wish beyond the spiderverse was here right now. These movies are modern masterpieces and we are lucky to be able to witness them spectacularly unfold.
Batman: The Animated Series: Two-Face: Part II (1992)
So much for control, eh, Grace
This episode (as well as part one) form a perfectly tragic and sympathetic origin for Two-face. I've always thought Two-face was one of the most complex, interesting and beautifully written characters from the batman universe and the batman animated series gives him an incredible origin story. This episode in particular really highlights how intimidating he is as a villain, but also how compelling his principles are. This almost seems like a solution to his Big bad harv persona, with both his good and bad side taking compromises. The mature conversation he has with grace about taking control of your life or letting chance decide is truly riveting. And while Grace is being reasonable, respectful and encouraging, you completely understand where Harvey is coming from considering what he's gone through. I respect this show so much for pulling very few punches when it comes to complex villains and mature conversations since it's technically a "kids" show. Another remarkable episode from BTAS.
Vinland Saga: Ketil's Farm (2023)
Great character development
Anyone that is bored by this episode should find another show. Just because an episode doesn't have action or death does not mean it is "boring" or "filler" . This episode sets up the characters and conflict perfectly for the rest of the show.
This episode not only introduces Thorfinn's character development, but also it sets up the concept of this season perfectly. The dynamics between the helpless slaves, cruel farmhands and caring master is very intriguing. From this episode alone, you can see how much potential the idea has: thorfinn, a ridiculously skilled viking warrior, is trying to live a peaceful life as a slave despite dealing with trauma from his past. It's simple, but genius.
Vinland Saga: Slave (2023)
Vinland saga is back
This is such a great introduction back into Vinland saga, even if thorfinn is barely in it. Following Einer, who we don't know, is such an intriguing decision that hooked me from the first moment. You see his life change from peaceful village to warzone just like Thorfinn's arc in season 1. But where it gets interesting is how differently both of them turned out. We'll get to see much more of that through the season, but for now, this episode stands tall as a great introduction to a superb character.
It's also worth mentioning that the music and animation is gorgeous. The writing is what makes this show as incredible as it is, but honestly, there's very few areas where it fails. In many ways, this is a perfect episode of television.
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
Martin McDonough has done it again
The banshees of inisherin is a sad, lonely film, about a man unable to cope with his friend breaking up with him. Inisherin feels like it's own character. An isolated island both full of peaceful beauty and haunting loneliness. The film is very philosophical without beating you over the head with it's message. It's hilarious without taking away the dark, depressing tone of the narrative. The acting and screenplay is practically flawless. So many nuances and unforgettable moments. The story is deceptively simple, yet endlessly rewatchable. I love this movie to bits and it gets better on every rewatch.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Simple, relaxing, enjoyable
People that saw this movie expecting an extremely complex story with deep characters clearly missed the point of the avatar franchise. I enjoyed both avatar movies because of their simple but emotionally effective stories with jaw dropping visuals. And that's ok. It's good to have a movie where you can just be immersed in the world and in awe of the visuals. It's relaxing to see how incredible the water looks on a big screen. This is the type of movie where the cinema experience transcends just sitting in a chair and staring at a screen. Way of water lets the audience get lost in it's world for three hours straight. Pure escapism. I wouldn't want it any other way.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
Kang is great. Everything else is ok.
Quantimania is a strange a little movie. It tries to be an adventure movie, an Ant-Man movie and almost an avenger movie of sorts. There are far better adventure movies and the first Ant-Man has a more personal, funny and cute story. But it does succeed at being an entertaining watch in a couple of ways.
Kang is the obvious highlight. Everyone knows it. The acting performance was amazing. He was intimidating and interesting. He was a scene stealer and is completely worth seeing the movie for. My only complaint is that the movie made him an Ant-Man level threat instead of an avenger level threat, which seems strange and unrealistic.
Other strengths include good visuals, little bits of typical MCU humor (that don't undermine the kang threat imo) which occasionally made me smile and some enjoyable but basic character development between Ant-Man and his daughter.
It's not the best or worst marvel movie. It's just a fine, standard superhero movie that happens to star the new large MCU villain. Can't wait to see more Kang.
Glass Onion (2022)
Beautifully made sequel to knives out
Glass onion is bigger, bolder and more ambitious than knives out. The cast, music, and cinematography are obviously incredible. There are so many stand out performances, with Daniel Craig having even more fun with the role than last time (his first scene is genius and comedy gold). The writing, like knives out, is very self aware, yet can also be tense when it needs to be. It is both a parody of a murder mystery while still being an incredible murder mystery. The twists and turns are excellently done. The reveals are unexpected, but obvious on a rewatch. And the comedy is quick, witty and clever. What's not to love?
I'm not sure why all the negative reviews are coming in, but I imagine people saw the critics reviews and had unrealistic expectations. Regardless, I loved it. Glass onion is another instant classic along side knives out. This is what a modern murder mystery looks like and I can't wait for the next installment.
Rick and Morty: A Rick in King Mortur's Mort (2022)
The closest thing to a classic Rick and Morty adventure this season
This episode was a lot of fun. The best way I can describe this episode is a look at the character's character development and applying it to the classic formula from the first two seasons. The result is the best of both worlds. We get a suspiciously humble, agreeable Rick, helping a capable, skeptical Morty. The result is a Rick and Morty that together well with minimal arguing. Part of me is relieved they're getting along, while on the other hand, I can definitely see a twist of some sort happening in the finale where it's revealed we haven't been following our Rick. Either way, this episode is great if you're looking for a very fun, simple plot with many laughs and a suspiciously functioning Rick and Morty relationship.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Blown away by this movie
When I heard Sam raimi was directing this movie, I had no idea how much horror would be in it. I love the twists, I love the refreshing violence and horror parts. The acting is spectacular and the direction stands out significantly from other MCU movies. I appreciate it isn't for everyone and my opinion in the minority, but I absolutely loved this movie. Good job marvel.
One Punch Man: Wanpanman: The Lone Cyborg (2015)
The cyborg character is exactly what this show needed
The cyborg is such an over-the-top typical anime protagonist, and the perfect foil to one punch man. Not only is his over intense dialogue and actions a direct parody of practically ever other anime, but it also gives the audience a sense of scale to one punch man's power. The enemies that might drag on with unecessary backstory and long fights in other anime, are just dead in one punch. It makes the tone and humour of this show feel so fresh and interesting. I am intrigued to how they plan on expanding the concept. If every fight is over this quickly, it might get stale and repetitive. But for now, it's very fun to watch.
The Cuphead Show!: Ribby & Croaks (2022)
Best one yet
This episode had a perfect balance of accurately representing the game and paying homage to classic cartoons. It was funny, entertaining and exciting. I really like the show's take of Ribby and Croaks and I was so happy their soundtrack from the game had an appearance.
The Cuphead Show!: Baby Bottle (2022)
When a baby is more evil than the actual devil
This episode felt far more like a classic cartoon than the previous episode. It tried to convey the style the game goes for rather than recreate the story. I can't say the story got very many laughs from me, but it was very entertaining.
And that baby is just creepy.
The Cuphead Show!: Carn-Evil (2022)
A mix between modern kid comedies and old Looney toons
This was less of a homage to classic cartoons and more like a way to try and merge modern and old comedic styles. The show also seems to be aimed more at kids than the game. Meaning that some of the adult elements (like the casino) are replaced with more child-friendly alternatives.
But the devil's song was really entertaining.
Uncharted (2022)
I just can't understand why they did that
For the first hour or so, I was quite surprised and impressed with how well this movie turned out. Yes Mark Wahlberg didn't resemble sully that much, but he did his own thing and had good chemistry with Tom Holland. Speaking of which, his take on the character grew on me. While I could only see Peter Parker initially, it didn't take long until I could see him as the young Nathan Drake. All was going well until they killed off the best character in the movie just to "subvert expectations".
Antonio Banderas' villain performance was everything I wanted from this type of movie. He was intimidating, badass, had clear if cliched motivations and fit the role of an uncharted villain perfectly. And yet, he was suddenly killed off before he could do anything useful. He barely even encountered Nathan Drake. What a disappointment. And the worst part was there was no one to fill his shoes. Tati gabrielle then filled the villain role. And wow. What a down grade in every way. She wasn't the least bit intimidating. She couldn't act as well or have anywhere near the same presence.
The rest of the movie had good action but I was so distracted thinking why would they ever kill off such an affective villain.
Just such wasted opportunity.
Hilda: Chapter 3: The Witch (2020)
An incredible action adventure episode
This episode was truly thrilling. It felt very similar to your typical action adventure flick on the surface. But what it does is beautifully subvert many tropes of the genre giving an unexpected and highly enjoyable episode that I can imagine myself rewatching over and over again.
Hilda: Chapter 2: The Draugen (2020)
One of the best episodes so far
It's always great seeing woodman again. He's most likely one of funniest characters in an animated show since Sokka. There were many great elements to this episode including a return of the rat King. His presence is wonderfully creepy. The draugen themselves are very entertaining. They are ghost pirates that remind me of the black pearl. Their ending is also quite wholesome. Another great addition to this episode is a cloud spirit with some hilarious and wholesome lines. His pure joy when hilda agrees to listen to him is palpable.
A very enjoyable, laugh out loud funny, wholesome episode.
Hilda: Chapter 9: The Ghost (2018)
A powerful ending and great ghost design
This episode had a lot of potential as something of a character study for Frida. She thinks someone messed up her room, but it was actually her that messed up her room and no one cleaned it up (like they usually do.) A little overly complicated, and probably could have been cut a few minutes short, but it works to build character.
They pin it on a ghost, which somehow happens to be true, but I thought of a more interesting direction they could have gone in. If Fridas mum was the one who cleaned up the room every morning and then stopped because Frida is old enough to do it herself now. This would keep the episode grounded and relatable and it would be more of a coming or age story. That would be my preference to take it.
But despite that, as it is, this is a very good episode. The character designs on the ghosts when they finally do meet them is truly excellent. They are loose skeleton bones connected to a floating shape. It's truly quite an interesting and original design as far as ghosts go. But most importantly, the episode has the courage to end without a happy ending. It ends without a resolution to the problem and a well built up argument with frida and hilda. It was truly excellent.
Hilda: Chapter 2: The Midnight Giant (2018)
I really liked the first episode, but this is leagues ahead
I can't belive I've never heard of this show before. This episode is everything I want in "kids show" and anyone at any age can enjoy it. From the mature themes to gorgeous graphics, this was such a wholesome, heartwarming experience. But more than that, it's surprisingly thought provoking. Like when Hildas mum says "they don't realise what they've done" as her foot goes through an elf house. That's top tier powerful stuff right there.
This series took me absolutely by surprise and has surpassed all my expectations.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
The most fan-servicey film that ever fan-serviced
The cheers in the cinema said it all. This is a film for the fans of spider-man and is a Swan song to his history on the big screen. Sure some of the comedy doesn't quite hit, there are some pacing troubles and not every character has enough screen time to flesh out their character.
But despite its problems, this film excels at listening to the fans and giving a spider-man movie that will be remembered as ending an era just as endgame is remembered for the avengers.
Encanto (2021)
The best Disney film since moana
This movie really blew me away with how much heart it has and the quality really outshines all of disney's recent projects. What may have looked generic and predictable from the trailer, turned out to be anything but. The characters are all so likeable and without any true villain. Even the house is likable. Like come on the flipping House is one of the best characters!
The animation is gorgeous. No surprise there. And the music really sticks in your head
Not to mention how many of the songs strive to dig out a characters insecurities and personality. This film is seriously so good.