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Reviews
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
A Fun Farewell.
I was genuinely scared this would be a huge let down, and I'm thankful I was wrong. Despite the pre-release hate and the endless manosphere YouTubers spewing vitriol, this was a mostly good ending to the Indiana Jones series. The last film left a sour taste in our mouths, and while not god awful, it was definitely not the way to bring Indy back after the original films.
James Mangold delivers some incredible thrills and action sequences. The cinematography is stunning, and John Williams score is as crisp and charming as ever.
Harrison Ford owns the role. This is arguably his best character he's played, and he loves the character. It's evident in the performance he gives. I really loved Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Mads Mikkelsen in this too. The chemistry between everyone was very good.
As for negatives, the film does something towards the end that I both liked and disliked. It's very odd, and you will either like it or not. It's ballsy, and I appreciate the film for doing it. The pacing drags at a couple points, but not much and not for long. The film feels like it looses momentum at times and it doesn't have the oomf I expect from an Indiana Jones film.
In the end, Dial of Destiny is fun. It's a good old fashioned action adventure film with beautiful visuals, great acting, and doesn't over do it with the nostalgia (thank god!). It was never going to live up to the original three, and that's okay! It was definitely better than the fourth film, and a fun final crack of the whip for our beloved Indy.
The Flash (2023)
CGI bad story GREAT
Okay, I expected nothing from this film until I saw the trailers. This movie exceeded my expectations. I don't understand the weird hate it's getting from some. Snyder cultists will hate this regardless.
The film has some very bad CGI, mostly when the two Barry Allen's are side-by-side. Other than that, the special effects look great. This movie has a great story, and the actors are deliver big time. Miller, while a problematic figure, is great as Flash. Keaton is phenomenal. Some of the best Keaton-Batman action I've ever seen. Affleck delivers!
At the center of this is a emotional story about a boy and his mom, and I was entertained and sucked in for the entire runtime. I was laughing consistently throughout. Great movie with some minor flaws.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 24: The Return (2023)
A Fitting End.
After what I thought was a pretty enjoyable season, The Mandalorian comes to a close with an action packed and tense episode. This season as a whole has been criticized to no end, sometimes warranted other times not, but I thought it was really fun and definitely had a ton of amazing moments. I've fallen in love with Mando, Grogu, and Bo Katan as a team. They really worked so well together. The ending of this episode promises a great fresh start for certain characters, and ties up the plot threads from the previous two seasons quite nicely. It was just a little bit rushed, but definitely not disappointing. See ya later Din family!
The Mandalorian: Chapter 22: Guns for Hire (2023)
Not the best, but far from bad. The fans have gone mental.
Lizzo is in this. Get over it. It's not a big deal. This is such a weird thing to freak out over. Furthermore, this is a fun episode with some great droids, creatures, and aliens. It's ended in a way that sets up the final two episodes in a satisfying way.
Apparently, fans are mad that Bo Katan has had a significant role this season. Very odd considering it's all been set up so we'll. Mando, after all, did not want the Darksaber. He tried to give it to her in season two. She technically won it fair and square this season and he gladly gave it to her.
I'm the end, this episode was fine. Not great but far from terrible. Had some cool Blade Runner vibes and beautiful visuals. Can't wait for these last two episodes.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 19: The Convert (2023)
As good as the previous episode? No. It's still a great one though.
Seeing a lot of mixed reactions to this, but I don't really understand why. This was a very intriguing episode. While I wasn't the biggest Andor fan, I did appreciate the seriousness and tone of that show. It was very mature and had some great writing. This was like an episode of Andor bookended by Mando and Bo stuff. It worked.
I really loved the Cyberpunk/Blade Runner vibes. We get to see the New Republic, a thing glossed over and neglected in the Sequels. This was very plot heavy in regards to setting up the events of those films. I didn't like it at first, but I admittedly got sucked into the story once it got to the meat of it. This could have been it's own show.
The ending was bittersweet as well, seeing Bo-Katan accepted into the tribe was emotional for me. Can't wait for more, this season is getting better and better. To the fans crying, "filler!'' You're just dead wrong on this one.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Alloyed (2022)
Masterful Ending.
Rings of Power has been pretty good for me, albeit a couple episodes of meandering and other issues. Overall though, I've enjoyed it. I thought the penultimate episode, while decent, was a bit lacking. This massively coarse corrected and ended things in a epic and satisfying way.
The Stranger's storyline is finally, mostly resolved. We now know he is in fact one of the Istari, and like many suspected, he is most likely Gandalf. Although that's not the name he goes by, it is implied by serval clues and callbacks to some of Gandalf's lines from Lord of
the Rings. He's definitely Gandalf. Do I care that he's not supposed to arrive this early? No. It's a television show. You have to do time compression, else we'd have a show spanning a literal thousand years. Anyways, loved the Stranger's story this episode, and excited to see where he and Nori go next season.
The identity of Sauron has been debated the entire season. Suspects included: Halbrand, The Stranger, Bronwyn, and literally everyone we could think of. Sauron is in fact, Halbrand, of course! There were many subtle, and obvious clues to this being the case. Charlie Vickers was brilliant in this episode, switching from noble low-man to the Dark Lord himself was really satisfying to watch. He nailed the manipulative and seductive nature of Sauron perfectly.
Another huge portion of this episode was devoted to the creation of the three elven Rings. This really wasn't something I expected to see yet, so I was thrilled seeing this happen in this episode.
Overall, the finale couldn't be more thrilling and satisfying. It concluded the first chapter in this story, and left us wanting more.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: The Eye (2022)
The Most Unexciting Penultimate Episode Ever.
Let me start by saying, I have enjoyed this show, which is why this episode pains me to no end. I thought everything that built up to episode six largely paid off after seeing the creation of Mordor and the battle of the Southlands. This episode picks up where the last left off, and doesn't even attempt to keep the momentum of its predecessor.
Instead of revealing more of the shows mysteries, it meanders from scene to scene, conversation to conversation. Some of the dialogue is good and I found of few of said conversations to be emotional, especially the ones with Durin and Elrond.
We finally get a good look at the Mystics, and before we know it they're gone! We learn nothing about them, we learn nothing about the Stranger's identity, and nothing about who Sauron is. To make matters worse, the promotional images and videos for the episode actually teased that more would happen. "Evil Finally Reveals Itself'' , "The Time Has Come'' , and "More Will Be Revealed''. They literally lied to us when teasing this episode, which is why I'm more upset than I otherwise would be.
In conclusion, this is my least favorite episode. This is coming from someone who has liked the series for the most part, however this as a penultimate episode doesn't do it's job. Instead of building upon the previous episode and mounting momentum, it drags its feet and goes almost nowhere with the plot. There were enough nice scenes between characters for me to sit through it, but thanks to some terrible marketing for the episode, I was left feeling a sense of longing for more.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Udûn (2022)
Best episode thus far.
There's no question this week that Rings of Power has delivered an exceptional hour of television. After a couple of slower episodes that meandered from time to time, this was the payoff of all the build up we've had for three weeks now.
An amazing battle sequence! Finally! Throughly enjoyed it. The visuals were wonderful to behold. Lots of familiar feelings from watching the Jackson LOTR films came to mind while watching the calvary charging. The cinematography was beautiful, and the director handled the action sequences brilliantly.
Beyond the action, the plot was interesting as well, especially concerning Adar. We learn he is one of the first Orcs created and tortured by Morgoth, as well as some more obvious clues to Sauron's true identity.
The ending alone was worth getting to, as we see the destruction of the Southlands, and the creation of Orodruin (yes that's right, Mt. Doom). It was brutal and beautiful spectacle from start to finish.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Partings (2022)
Headed in the right direction.
After a underwhelming episode last week, this was a much needed return to form, and dare I say, easily the best episode of the series. It plunges you right into the story, and the pacing is very much improved over last week's. The hour flew by!
The characters finally get some much needed development, and some levity. Really thought everyone got a chance to shine, even Isildur, who
I haven't particularly cared for in this show. The story is moved in directions I cannot wait to see continued next week.
The tone of the episode is preparing for war on all
sides, and you really feel that. The exciting moments are well balanced with the regal and dialogue heavy scenes, but they don't go on for too long, which was very refreshing. Before you know it, you're onto a new scene.
Overall, it's fantastic from start to finish. Pacing is improved, characters are explored, and themes of deceit and staying true to you're oaths and friendships are explored.
Pinocchio (2022)
No Strings and No Heart.
This film was something I didn't want to see, but I watched it with my daughter and even she wasn't into it after about ten minutes.
The positives: the animation is very well done, even if the live action renditions look a bit out of place with real people and places. Also, I thought Jiminy Cricket was done pretty well too for the most part. He was a major Disney character in the old days, and appeared in multiple films outside of Pinocchio, so I think they did him justice.
Pinocchio is unfortunately a very annoying film. You can tell this was meant to be animated. Every character is annoying and loud and just lacking any kind of charm. You don't feel any emotional connection between the characters. This is very much akin to what happened with the Lion King remake. So life, no soul, and no emotion in the characters.
Disney, please stop with these remakes, especially if they're going to be EXACTLY the same as the originals.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Adar (2022)
Another Solid Entry.
I hope this episode wins more over to the show, as I felt it really got things moving story wise. The visuals and music really whisk you away and immerse the viewer in this vibrant world. That is something to behold, even if you don't like the story.
I enjoyed seeing Númenor, as well as other familiar characters from the history of Middle-Earth. The episode does a good job switching between storylines, and while there are a few moments where I thought it lagged or wasn't the best, it just delivers with each new scene.
The Harfoot's continue to be the heart of the story, and they very much have won me over with the character of Nori Brandyfoot. She's a kind, sweet, and curious person who wants to do the right thing.
There are some Orcs in this one, and I won't get into
spoilers, but the scenes surrounding them were great. I loved seeing practical Orcs again, and not the terrible CGI ones from the Hobbit films. Bravo to
The entire makeup and costume department. They most certainly will wins some awards for this.
Overall, and exciting episode with some more great word-building and some tender heartfelt moments that really shine out and remind me why I love Tolkien and his world.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Adrift (2022)
Another solid entry.
With episode one, the pacing was a bit slow admittedly. To say it was boring would be a lie, as I was totally enthralled with the world building, but it was slower placed to be sure. This is Lord of the Rings however, so I expect some slower pacing sometimes to build characters and story.
The second episode delves deeper into the world and the characters. I particularly enjoyed Nori Brandyfoot's character. Markella Kavenagh did an excellent job as the character. She's curious, smart, and full of wonder about the world. The Harfoot's (Harfoot's are ancestors to Hobbit's) are the heart of Tolkien's stories, so it's important we see that reflected here, and we do!
We are introduced to Durin and the relationship and friendship between Elrond and himself in this episode. That was super enjoyable, and definitely my favorite part of the episode. They absolutely nailed the dwarves. I especially loved seeing Kazad-Dûm in all its gory. Gimli spoke so highly of that place and I can see why. It was magnificent. There are some little nods to the Jackson films in this part of the episode as well "malt beer'' and "salted pork'' made me smile.
So, overall another solid entry. I am waiting to see where the story goes and I think the episodes will get even better each week. Give it a chance. Once again, this is an adaptation, not the books. Book purists give it a bit of a rest, will ya? They are not disrespecting Tolkien here.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: A Shadow of the Past (2022)
A grand start.
Haven't written a review in some time, but the overreacting and negative reviews for this have compelled me to write.
This was a beautiful opening episode. The cinematography was absolutely gorgeous, and the visuals for the locations of Tolkien's world were jaw dropping. You really feel like you're back in Middle Earth again.
Dialogue was important for me, as the conversations between characters is what makes Tolkien's work so iconic. Personally, I thought they nailed the dialogue for the most part. There were a few lines that felt a bit 'modernized' and out of place, but overall, it sounded very much like Tolkien.
The acting from the cast was really solid, especially. Morfydd Clark as Galadriel. She stole the show for me, and really did a fabulous job.
This show has one task to win me over; feel like Middle Earth and do justice to the source material. It does that. Are there going to be embellishments? Of course! It's 'based on the works of Tolkien'. It's an adaptation. The music was wonderful, the scope and scale was something to truly behold. Can't wait to see where things go.