tinkkytone Reviews

Blue Eye Samurai (2023)

Amazingly Good

[10/10 · 26 November 2023]

I had no expectations for this, but I was interested in seeing it because I enjoy samurai anime and swordplay flicks in general. The Blue Eye Samurai blew me away! It was so good that it's hard to pick what really stands out. It's beautiful to look at with gorgeous animation sequences. The voice acting is fantastic! The story is compelling and engaging. It has a great soundtrack. Though, be advised this is not for children. There is sex, nudity, and graphic violence. This is thoroughly a tale for adults as it deals with misogyny, gender/race issues, and sexual violence. If you're thinking this is some woke-transgender tale then think again. It's just a great story. Highly recommended.

My Dad the Bounty Hunter (2023– )

Highly Enjoyable

[8/10 · 26 November 2023]

I watched this with the family and thoroughly enjoyed it. My Dad the Bounty Hunter is quick witted and quite humorous. The 3D-style animation works well and my hats off to the designers. I often found myself amazed by the detail paid to the characters' hair. Just check out the finely laid baby hairs and the jerry curl on an alien tiger if you don't believe me! The voice acting is also a real highlight. Voice acting doesn't get the recognition it should, but a gorgeous animation can fall flat if the voice acting is subpar. Everyone of the cast does a great job and really sells their part and the comedy. This is great for kids and/or adult fans of animation because cartoons aren't just for kids. Definitely recommend.

Castlevania: Nocturne (2023– )

Interesting Story

[7/10 · 25 November 2023]

Castlevania: Nocturne is an interesting tale that begins 300 years after the first series. It follows Richter Belmont as the young and handsome vampire slayer. Unlike his ancestor, Trevor, he is much more refined and an accepted member of society. His life is set when he witnesses the brutal death of his mother and then the action begins in France at the dawn of the revolution. Having never really played the video game, the one thing that struck me was how much the story resembled and flowed like a video game. There is a grand plot to thwart the new vampire messiah, who is not Dracula, but threatening to turn parts of Europe into a virtual vampire utopia complete with human livestock. They have partnered with the aristocracy so there is a class element involved.

Those who complain of Nocturne being woke are probably just peeved the focus isn't on the Belmonts and Richter. The main focus at this point is on Annette, who is an escaped slave who has traveled to France in search of Richter. Her adventure sets the stage for what's to come in these first eight episodes, but the seeds are laid for a greater focus on Richter in later seasons, so I am not complaining. This story is well told and interesting enough to entertain without the excessive fan service some expected or wanted.

I am eagerly looking forward to the next season and I hope for more Castlevania stories to come.

Blue Beetle (2023)

Solid 7

[7/10 · 18 November 2023]

This is an entertaining movie with a lot of laughs. If you enjoy comic book movies this should be right up your alley. Blue Beetle is not a very popular hero, but the characters has had a bit of a resurgence as Jaime Reyes, who now wears the scarab that essentially is the blue beetle. George Lopez provides plenty of comic relief, and most of the other actors are serviceable in their role, including Susan Sarandon, who plays the villain. Overall, I enjoyed this and watched it with the family on a lazy weekend. My only real complaint as a diehard DC fan is I wish there was a more world building and connections to other DC characters. Of course, there are the requisite mentions of Superman and Batman, but the world doesn't feel like a world where superheroes and metahumans exist. Still, I think this is a good first entry for the expected slate of DC movies soon to come. Ignore the bad press and the haters and enjoy Blue Beetle as a wholesome, entertaining movie.

7/10.

Totally Killer (2023)

Be in touch with your emotions...

[7/10 · 30 October 2023]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. It's a spoof on so many movies I couldn't even list them all, but if you are a fan of John Hughes films this will be right up your alley. The gist is girl goes back to 1987 to stop a serial murderer. None of it makes any sense and you should not even try to understand it. They do attempt to try to explain somethings about how time travel works, but again you don't need to understand the time travel bit. The comedy comes from the comparison to 80s culture and today's culture. I laughed out loud several times and the soundtrack is a bonanza of 80 classics. If you're looking for a fun movie to pass the night this is it. Look no further.

7/10.

Ooku: The Inner Chambers (2023– )

Strangely intriguing

[8/10 · 3 September 2023]

Japanese anime can be hit or miss for me. Sometimes the characters or themes don't work, but this wasn't the case in Ooku: The Inner Chambers. It's an interesting interpretation of female and male roles in one of the most traditional societies to be found on earth. Not only are you as the viewer given an interesting look at Japanese culture, which is always a treat when done right. You are given this view through the premise of an alternate society where female's rule by necessity and then by choice because of a strange disease that wipes out most of the men. Actual Japanese history is interspersed through this tale, so the saga feels very "real" and down to earth. I have never read the manga associated with this, and I doubt I ever will, but I truly enjoyed this anime as a fan and as a person who enjoys a good story. It's not overblown, and the themes and characters work so well in the story you find yourself just watching things play out. I hope there are more seasons because this is a well done anime and I hope to see more of it.

8/10.

Justice League: Warworld (2023)

Warworld Tomorrowverse Style

[7/10 · 26 July 2023]

The Tomorrowverse gets a bad wrap amongst DC animation fans. Many complain about the artistic style, voice acting, slow pacing, and action sequences. I am not one of those people. Generally speaking, I have enjoyed every new entry in this set of connected animated movies, and Justice League: Warworld is no different.

The movie begins with Wondy roaming an old West setting complete with horses, saloons, and Jonah Hex himself. It's not really clear what's going on. Heck! Wonder Woman doesn't even know what's going on, and the mystery of why she is there only adds to the strangeness; yet, no sooner has Wondy vanquished the bad guys then we're off to Skartaris where Batman is fighting dinosaur-like creatures with long flowing locks like Conan the Barbarian. Again, nothing makes sense, and soon enough we're off to an out of the way diner in the middle of nowhere. Everything is in black and white and there are old style cars and an FBI agent named Clark Kent who bears a remarkable cartoon resemblance to George Reeves as he fights aliens from outer space. (My hats off to the animators here because there are some clear homages to The Adventures of Superman. I appreciated that as a Superman fan.)

What is Warworld and why are our heroes there? The third act of the movie attempts to answer those questions, but you might still be confused and that is sort of the point. Each movie in the Tomorrowverse acts as an individual and somewhat self contained storyline, similar to a comic. Events do not follow directly or even reference previous movies. There isn't a lot of time spent on origin or backstories. The expectation is the viewer has some knowledge of the characters or settings beforehand, and that works for me because I am a die hard DC fan! I love the characters already, so for me JL: Warworld is a solid entry. It hits enough of the right beats to be entertaining for 90 minutes and I love the comic realism of the animation style. It is confusing, but no more so they any comic book. Again...that's why I enjoy the Tomorrowverse because I still read and enjoy comics, and the Tomorrowverse is like watching a comic book come to life.

Ignore the hate and check out JL: Warworld for yourself.

7/10.

Legion of Super-Heroes (2023)

Who Needs An Origin Story?

[7/10 · 7 April 2023]

Legion Of Super-Heroes was an unexpected addition to my watchlist recommendations. I wasn't expecting anything new from DC animation, which means this wasn't as well advertised as it should have been because my newsfeed usually includes big news from DC. I mention this because Supergirl usually gets the shaft from DC when it comes to marketing, and this should have been better marketed.

Overall, Legion Of Super-Heroes is not bad, but it lacks something and that something is a proper origin. The animated movie starts off on Argos, which introduces the viewer to Kara and her mother enjoying a lazy day right before Krypton explodes. Because we the viewer are familiar with Krypton and it's destruction, then there are only a few words given about Jor-El, baby Kal, and a space ship, before Kara is unceremoniously sent off to earth. The intro credits start, then we as the viewer are introduced to Supergirl in full regalia fighting crime in Metropolis. She's only been at the superhero gig a couple of months and she sucks. Batman wants her wings clipped and Superman has the better idea to send her to the 31st century to the Legion. If you are familiar with Supergirl comics, then you will recognize this story as a mishmash of a couple of different ones. The villain should be easily recognizable, though it's not really a mystery since they reveal themselves early on.

Personally, I would have liked to see them go in a different direction for Kara, yet it seems clear this story is more of a bridge way for future stories in the animated universe. There is very little character development beyond the basics and I would have preferred a team up with Kal, instead of the team up we got. I also found this to be a bit boring and lacking in humor. Though the action scenes are very good and it matches the animation style well. Yet, the lack of a proper origin limits Kara to being one-dimensional because she is less well known than Superman. Kara needs a proper origin unlike her cousin who doesn't because everyone already knows it. DC did something similar with the new GL animated movie, and it hindered Stewart's character development too. Hopefully they will fix this moving forward.

7/10.

The Head (2020– )

Confusing and Disjointed

[5/10 · 6 April 2023]

After watching both seasons of this show, I hope it ends and there are no more seasons. To be honest, I am not even sure why there was a second season because the first was satisfying if not a bit confusing. The second season is meant to build on the first, but it only leaves the viewer with more questions after it is finished. The premise of each season revolves around a mysterious murder where anyone can be the suspect. The story relies heavily on misdirection from the characters and from the way certain scenes are shot. You as the viewer will be confused because you are meant to be confused. The first season is better than the first because the characters are more fleshed out. The second season has the same premise, but less time for character development. Considering only two characters from the first season survive in the second season, and only two characters survive in the second season. Character development isn't something The Head is really worried about. If you like mystery series and whodunnits then you may enjoy this, though I personally found it boring and struggled to finish.

5/10.

We Have a Ghost (2023)

Poor casting but decent story

[6/10 · 5 April 2023]

I question some of the casting in this. Particularly Anthony Mackie. I think his role could have been better filled by a comedian. Frankly, I just couldn't buy his portrayal. He played it too straight for my taste. The actor who plays Kevin is a joy to watch, and the rest of the family is serviceable. Ernest, as the ghost, doesn't speak really, but his chemistry with Kevin, who serves as his medium, helps sell their relationship overall. There is a bit of mystery concerning how Ernest became a ghost and from there the movie becomes a Scooby Do mystery, which includes a shadow government agency trying to imprison the ghost for some nefarious purpose. I found myself a bit bored at certain parts and the dialogue is a bit hammy, but for a B-movie it's entertaining for a lazy night or day.

6/10.

Wolf Pack (2023)

A Teen Werewolf Show

[6/10 · 31 March 2023]

Wolf Pack is an MTV production, but I didn't realize that at first because I wasn't paying attention. I was interested in this because of Gellar, and I thought this would be a supernatural show with an adult bent. It is not. This is a teen show since the lead actors are portrayed as being in high school, and since this is an MTV production they curse, party, and use drugs freely. There are also a lot of mid drifts, navels, and bare chested young men because this is set in California. Gellar and Santoro are serviceable in their roles. They are the adults, but the focus is on the kids. Initially the show starts off like any supernatural teen show, but by episode five it changes into a teen horror show that actually delivers some nice scares. There is some mystery as to what is going on, but I figured it out fairly quickly by episode three. It's not really hard to figure out. Overall, I enjoyed this for what it is. It's only eight episodes at 50 minutes, so I finished this in a couple of days. If you like this kind of show then you will enjoy it, and if you like MTV shows you will love this. I finished all eight episodes, and if there is a second season I might check it out.

6/10.

Less Than Zero (1987)

Underrated Classic with RDJ

[9/10 · 4 March 2023]

I am many years late for this review, but when I first watched this move IMBD did not exist. Today I want to write my review because I was recently reminded of the impact this movie had on my life, and I just rewatched it. I was an adolescent teen when I watched this for the first time, and I remember loving the soundtrack, which still has classic hits listened to today. I also vividly remember RDJ's stunning portrayal as Julian. Considering the very real drug struggles he was facing at the time, I credit his performance even though I imagine he didn't have to act that hard. There was also a chilling young James Spader who literally creeped me out and still does to this day. Jamie Gertz, also, was stunningly beautiful and really good. Andrew McCarthy fit into the movie with an appropriate name right out of Sixteen Candles. I can still recall the visceral feel from these actors today. The story stuck with me because it was tragic to watch these beautiful people self destruct. Yet, the real reason this movie has always stayed with me is it made me firmly by into "Just say No!". I never wanted to end up like these people and I never did. If I was to ever meet RDJ I would literally thank him for helping to keep me on the path of righteousness. I never used drugs. Ever. So if you have not seen this please ignore this terribly low rating and watch a classic that is criminally underrated.

Thank you.

Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special (2023) Season 3, Episode 11

Lois Knows

[10/10 · 26 February 2023]

Why are we keeping this myth going? Huh? Lois Lane knows Superman is Clark. Clark Kent is Superman. Why...why? The beginning of this episode is great, but then we descend to the depths. And why is there no CK in this show? C'mon Clark is not Ka'El's imagination. Clark Kent is an integral part of the mythology. Without Clark Kent then there is no Superman. Also, Lois Lane represents more than the damsel in distress. Lois is fundamental to the Superman myth. Lois represents what normal humans love about Superman. The character has existed for so long because of love. Don't take that away from him.

A Love So Beautiful (2017)

Sweet and Simple

[9/10 · 4 February 2023]

I enjoyed this so much. It's a simple story of first love among high school students, and it follows them into adulthood. If you're familiar with Asian dramas then the tropes will be familiar; however, A Love So Beautiful is executed so well that you'll be swept away with the joy, sadness, and angst of first love. The cast has a wonderful chemistry and I particularly enjoyed the sismance. I like when dramas include strong female friendships which ring true to life. All the actors did a great job and they look very age appropriate even as they age up from HS. C-dramas can be hit or miss, but this is a hit on all levels. The OST is beautiful and the cinematography makes me want to tour China and hang out. There is just so much good stuff in this drama. It has a little something for everyone. Highly recommend!

9/10.

The Last Mercenary (2021)

Surprisingly Funny

[7/10 · 1 February 2023]

I was looking for an action movie and decided to give this a try because I have always liked Van Damme from the good old days in the eighties and nineties. He has had a bit of resurgence in recent years, and this action comedy fits nicely into his new niche. In this movie he plays a former super spy for the French government called The Mist, who essentially comes out of semi-retirement to rescue his son. The son has no idea who his father is and what he has been up to, since he has been missing his entire life. There is an hilarious backstory regarding how the son came to be, and it plays nicely into the myth of The Mist, who for all intents and purposes is a true bad ass. This movie was surprisingly funny and it's good if you watch it in English or in French. Van Damme does his own dubbing in both languages.

Recommended.

The Privilege (2022 TV Movie)

No...just no

[3/10 · 29 January 2023]

This movie makes zero sense and it is not scary. There is some interesting cinematography, but aside from that this is really boring. I don't think I understood what was going on. It either involves aliens or devil worshiping. It is not really clear, and again that is the big problem. There is no sense of narrative structure. Weird things just happen and they keep happening. This is essentially a teen movie since the actors are young and the main locale is a school. Yet, none of the actors look like they are school, but just go with it. Anywho... Feel free to take a risk on this movie, but I don't recommend it at all.

The Way of the Househusband (2021– )

OTT Funny and Hilarious

[9/10 · 24 January 2023]

I came across this series by accident and couldn't stop watching. It's hilariously written and voice acted. The animation is meant to mimic a comic style, so if you're looking for a CGI-fest this isn't for you. Honestly though, the comic style helps the format tremendously since each vignette is only about 3-5 minutes in length, and each episode has about three or four unrelated stories that follow a cast of former Yakuza members who are now just regular members of society. They love their cats, anime cartoons, and volleyball like the rest of us. The gag is the Yakuza go hard...in every thing. Rather it's finding your wife the perfect gift, helping your bro with house chores, or making dinner at home, it's go big or go home. If you enjoy Japanese anime you will enjoy this, but if you're on the fence give it a try. You'll know if you like after five minutes.

Recommended.

The Takedown (2022)

Once in English, Once in French

[7/10 · 15 January 2023]

I watched this twice. Once with subtitles in English and the other with dubbed English voice actors. I liked both versions, but if you want the full value for your watching experience then the original audio is the way to go. French is a beautiful language, and in addition the actors original delivery makes certain scenes infinitely more funnier. For a buddy cop movie that's formulaic, The Takedown, works surprisingly well because the two leads have a believable and comical relationship. Think Lethal Weapon, but with French tropes instead of American. The Takedown is what you get when you pair an effete French elite with a hard nose Paris street cop. Add in some neo-Nazis, the far right political movement currently sweeping Europe, and car chases around France's scenic countryside and this is what you will get in this movie. It's nothing special, but it is enjoyable in two languages.

Recommended.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

Let's Talk About Whales...

[8/10 · 15 January 2023]

This was my favorite drama of 2022. I happened upon it by happenstance because I really didn't think it was something I would enjoy, but I decided to give it a go and literally the first episode had me hooked. I binged this without even trying. The case a week format works well because each new episode gives Attorney Woo a chance to shine. Oddly, I could have done without the romance in this. I am a sucker for love stories in K dramas, but in this case it wasn't needed and would have been better served as the focus of the second season. Still, there is a lot to like in this. It's funny and has that rare blend of warmth and soul that leaves you thinking about the characters long after the television is off. Since there is another season this has been added to my watchlist.

Recommended.

The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

Expensive K Drama and Lee Min Ho

[7/10 · 15 January 2023]

I do not know the name of the president of South Korea, nor I do I care, but I do know and love Lee Min Ho. So when I saw King: Eternal Monarch in my Netflix queue, I immediately pressed play. My mouth salivated as I watched LMH in full Joseon robes as the KING of modern day "Correa". I was fully on board for parallel universes, time travel, and even fairies if the story called for it. I went into this drama with the full expectation I might lose days of my life in a desperate effort to binge 16 episodes in a two day weekend, however, by the time I got to episode ten I hit stop and decided to put the drama on an indefinite hold. The great beginning of a modern day king traveling to a parallel universe where Korea is totally different to meet the woman of his dreams turned into a boring slog. I was just too bored to finish, so I waited a few months and then hit play another day. Since I knew this drama would get boring and my expectations were now significantly lower, it was easier to finish the second time around. All in all it's not a bad. It's well acted and the production value is evident in the sets and costumes. I just wasn't interested in the story. The fun elements don't last long, and it tries so hard to be unconventional it ends up losing itself.

The Postcard Killings (2020)

Terrible Script, Decent Execution

[6/10 · 15 December 2022]

There is enough decent acting in this movie to power it pass a very poor script, but unfortunately the dialogue is a bit cringe-y at times. The sad thing is this could have been a really good movie with a great cat and mouse chase. Morgan plays the grizzly detective searching for his daughter's killer. He is determined and literally chases all over Europe to find the culprit. The bizarre nature of the murders and the artful posing of the bodies was interesting, and the added side of incest makes the murderers sadistic and creepy with just enough "ick" factor to keep you glued to the end. I will say this was interesting enough on its own that I might pick up the book this is based on. Again, interesting premise with some decent execution, but some cringe-y dialogue. Take your own risk.

6/10.

The Bye Bye Man (2017)

Meh...and shrug

[4/10 · 14 December 2022]

I typed in horror movies on Netflix and the title and graphic stuck out, so I hit play. I was hoping for some creepy jump scares and what I got was mostly blah and not scary at all. This is pretty predictable and has been done before in other horror movies. What saves this from being terrible is the acting isn't bad for this type of movie, and that is what saves this from being a total slog. Carrie Anne Moss makes a surprise appearance in this as a police detective and she saves the movie just when you might be ready to give up. I usually don't rate B-movies very high, so a four is a decent score. If you don't mind wasting 90 minutes of your life and you generally like horror movie this is will fit somewhere in a niche.

4/10.

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Evocative Direction

[7/10 · 14 November 2022]

Watching this movie is like spending a lovely summer at a lazy beach. The director does an excellent job of letting the scenes and characters evolve into very beautiful moments, I thought I might be skeeved-out by the age difference, but it really isn't that bad. Timothee Chalamet is a very compelling young actor and paired with an excellent director like he is in this film, he is a force to be reckoned with. My hats off to the cinematography which makes the lovely Italian country feel like a familiar place, even if you have never visited Italy or the country. If you are hesitant about watching this because of the subject matter, rest assured the film focuses on the coming of age of a young man just coming into his own. There are some passionate sex scenes at the end when the relationship fully blossoms, but within the context it's not over the top or unnecessarily gratuitous. Overall, a fine film that highlights a talented actor and director.

7/10.

The Peripheral (2022)

Interesting Sci-Fi

[8/10 · 11 November 2022]

Unlike a lot of the reviews here, I have never watched Westworld. I was never really interested and The Peripheral wouldn't have interested me either if not for great word of mouth. I decided to give it a shot and now I am five episodes in and hooked. What I like most is the characters. The Burton family and crew are an interesting bunch, and the chemistry between brother and sister is what sells the show for me. I haven't read the book this is adapted from, so I don't have any preconceived notions of what this should be. For me it's just an entertaining show with an interesting premise. This has been added to my watchlist and I suggest you do the same.

Recommended.

War of the Worlds (2019– )

Gripping and Fascinating

[7/10 · 10 November 2022]

I have enjoyed all three seasons of this. It's an adaptation and it's not like anything you would expect. For me what draws me in and keeps me is the compelling acting. French actress, Lea Drucker, is a powerhouse. Her determination is what sells the show in any language. There are other notable performances that carry the show even when you are completely confused, and with this show you will be confused. There's time travel, quantum theory, strange diseases, and some very strange robotic dogs. I enjoy the fact that the show is more cerebral than an alien invasion shoot'em up. The focus is on the characters and their relationships. Not everything is a hit, but there enough for me to find this enjoyable. Ignore negative reviews and see for yourself.

7/10.