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tamingatche91
Reviews
One Piece (2023)
A fun adventure
I've been a fan of the One Piece anime for years and when I heard that Netflix was making a live action adaptation I shuddered when I considered their previous offerings but Netflix stepped up this time and made an entertaining and faithful adaptation.
The entire cast delivers their lines with the same chaotic energy of a well performed pantomime that embraced the downright campy nonsense of the source material. Hardcore, and perhaps even toxic, fans won't like the creative liberties and story rearranging they ended up doing but I think it works for a western audience who might not have the patience for the pacing of a typical battler anime story. So, to make the story flow better, certain story moments from later in the series were integrated nicely into the first season such as:
- Garp being introduced and the revelation that he's Luffy's Grandfather.
- Coby is in pretty much every episode as we see him adapt to life as a Marine cadet with the insanely rude but likeable Helmeppo.
- Garp agreeing to train Coby and Helmeppo personally.
- Buggy is in six of the eight episodes to some capacity but doesn't really overstay his welcome.
Despite some of the crazier aspects of One Piece being toned down it still has some very anime moments like the zany villains, people shouting out attacks (which is so campy, I love it) and the incredibly ridiculous hairstyles of characters.
I did say that I liked how it felt like a well produced pantomime but, as fun as that is, it can also detract from the quality of the show especially when characters would do attacks in the air. It wasn't enough to ruin how cool these fights are though. I also feel like the abailities of some non-fruit users, such as Garp or Shanks, should have been explained. As it is Garp just lobs a cannonball better than a cannon and Shanks scares away a Sea Beast with a firm look and a hard 'get lost' with no explination as to how these seemingly normal humans did this. While longtime fans might know the reasons, first time watchers will be left confused.
I feel like Coby could have asked Garp after he threw the cannonball.
"How did you do that sir?" Coby says as he watches the cannoball splash into the water.
"Do what Cadet?" Garp says as he cracks his knuckles.
"Throw that cannonball so far, and so fast!"
"DId you think eating some cursed fruit was the only path to power, Cadet?" Garp says with a grin, patting Coby hard on the shoulder.
That would have let new viewers know there's something different to Devil Fruits that normal humans can use to fight.
That's really all I have to say. It was a fun watch and well worth trying.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Ansolutely delivered as a sequel
First of all, it felt refreshing to go to a cinema and see a blockbuster that wasn't another superhero movie. Now I loved the Marvel movies but recent additions have left me wanting something different and Avatar: The Way of Water delivered as a sequel by being better than the first Avatar.
It was an emotional ride all throughout with some humour mixed in but it never felt out of place or forced. I was hooked from start to finish and despite the three hour runtime I was left wanting more. Each moment to moment setting felt well paced and never dragged on. It held your interest with good acting and tense, emotional or funny moments.
My biggest gripe is the overall plot. It was absolutely a much more original story than the first movie but it was still the weakest aspect of this entire film. I felt for the characters on a moment to moment basis but I enjoyed the character and world building more than the plot.
I absolutely reccomend this movie.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
This rating will be as fluid as the living Force!
So far this show is impressive and has actually exceeded my expectations but if we've learned anything about Star Wars in recent years it's don't set your expectations too high. Based on the first two episodes I'm happy to give this a solid 8/10 but things might change. Fantastic so far.
The Rookie (2018)
Great show
I love this show but I have to be honest, the quality has been dipping since the start of series 4. Afton Williamson, who played Officer Bishop, left suddenly before season 2 aired and she was written off on that seasons first episode. At the start of season 4, Titus Makin Jr who played Officer Jackson suddenly left and so his character was killed off with an extra standing in. That's two black actors who left without fully explaining why. It's very worrying.
The show itself is fantastic but the quality is dropping during season 4. It feels like it's been made by a totally new team and the exceptional actors are suffering. Bad storylines and annoying side characters (The annoyingly perfect Simone Clark because she was a Guidance Councillor).
The first three seasons are amazing. I hope season 5 saves it.
Star Wars: Visions: The Ninth Jedi (2021)
Almost Perfect Star Wars
Since the original trilogy was finished with Return of the Jedi, Star Wars has had a rocky reputation with the widely beloved for all the wrong reasons Prequels and hated for all the right reasons Sequels. While each iteration wasn't horrible they often failed to capture what I loved about Star Wars. A tale of hope and perseverance through hard times where good triumphs over evil.
For an episode of less than 30 minutes, Ninth Jedi captured that feeling for me. It had some goofy moments for sure but each new character was welcome and, most importantly, well written or likeable. I'm only going to describe Kara's short story arc as the scenes in the temple are best seen first.
The far future setting allowed the creators some freedom to add some things. In this time period the art of forging Lightsabres had died out until recently when a mysterious benefactor contracted and trained a Smith in the art of Sabre-Smithing. One of the added things is the idea of Kyber Crystals reacting to your Force Alignment which is rather strange but it fits in well with George Lucas' blunt style of storytelling.
Kara is a young Force Sensitive who has a strengthening connection to the Force but while her connection isn't strong, she's gifted with a Lightsabre and can even deflect training shots from her droid companion (who is so cute). This is believable because her father is the Sabre-Smith.
Suddenly, Jedi Hunters come for the Smith and Kara is told to run as he is captured. A very well animated speeder chase ensues before Kara ultimately decides to stand her ground. As the speeder charges at her, firing a barrage of bolts, she deflects them then slices the vehicle's engine and dismounts the rider but before he can retaliate she's already gone.
Next we see a fantastic 'Old Droid' sipping on cups of warm oil. I loved this character, he was goofy enough to be funny but still kinda cool as an idea. Just a grumpy old man who happens to be a Droid. Kara pleads with him to take her to fly her to the temple, which he does but very slowly, and it's here we greet the final act which is where I'll end my review.
Overall Kara's scenes really captured what I love about Star Wars. I urge any fan of Star Wars to at least check out Episode 1: The Duel and Episode 5: The Ninth Jedi.
Love and Monsters (2020)
Gripping and Fun
I came into this kinda blind. I knew nothing about the movie when I found it and just watched the 30 second snippet that Netflix shows you when you highlight a movie or show. It looked good so I gave it a go.
This movie was so good and though it wasn't perfect you won't regret watching it. It's a love story at its core. Dylan O'Brien plays Joel. An awkward 20-something guy who's been living with a group of survivors in a colony. He's not brave and he owns that but he's always trying to prove himself anyway. Dylan was brilliant as Joel. His character growth is satisfying to watch but I won't say much more.
The sidecast are all expertly acted but you don't really bond with the supporting characters and that's okay because this movie is about Joel's adventure. The people he meets add to the movie but don't outshine the main focus.
My biggest gripe was the incredibly last minute with very little build up villain. I don't think we needed a human villain when there are literal monsters to fight. The movie starts by saying that the big ones were all wiped out but I felt having one be the big bad would have been better than what we got. Missed oppertunity.
All in all 8/10. A fantastic journey.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Enjoyable film slandered by an entitled community
I'm sick and tried of bad reviews for what isn't a bad movie given by people who only highlight the bad points. It feels like people believe they're entitled to a movie with a story told exactly how they want it and so refuse to enjoy it. The 1 star reviews are not from true Star Wars fans in my opinion.
Star Wars storytelling has never been incredible or even that original. The whole sagas story is as old as time, one of good vs evil. Star Wars has always been fun, sometimes dark and entertaining with a clear message of finding hope in the darkest of times. This movie was just that.
I'm more than happy with this latest entry from the Galaxy Far Far Away
Here Comes the Boom (2012)
A gem of a movie
I've watched this movie a few times now and I absolutely love it. It's a feel good movie about teacher who decides to help his school by fighting in mixed martial arts to raise money for their music program.
It's a comedy but it takes itself seriously in regards to the fighting. Kevin James is absolutely fantastic as the once teacher of the year who seems to be stuck in a slump.
I won't say anymore but this is a gem
Supergirl (2015)
Fun and campy but unoriginal
Season 1 had a very slow start but it did hook me in and encourage me give it a chance. Right from 'Go' it was campy, cheesy, cringe and quite frankly the last show I watch in my weekly lineup but at the end of the day I just had fun with it.
Yes there is a strong female empowerment vibe going on, what with God and the US President being called 'She' by the characters but so what if it's a little feminist sometimes? It isn't stealing from the fun factor at all and her reason for deciding to use her powers for the first time in years was valid and the reason she kept doing it was because of the rush she got from helping people.
Her reason for helping people is self gratifying, no doubt, but with all that risk and no reward I would at least want to feel good about doing it and when she fails on more than one occasion due to a lack of experience she does feel bad about it.
The best character has to be Cat Grant, her bitchy but wise personality is perfectly written (thought not always expertly acted) and when she does be a little nasty she isn't doing it to be mean but to encourage self improvement in Kara's human life and by god thank you for making her wise without being all knowing.
Jimmy Olsen however is a hit and miss, yes he's black when Jimmy is white but he's also just there for no reason except to be the Superman guy without including more major characters from the Superman franchise who would potentially steal the show. Even Quinn has a role with the group but all Jimmy has done is drop Superman franchise names and give advice. He isn't necessary yet but at least he isn't badly written.
All in all I missed the cheesy Monster (or Alien) of the Week trope because lately it's been about dark tones with lots, if not excessive amounts, of gore.
It isn't amazing but it's fun and Season 2 is, so far, better than Season 1...
Warcraft (2016)
A good adaptation
I never played the original Warcraft games, I never knew about them until well into World of Warcrafts second expansion, but I read up on the lore and like to call myself something of a lore nerd.
This movie stuck to it quite well but for the sake of storytelling purposes two things were changed and they were fairly big changes. Any lore nerd will notice them but honestly they weren't that bad.
They squeezed a decent story out of a game not known for being story heavy so I'm eager to see how the Warcraft sequels are treated if they get made.
Non-fans may have trouble picking up the name drops and references but fans will smile during the night ride through Elwyyn and a familiar little terror makes a cameo :P
Dark Matter (2015)
So far so good
It's got real promise, I'm around 6 or 7 episodes in and I'm blissfully reminded of a Joss Whedon flick like Firefly (which I have sadly neglected to watch to the end as of yet). Despite that all I absolutely think this could be a great Sci-Fi as the plot gets even thicker. It has great and clever comedy too with a quirky android who unwittingly says the funniest lines.
There's stereotypes aplenty of course but originality is there also present and it has that spark that made me fall in love with this kind of Sci-Fi so give it a go if you're a fan of Joss Whedon, Stargate, Galactica or Firefly and you'll find something to love.
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
A good film with a great cast
I was so disappointment but only when it ended...why did it have to end :'(
This film was not bad, it was not even just okay, it was fantastic. The story flowed nicely and the characters were great, even the new guys brought a breath of fresh air to the series which always seemed rather dry and humourless but the new guys had great chemistry and had some genuinely funny dialogue.
The comedy everywhere else was mostly very funny, some jokes may have gone over my head but it made me laugh out loud so many times. The Storm Troopers were actually competent shooters for once and not only that but they acted like real people and even provided comedy of their own.
I won't go into detail any more than needed but the oldies that return are welcome returns, not cash ins, the new guys aren't Disney-ing up the place and are actually good characters, the script was well worked on, the production value is great and the effects are jaw dropping.
Go see it
Interstellar (2014)
Matthew McConaughey really loves his kids
Okay I don't want to go too much into this but seriously this is a movie worth seeing and at the end of it all you'll wonder how the hell we came to be here and when did I last blink?!?
This is a great film, brilliantly acted and with enough plot twists to make M. Night Shyamalan go "Didn't see that coming." Seriously go watch this film, I may be easily impressed but hells bells I loved this.
His relationship with his young daughter, Murph, is also very believable. You get the impression than she would have followed her dad on his journey if given half a chance and I honestly think Cooper would have let her, evidenced by how he quickly looks for her in his truck on his way to the launch site.
Though the only impression I got out of his son was, "I like farming," and it's a shame that he wasn't as big a focus as Murph because Cooper did seem to love his kids but doted over his daughter the most which seemed odd to me seeing as his sole purpose for leaving was for them.
I don't remember enjoying a Matthew McConaughey movie as much as this. I haven't seen much of his past work but from what I hear he wasn't exactly hot property until Mud or Dallas Buyers Club.
Looking forward to more of his movies.
Naked and Afraid (2013)
Shocking but entertaining
I've always loved watching survival program's like Ray Mears and occasionally Bear Grylls (though Ray is my favourite) and when I heard about this show I thought how the hell did they get the permissions for this and my curiosity got the better of me. I stepped into it thinking it would be about your everyday, average Joe with no knowledge of survival but after a crash course they'd be stripped naked and thrown into a jungle somewhere.
I was so wrong, these people know their stuff and watching them was definitely entertaining. I learned some new things about wilderness survival and how desperation can drive you to do things outside your comfort zone. There was one scene in particular where a young lady killed an eel with a hatchet and started crying and apologising to the eel afterwards stating that she hated killing things.
Even though she hated it she had to do it or go hungry but the eel was protein which is energy and that energy was definitely well used.
It made me wonder if I could do even half of the things on this show but I'm go in 8/10 for sheer entertainment value but it disappointed me that the males seem to try and take over and when their female counterpart outshines them then they tended to sulk a little. Not all men are control freaks though, if a woman could show me a thing or two about lighting a fire then is sit my rump down and listen not sulk.
At the end of it all I'm going to stop taking the small things for granted...
Godzilla (1998)
Zilla is Killa and full of action Filla
If your smart and watch this movie then just don't overthink it. There is plot, it just isn't deep and a movie made about a giant lizard monster isn't exactly going to be the pinicle of charactersation so why bother when Zilla is much more interesting to look at? It has decent CGI for the time and nice action sequences and that, to me anyway, made it entertaining enough to sit through it...again...and again...and again.
I've basically watched this dozens of times since I was a kid and I'm 22 now.
Although I do agree, this American Godzilla is totally different to Japanese Godzilla and so I just call it Zilla like most fans.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Fantastic
People say this was the best animated film of the year, they're wrong...it's the best one of my lifetime so far. Not since Shrek have I been so in love with an animated movie and it just never gets old.
I'm probably being stupid by saying this but fans of the Inheritance books (Eragon) will find something to enjoy here and let's face it, it's better than abysmal attempt of a movie adaptation.
Perfect for the kids and adults who won't find it boring or so cringeworthy and overly clichéd.
Looking forward to the sequel
Enjoy
Hanna (2011)
An enjoyable action film
I don't want to say anything much on this film so I'll be brief. It was an amazing film in which Ronan owns the stage and quickly pushed her more mature co-stars off it into the audience to watch her shine. She plays an innocent yet deadly character that may make some people uneasy at the violent acts she commits.
I enjoyed it very much and it's best you see this film without knowing too much about it but in the week or since I got I've happily watched it twice and it was only better the second time.
It may not strike a chord with most people seeing a minor kill people but I'm happy to say it wasn't a repulsive sigh since Ronan performs her action scenes very well.
The music gives you a feel for the locations she finds herself in and keeps you tense and excited as she goes on her journey.
I hope this was adequate enough for you to enjoy watching the film but it's best you go in blind for this one and avoid any content advisory for spoilers. Please watch this film if you haven't because I'm sure if you have an open mind you'll enjoy it a lot.