This movie has no right to be THAT good - a sequel of a mediocre spinoff of a side character who overstayed his welcome in the Shrek series by a good two episodes. Yet here we are, marveling the wonder Dreamworks put onto the big screen, and singing its praise. The closest thing I can compare it is Kung Fu Panda, with its tight pacing, poignant moments, excellent characters and even beats KFP in terms of plot, delivering a compelling story with not one, but 3 groups of antagonists. The seemingly bloated cast does not dull the pacing the slightest, PitB:TLW balances the storilines as perfectly as its titular character. Beside the really heartfelt and heartwarming message the movie also looks and sounds darn good, the animation department and sound design team, as well as the voiceovers giving their A-game. Can't wait to watch it again on streaming services.
Reviews
30 Reviews
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
(2023)
Absolutely one of the Illumination movies ever made
9 April 2023
Pros: it looks nice and sounds OK. The creative department showed obvious care in the making.
Cons: the "story" is an absolute garbage, the aim was to cram as many 'memberries from the games into the 92 min runtime as possible, with a connecting tissue that is as complicated as a wedge. The pacing is also all over the place; I checked twice my watch to see how much time's left, and parents all around did the same. From a Super Mario BROTHERS movie Luigi is absent in about 80% of the movie, Mario has more screentime from which half the time is being outdone by Peach and degraded to a side character in his own movie.
This flick cannot even tie the shoelace of Puss in the boots: The last wish, and is easily one of the worst movie Illumination produced so far.
Cons: the "story" is an absolute garbage, the aim was to cram as many 'memberries from the games into the 92 min runtime as possible, with a connecting tissue that is as complicated as a wedge. The pacing is also all over the place; I checked twice my watch to see how much time's left, and parents all around did the same. From a Super Mario BROTHERS movie Luigi is absent in about 80% of the movie, Mario has more screentime from which half the time is being outdone by Peach and degraded to a side character in his own movie.
This flick cannot even tie the shoelace of Puss in the boots: The last wish, and is easily one of the worst movie Illumination produced so far.
Saved the series as a whole
16 November 2022
After the awful 6th episode I had not held my hopes particularly high for the series finale - and boy was I wrong. "Peacefield" was a poignant, respectful, measured and yet, both heart-warming and heart-wrenching 62 minutes. All the praise goes for Giamatti and Linney for their portrayal of the aging couple, and most of the supporting cast who deliver their A-game. Everything that was amiss with "Unnecessary war" was spot on in "Peacefield": the pacing, the focus, the personal drama and the portrayal of those larger-than-life figures of the United States' history, both brought closer to us and magnified their virtues. Overall, an excellent closure of this remarkable series.
The Lego Ninjago Movie
(2017)
Writers REALLY need to learn humility
16 November 2022
Lego Ninjago Movie was a mixed bag for me.
First, the positive stuff - because despite the appalling rating there is plenty. The entire movie had outstanding production value, much like the first LEGO Movie or LEGO Batman. Especially the lighting, that's some excellent work on the animation team's behalf. The fight choreographs are great which is little wonder since Jackie Chan's involvement went beyond just voice acting; he and his team actually did some motion capture for the fight scenes. Voice acting, music, visuals, all are great, so where does it falls apart?
In a single word: writing. To elaborate a bit more: the writers thought they'd make another Batman movie. With LEGO Batman the writers managed to deliver a quirky flick which still shows great respect to the source material AND being able to show the new side of a protagonist who has been around for more than 80 years now.
This level of respect is completely absent in LNM though. The writer/producers were quick to dive behind the sandbags of calling it "a non-canon spin-off" from the series. In reality they used the 7 seasons of the Ninjago series for some quick name recognition and a vessel to tell their story - which would be less of a sin, had that story been any good. But it wasn't. The entire first half is a garbled mess, and felt like each script page was written by whoever got first to the typewriter. And it did not get better in the other 40 or so minutes either.
It's pretty clear that none of the writers knew what was on their hand and just wanted a quick cash-grab on the success of the LEGO Batman movie. All they did was grabbing the most basic traits of each character (and sometimes not even that) to squeeze out a "quirky/edgy lego story" with the tone similar to the Batman movie. Now, for many of us Ninjago is not just a random Saturday morning cartoon. For me personally it was a time I spent together with my son growing up, a shared adventure we enjoyed week after week. I also learned the names of all the Ninjas, their powers, and grew fond of them throughout the years. We spent many hours assembling the kits together and re-enacting the scenes from series. And yeah, The Fold's main track is just as an earworm as any random Disney songs. When we got hospitalized, Weekend Whip worked all the time to cheer him up.
Would I mind a spin-off story with these characters which steers away from Ninjago and the other 14 worlds? Sure I wouldn't! But you turned these characters inside out. And your audience DO starts to ask questions, like why did you completely change Misako's origin story? Why did you change Garmadon's story? The bond between the brothers going sour, as well as their relation to Lloyd's mother was a crucial plot point in the series. And don't even get me started with the ninjas... Since when are they too-cool-for-school teens? Especially Lloyd whose sudden grow-up and the absence of childhood was due to a heroic sacrifice? Or Zane the nindroid, created by a scientist to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and his realization of this tenet was some of the most heartfelt moment in the entire series by the end of S3... Yet you literally used him for a "yo mamma" joke. I can't tell a single character who's not been ruined in this "adaptation". This is not a "non-canon take", this is a perversion of the characters and the brand.
The younger audience may not be able to communicate these issues in a written form, they may not even leave a rating here, but they do feel that something is amiss. That you took something we were invested in, and either through ignorance and blatant disregard, or unbridled hubris, took it all and flushed it down the gutter. You were laughing in our face and said that we shouldn't have cared so much for a stupid kids movie anyway.
But if you look at those less than glowing reviews, the fact that this one was the first to torpedo the LEGO movie franchise (that is now in Universal's hands), and the first LEGO movie that is technically bombed at the box office, I hope it serves as a good lesson for you and all the the writers out there: no matter the age of your audience and the source material, you always got to show respect if you expect any in return.
First, the positive stuff - because despite the appalling rating there is plenty. The entire movie had outstanding production value, much like the first LEGO Movie or LEGO Batman. Especially the lighting, that's some excellent work on the animation team's behalf. The fight choreographs are great which is little wonder since Jackie Chan's involvement went beyond just voice acting; he and his team actually did some motion capture for the fight scenes. Voice acting, music, visuals, all are great, so where does it falls apart?
In a single word: writing. To elaborate a bit more: the writers thought they'd make another Batman movie. With LEGO Batman the writers managed to deliver a quirky flick which still shows great respect to the source material AND being able to show the new side of a protagonist who has been around for more than 80 years now.
This level of respect is completely absent in LNM though. The writer/producers were quick to dive behind the sandbags of calling it "a non-canon spin-off" from the series. In reality they used the 7 seasons of the Ninjago series for some quick name recognition and a vessel to tell their story - which would be less of a sin, had that story been any good. But it wasn't. The entire first half is a garbled mess, and felt like each script page was written by whoever got first to the typewriter. And it did not get better in the other 40 or so minutes either.
It's pretty clear that none of the writers knew what was on their hand and just wanted a quick cash-grab on the success of the LEGO Batman movie. All they did was grabbing the most basic traits of each character (and sometimes not even that) to squeeze out a "quirky/edgy lego story" with the tone similar to the Batman movie. Now, for many of us Ninjago is not just a random Saturday morning cartoon. For me personally it was a time I spent together with my son growing up, a shared adventure we enjoyed week after week. I also learned the names of all the Ninjas, their powers, and grew fond of them throughout the years. We spent many hours assembling the kits together and re-enacting the scenes from series. And yeah, The Fold's main track is just as an earworm as any random Disney songs. When we got hospitalized, Weekend Whip worked all the time to cheer him up.
Would I mind a spin-off story with these characters which steers away from Ninjago and the other 14 worlds? Sure I wouldn't! But you turned these characters inside out. And your audience DO starts to ask questions, like why did you completely change Misako's origin story? Why did you change Garmadon's story? The bond between the brothers going sour, as well as their relation to Lloyd's mother was a crucial plot point in the series. And don't even get me started with the ninjas... Since when are they too-cool-for-school teens? Especially Lloyd whose sudden grow-up and the absence of childhood was due to a heroic sacrifice? Or Zane the nindroid, created by a scientist to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and his realization of this tenet was some of the most heartfelt moment in the entire series by the end of S3... Yet you literally used him for a "yo mamma" joke. I can't tell a single character who's not been ruined in this "adaptation". This is not a "non-canon take", this is a perversion of the characters and the brand.
The younger audience may not be able to communicate these issues in a written form, they may not even leave a rating here, but they do feel that something is amiss. That you took something we were invested in, and either through ignorance and blatant disregard, or unbridled hubris, took it all and flushed it down the gutter. You were laughing in our face and said that we shouldn't have cared so much for a stupid kids movie anyway.
But if you look at those less than glowing reviews, the fact that this one was the first to torpedo the LEGO movie franchise (that is now in Universal's hands), and the first LEGO movie that is technically bombed at the box office, I hope it serves as a good lesson for you and all the the writers out there: no matter the age of your audience and the source material, you always got to show respect if you expect any in return.
Basically the 101 for how to NOT write an episode
8 November 2022
Good gracious, this episode which should've been the culmination of the series fell all apart like a shambling horse chart on a rocky road to the White House...
First the good part. The music is atmospheric and great as ever. Costumes and the setpieces are all serviceable, as well as the lighting. The camerawork is not my cup of tea but passable. The biggest praise goes for the acting; especially for Linney and Giamatti, but all the supporting characters are great and even more so when you consider how little they had to work with in terms of the script. They are the only reason that this is not a 1-star review.
Because frankly, the script, the focus and the pacing are all over the place. This episode managed to achieve the seemingly impossible feat of being both incredibly dragging and horribly rushed... The most important 4 years of Adams, the trials and tribulations during his presidency are scrolling by at a breakneck speed, yet the script meanders minutes long on much less important issues that were not set up properly in the earlier episodes. Events like Washington's death is brushed away in a throwaway line - quite a disservice for the man who shaped Adams' career and character, and even more so if it ended up on the cutting room's floor. Adams' most important presidential acts, like raising the residency limit for immigrants to get a citizenship or founding the US Navy are not even mentioned. I honestly learned more from a half-page article about his presidency than from an entire hour long episode from a series that is supposed to be about him! It is really hard to swallow this after the cleverly constructed first four episodes and besmirches the enjoyment of the entire series. Such a pity.
First the good part. The music is atmospheric and great as ever. Costumes and the setpieces are all serviceable, as well as the lighting. The camerawork is not my cup of tea but passable. The biggest praise goes for the acting; especially for Linney and Giamatti, but all the supporting characters are great and even more so when you consider how little they had to work with in terms of the script. They are the only reason that this is not a 1-star review.
Because frankly, the script, the focus and the pacing are all over the place. This episode managed to achieve the seemingly impossible feat of being both incredibly dragging and horribly rushed... The most important 4 years of Adams, the trials and tribulations during his presidency are scrolling by at a breakneck speed, yet the script meanders minutes long on much less important issues that were not set up properly in the earlier episodes. Events like Washington's death is brushed away in a throwaway line - quite a disservice for the man who shaped Adams' career and character, and even more so if it ended up on the cutting room's floor. Adams' most important presidential acts, like raising the residency limit for immigrants to get a citizenship or founding the US Navy are not even mentioned. I honestly learned more from a half-page article about his presidency than from an entire hour long episode from a series that is supposed to be about him! It is really hard to swallow this after the cleverly constructed first four episodes and besmirches the enjoyment of the entire series. Such a pity.
Banshee
(2013–2016)
A hidden gem
9 October 2022
Banshee is an unapologetic, action-packed show with Game of Thrones-level nudity and violence, and is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Sexual abuse, domestic- and prison- violence, organized crime and brutal executions - Banshee does not shy away when it comes exploring the dark excesses of human behaviour.
The main cast is excellent, everyone deliver their best. The story revolves around the trials of John "Lucas Hood" Doe (Antony Starr) - a criminal who's been released after being on ice for 15 years. He needs to hide from his former employer and in order to do so he takes up the mantle of a recently murdered sheriff as a disguise in the titular town of Banshee, Pennsylvania. The story goes way beyond that, even after the first few episodes that I don't want to spoil for you.
Beside The Expanse it is probably the brightest example of using a diverse casting to its fullest advantage. Native Americans, Amish communities, Aryan gangs and many more, all are being interwoven into an interesting setting. Characters falter and prevail, show initiative, weakness, resourcefulness and fallibility regardless of their gender, race or sexual orientation.
Overall, Banshee has an OK narrative and a mostly competent writing, but it would be quite a stretch to say it's perfect. There are undeserved deux-ex-machina rescues, several plot conveniences, multiple instances of characters doing quite the opposing things they were supposed to do just for dramatic shock value, and downright abandoned story-threads that bugged me for a while. Still, characters carry the show on their shoulders so it is easy to get hooked on just for them.
The show ended on its own terms which really is as common as a white raven nowadays, so you will get a complete, full story with a satisfying closure if you wish to give it a chance.
The main cast is excellent, everyone deliver their best. The story revolves around the trials of John "Lucas Hood" Doe (Antony Starr) - a criminal who's been released after being on ice for 15 years. He needs to hide from his former employer and in order to do so he takes up the mantle of a recently murdered sheriff as a disguise in the titular town of Banshee, Pennsylvania. The story goes way beyond that, even after the first few episodes that I don't want to spoil for you.
Beside The Expanse it is probably the brightest example of using a diverse casting to its fullest advantage. Native Americans, Amish communities, Aryan gangs and many more, all are being interwoven into an interesting setting. Characters falter and prevail, show initiative, weakness, resourcefulness and fallibility regardless of their gender, race or sexual orientation.
Overall, Banshee has an OK narrative and a mostly competent writing, but it would be quite a stretch to say it's perfect. There are undeserved deux-ex-machina rescues, several plot conveniences, multiple instances of characters doing quite the opposing things they were supposed to do just for dramatic shock value, and downright abandoned story-threads that bugged me for a while. Still, characters carry the show on their shoulders so it is easy to get hooked on just for them.
The show ended on its own terms which really is as common as a white raven nowadays, so you will get a complete, full story with a satisfying closure if you wish to give it a chance.
The Boys
(2019– )
Yet another "Westworld-syndrome"
2 September 2022
I've been following The Boys from S1. And hot damn, it was genius.
I went in with the same expectations into S2, but I found it sometimes lacking. Still my enthusiasm and momentum carried me through, right into S3... and boy, if they dropped the ball in this season.
Let's get the positive stuff out of the way: Antony Starr and Jensen Ackles are both pretty awesome in their roles. And Kimiko's final decision about her power was really heartfelt.
OK, that was quick. Now, the rest...
The writing in the whole season is nothing short of abysmal. Gone are the intriguing premises of ordinary people fighting an evil company with superheroes. Gone are the reliance on grit and wit and street smarts to outmaneuver your opponent. Instead enter a**-pulled contrivances, half-baked subversions and downright stupidity.
Instead of an intriguing story you get everyday politics injected into the show - in spades. And with a subtlety of cracking a walnut with a sledgehammer. "Oh You see? We mock woke corporate marketing! We mock Orange Man! Underground media! Mainstream media! We're bashing both left and right, aren't we kewl?"
The writers also had no idea what to do with their characters after S2. They had put half of the cast on pause or simply abandoned their storyline. Characters constantly make stupid and/or contradictory decisions that they would never have made in previous seasons. Power levels and power dynamics are being shifted on a dime. The last episode was especially full with eye-rolling moments, from Maeve dropping some of the deadliest nerve agent right onto the city to the awful final showdown.
Thank you show, you had such a promising premise, I even held my hopes high after S2 for all the ongoing storylines, but you let me down big time.
I went in with the same expectations into S2, but I found it sometimes lacking. Still my enthusiasm and momentum carried me through, right into S3... and boy, if they dropped the ball in this season.
Let's get the positive stuff out of the way: Antony Starr and Jensen Ackles are both pretty awesome in their roles. And Kimiko's final decision about her power was really heartfelt.
OK, that was quick. Now, the rest...
The writing in the whole season is nothing short of abysmal. Gone are the intriguing premises of ordinary people fighting an evil company with superheroes. Gone are the reliance on grit and wit and street smarts to outmaneuver your opponent. Instead enter a**-pulled contrivances, half-baked subversions and downright stupidity.
Instead of an intriguing story you get everyday politics injected into the show - in spades. And with a subtlety of cracking a walnut with a sledgehammer. "Oh You see? We mock woke corporate marketing! We mock Orange Man! Underground media! Mainstream media! We're bashing both left and right, aren't we kewl?"
The writers also had no idea what to do with their characters after S2. They had put half of the cast on pause or simply abandoned their storyline. Characters constantly make stupid and/or contradictory decisions that they would never have made in previous seasons. Power levels and power dynamics are being shifted on a dime. The last episode was especially full with eye-rolling moments, from Maeve dropping some of the deadliest nerve agent right onto the city to the awful final showdown.
Thank you show, you had such a promising premise, I even held my hopes high after S2 for all the ongoing storylines, but you let me down big time.
Westworld
(2016–2022)
When to stop
25 January 2022
Do yourself a favor and just watch the first 10 episodes from Season1.
That way you can enjoy a skillfully written, insightful and sophisticated thriller with great performances, well-crafted characters and mind-boggling plot twists. None of the following 2 seasons get even remotely close to that.
That way you can enjoy a skillfully written, insightful and sophisticated thriller with great performances, well-crafted characters and mind-boggling plot twists. None of the following 2 seasons get even remotely close to that.
5,9 Series finale? Are we watching the same show?
14 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I checked the scores here before watching the episodes and was thoroughly shocked seeing 5,9 on the series' finale, right after the previous episode's 9,1. I watched it and was like: "Really? What did everyone else see? Did I just watch the finale from an alt-world?"
This is definitely not a 5,9 finale, more like a strong 9. All the main arcs got a really satisfying conclusion and the very ending left to the interpretation of the viewer. If you want spoon-feeding and anticlimax, Game of Thrones got you covered.
The sound, the visuals, the actors, they were all brilliant, giving their very best for the closure. And what I especially liked: this is not a happy ending by all means. The unresolved conflicts may pave the road for another bloody clashes, between individuals, groups on interests and nations alike. I don't think Amazon will ever revive this project, but it surely was worthy of my time.
Let's break it down from bad to good:
* BCR - The whole movement felt unnecessary throughout the season, especially that we had an established resistance movement in the previous episodes. It is understandable that they could not bring every discontent groups under the same umbrella, but the whole inception of the BCR seemed overly forced. What is even worse is the idealization (or the flat-out glorification) of communism. This idea is just as insidious as national socialism or fascism, and is responsible for even more death than the other two. Even in this alt-world history had plenty of opportunity to repeat itself with the terror of Stalin, the forced expansion of the Soviet Union, deportation of entire nations, the forming of the GULAG "islands" and so on. Sugarcoating it does not fit the original concept of the series. Alas, witnessing the final gang up of the various communist rebel groups hinted some plausible seeds of discontent. A bunch of rebels with zero experience in governing will not be able to keep the prize of their conquests for too long. It is easier to blow up a train bridge than making the train on it arrive on schedule.
* Hawthorne - He was losing significance already in S3, and I'm amazed that he made it to the end of S4. Alas, I accept the explanation that the people coming through the portals are the other worlds' "Men in the High Castle", who are curious what happened to their self in this world and may want to help the resolution of the coming conflicts in Hawthorne's reality.
* Juliana - She also lost her charm after teleporting back into alt-world Washington. I hoped for some nice adventure twist of trying to stop the nacis in the world she escaped into in S3, but it remained a huge missed opportunity. Just like with Wyatt/Liam I did not care as much about her fate as I did from S1 to S3.
* Childan - He's in the positive section for me. He had gone a long way, from a weeaboo to a somewhat-hero, who had been rejected by his idolized nation in the decisive moment. And make no mistake, his ending is not a happy one. He went after his wife, but arriving to Japan he'll most likely end up deported back to the States, or worse.
* Kido - His closure was fully satisfying, although not a happy ending as well. What he got is far worse than death. And that is good as it is, as he faced death numerous times in the previous episodes, so he's obviously not afraid of it. But when the chips were down on the table, he sacrificed everything he believed in for his son. He will have to spend the rest of his life in the service of the despised Yakuza. Also, kudos for the producers for leaving Frank's story as it was and not bringing him back from an alt world.
* The Smiths - The flagship of the series, their stories are the most satisfying and the most fleshed out. Everyone gets what he/she deserves, and Helen's final monologue about being unworthy for a second chance is a brilliant conclusion of the entire family's story arc. John also met a fitting end. And this closure also sets the scene for the future conflicts - first, between the BCR and new-US/ex-GNR military, then between the Reich and ex-GNR forces. After all, why should Götzmann keep his promise for too long after Smith's demise? Even with the nukes in the US' hand this would result in a new Cold War, with much dire prospects than in our reality.
This is definitely not a 5,9 finale, more like a strong 9. All the main arcs got a really satisfying conclusion and the very ending left to the interpretation of the viewer. If you want spoon-feeding and anticlimax, Game of Thrones got you covered.
The sound, the visuals, the actors, they were all brilliant, giving their very best for the closure. And what I especially liked: this is not a happy ending by all means. The unresolved conflicts may pave the road for another bloody clashes, between individuals, groups on interests and nations alike. I don't think Amazon will ever revive this project, but it surely was worthy of my time.
Let's break it down from bad to good:
* BCR - The whole movement felt unnecessary throughout the season, especially that we had an established resistance movement in the previous episodes. It is understandable that they could not bring every discontent groups under the same umbrella, but the whole inception of the BCR seemed overly forced. What is even worse is the idealization (or the flat-out glorification) of communism. This idea is just as insidious as national socialism or fascism, and is responsible for even more death than the other two. Even in this alt-world history had plenty of opportunity to repeat itself with the terror of Stalin, the forced expansion of the Soviet Union, deportation of entire nations, the forming of the GULAG "islands" and so on. Sugarcoating it does not fit the original concept of the series. Alas, witnessing the final gang up of the various communist rebel groups hinted some plausible seeds of discontent. A bunch of rebels with zero experience in governing will not be able to keep the prize of their conquests for too long. It is easier to blow up a train bridge than making the train on it arrive on schedule.
* Hawthorne - He was losing significance already in S3, and I'm amazed that he made it to the end of S4. Alas, I accept the explanation that the people coming through the portals are the other worlds' "Men in the High Castle", who are curious what happened to their self in this world and may want to help the resolution of the coming conflicts in Hawthorne's reality.
* Juliana - She also lost her charm after teleporting back into alt-world Washington. I hoped for some nice adventure twist of trying to stop the nacis in the world she escaped into in S3, but it remained a huge missed opportunity. Just like with Wyatt/Liam I did not care as much about her fate as I did from S1 to S3.
* Childan - He's in the positive section for me. He had gone a long way, from a weeaboo to a somewhat-hero, who had been rejected by his idolized nation in the decisive moment. And make no mistake, his ending is not a happy one. He went after his wife, but arriving to Japan he'll most likely end up deported back to the States, or worse.
* Kido - His closure was fully satisfying, although not a happy ending as well. What he got is far worse than death. And that is good as it is, as he faced death numerous times in the previous episodes, so he's obviously not afraid of it. But when the chips were down on the table, he sacrificed everything he believed in for his son. He will have to spend the rest of his life in the service of the despised Yakuza. Also, kudos for the producers for leaving Frank's story as it was and not bringing him back from an alt world.
* The Smiths - The flagship of the series, their stories are the most satisfying and the most fleshed out. Everyone gets what he/she deserves, and Helen's final monologue about being unworthy for a second chance is a brilliant conclusion of the entire family's story arc. John also met a fitting end. And this closure also sets the scene for the future conflicts - first, between the BCR and new-US/ex-GNR military, then between the Reich and ex-GNR forces. After all, why should Götzmann keep his promise for too long after Smith's demise? Even with the nukes in the US' hand this would result in a new Cold War, with much dire prospects than in our reality.
Eureka
(2006–2012)
An underrated gem
5 November 2019
Sci-fi themed humor, great characters, and crazy adventures throughout 5 seasons. is that binge-worthy? Here's a quick - spoiler-free run-down by the seasons to help you decide:
1st: It sets up the whole series' theme. US Marshall Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) finds himself appointed to the sheriff of the scientific reserach town Eureka. Can a man with an average IQ fare in a town full of geniuses? The season's emotional top is the finale, that is one of my all-time favorite episodes and sets up the following season masterfully.
2nd: After the romising start the plot slows down a bit. The whole season revolves around the mystery of the artefact, and drags it a bit too long. Among the new characters you'll get to meet Zane Donovan (Niall Matter) who remains a vivid and colorful character in the seasons to come.
3rd: The longest and weakest season IMO, it is the first one that introduces two main storylines (and thus, a semi-season finale) within a season. Unfortunately, the first was unable to grab my attention for too long, and the second was hardly better. The season finale is also one of the weaker episodes. Fortuantely, there are ups in this season as well: both Eva Thorne (Frances Fisher) and Tess Fontana (Jaime Ray Newman) are great new characters, and "I do over" is definitely the emotional and dramatic top in the series.
4th: The writers took a bold step and shook up the series - thoroughly. Parallel timelines, our well known characters find their world upside down, and this fresh momentum lasts for almost 2 entire seasons. The 2 sub-plotlines are also present here, but the entire season's rythym is much more tense and won't let you down for a minute. Not only they skimmed the appearence of the non-essential stars, they also introduced Holly Marten (Felicia Day) as a new character who will be the source of humor and romance throughout the seasons. They made 2 holiday episodes which might be somewhat off-putting (especially "Do you see what I see"), but I liked them both.
5th: Back to the basics, in terms of length at least. After a jaw-dropping start 2 great misteries need to be solved, and the biggest crisis of them all to be averted. Can Carter save the day this time? This season has alsmot breakneck speed compared to season 3, but everything is still very well done about it.
Tl;dr: don't give up on S3, the best part comes in S4 and 5.
1st: It sets up the whole series' theme. US Marshall Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) finds himself appointed to the sheriff of the scientific reserach town Eureka. Can a man with an average IQ fare in a town full of geniuses? The season's emotional top is the finale, that is one of my all-time favorite episodes and sets up the following season masterfully.
2nd: After the romising start the plot slows down a bit. The whole season revolves around the mystery of the artefact, and drags it a bit too long. Among the new characters you'll get to meet Zane Donovan (Niall Matter) who remains a vivid and colorful character in the seasons to come.
3rd: The longest and weakest season IMO, it is the first one that introduces two main storylines (and thus, a semi-season finale) within a season. Unfortunately, the first was unable to grab my attention for too long, and the second was hardly better. The season finale is also one of the weaker episodes. Fortuantely, there are ups in this season as well: both Eva Thorne (Frances Fisher) and Tess Fontana (Jaime Ray Newman) are great new characters, and "I do over" is definitely the emotional and dramatic top in the series.
4th: The writers took a bold step and shook up the series - thoroughly. Parallel timelines, our well known characters find their world upside down, and this fresh momentum lasts for almost 2 entire seasons. The 2 sub-plotlines are also present here, but the entire season's rythym is much more tense and won't let you down for a minute. Not only they skimmed the appearence of the non-essential stars, they also introduced Holly Marten (Felicia Day) as a new character who will be the source of humor and romance throughout the seasons. They made 2 holiday episodes which might be somewhat off-putting (especially "Do you see what I see"), but I liked them both.
5th: Back to the basics, in terms of length at least. After a jaw-dropping start 2 great misteries need to be solved, and the biggest crisis of them all to be averted. Can Carter save the day this time? This season has alsmot breakneck speed compared to season 3, but everything is still very well done about it.
Tl;dr: don't give up on S3, the best part comes in S4 and 5.
YES.
15 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Tl;dr: A really nice episode. It won't absolve all the sins of the season, but definitely an A+ closure.
Things I liked:
* It's really like the producers will give us Dark June. And she's downright scary. We say farewell to June in this season in a mid-state between Walter White and Heisenberg, where you can still sympathize with her overall mission, but start to question more and more her means to reach those ends.
* Joseph's story reading and the plane arriving to Canada. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking the same time.
* The camerawork with the ladder at the bookshelf.
Things that bothered me to some extent:
* Security getting lazy. In S1 you had entrenched HMG posts even on the riverbank. Now, active shooting near an international airport and only a single guard responding. Shooting at a handmaid because she threw stones? Not looking for a missing guard for several hours?
* Joseph must have ordered one helluva meeting, as seemingly nobody missed dozens of missing Marthas and about 6 handmaids for a good half day.
Things I am curious about:
* How will they cover the tracks for a conspiracy of such magnitude?
* Will Serena deny Fred's accusation about extorting June and Nick? The two people who could prove it are not really available for hearing.
* How will June escape punishment? With the Waterfords out of the picture, Gilead will have scant few chances of getting back Nicole. Thus June becomes way less valuable to them.
* Also, will Gilead go open war on Canada for the kids?
* And most important, shall we see more of June decaying morally in the search for Hannah?
Things I liked:
* It's really like the producers will give us Dark June. And she's downright scary. We say farewell to June in this season in a mid-state between Walter White and Heisenberg, where you can still sympathize with her overall mission, but start to question more and more her means to reach those ends.
* Joseph's story reading and the plane arriving to Canada. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking the same time.
* The camerawork with the ladder at the bookshelf.
Things that bothered me to some extent:
* Security getting lazy. In S1 you had entrenched HMG posts even on the riverbank. Now, active shooting near an international airport and only a single guard responding. Shooting at a handmaid because she threw stones? Not looking for a missing guard for several hours?
* Joseph must have ordered one helluva meeting, as seemingly nobody missed dozens of missing Marthas and about 6 handmaids for a good half day.
Things I am curious about:
* How will they cover the tracks for a conspiracy of such magnitude?
* Will Serena deny Fred's accusation about extorting June and Nick? The two people who could prove it are not really available for hearing.
* How will June escape punishment? With the Waterfords out of the picture, Gilead will have scant few chances of getting back Nicole. Thus June becomes way less valuable to them.
* Also, will Gilead go open war on Canada for the kids?
* And most important, shall we see more of June decaying morally in the search for Hannah?
Subverting expectations (?)
8 August 2019
That episode took really bold steps, turning June into a semi-Walter White by basically sacrificing an innocent for the greater good.
We've seen already from Moira's and Emily's story what Gilead makes with people . And as Fred told Luke, June is indeed changed an surely isn't the June Osbourne anymore who had been caught while crossing the border.
I really hope the producers and writers have the gut to flesh out the same good-to-bad story arc as we had seen in Breaking Bad, making the once-protagonist June into a morally ambiguous person who thinks the end justifies all means, and may even turn out to be just as bad as those she fights against.
We've seen already from Moira's and Emily's story what Gilead makes with people . And as Fred told Luke, June is indeed changed an surely isn't the June Osbourne anymore who had been caught while crossing the border.
I really hope the producers and writers have the gut to flesh out the same good-to-bad story arc as we had seen in Breaking Bad, making the once-protagonist June into a morally ambiguous person who thinks the end justifies all means, and may even turn out to be just as bad as those she fights against.
The episode we needed - 6 episodes earlier
19 July 2019
What I liked:
+ Camerawork again. I cannot overstate the praise of the work the crew puts into filming the scenes. Full glass room, with lots of reflections and tricky light conditions, but they still did a spotless job.
+ Finally, June faces consequences. And halfway through you even start to feel sorry for her. A refreshing change after the previous episodes.
+ Editing. The jump-cuts between the various lighting conditions really helped in portraying June's descent into madness, the "skipping" of time, as her mind and sanity starts to crumble.
+ Whoever cast Rose's actress. For that tiny scene in the end, she was an excellent choice due to her striking resemblance to Eden from the previous season. Tells almost without words what happens to the innocence in Gilead.
+ Music and sound editing. It was constantly great throughout the show, but here they did a really memorable job, on par with "Women's Work", where Janine sings to her baby in the end. It was the second time I watched the credits, because of this.
The downs:
The sad:
The downs:
- Stupid writing still present. Speaking of vows of never doing harm... Someone attempts murder with a scalpel she normally couldn't get. How did she get hold of it in the first place? You really don't need Sherlock Holmes for this mystery, just common freakin' sense. And if you have it you won't throw said scalpel back into the bin, just so she might give it a go again!
- You have guards at the doorstep of every commander's house. You have guards on the street. You have entrenched HMG posts on riverbanks. You have two armed guards for each aisle in the supermarket. Where you don't see a single guard present? Inside a hospital, where the most valuable subjects are being kept in their most helpless state. And don't tell me about infections. They let someone stay in an ICU 24/7 with open wounds right beside a comatose patient, and allow to have numerous visitors (Janine among them with an active infection).
- We had asphyxiated baby last week, now we have pre-born baby, nearly dying. That still didn't fill out the misery porn quota for this episode, so what about showing June getting her finger skewered by a discarded needle? Oh, gosh, it will be such a powerful symbolism of hurting herself while trying to hurt others! The audience would not get it otherwise!
- The obligatory up-close face**** screen-time. You know what our viewers like and help their immersion in the story? Seeing Elisabeth Moss staring awkwardly straight into the camera from the very beginning.
The sad:
- It was a by-the-books barrel episode. Nearly zero outside scenery, and 90% of the episode is being played out in a single ICU room, just so they can cut costs. It's all cool, and it ended up giving June some new, long-awaited drive and resolve after the disappearance of her daughter. Also, it channeled her frustration and rage from lashing out to quasi-innocents to lash out against those who did her real harm. It is one of the most meaningful episode in terms of character development in the season so far. The only problem is that you should have given it to her (us?) a good 6 episodes ago. June stayed in Gilead to save her daughter. It all went awry, now she decides to go all out on revolting. Cool, but that had already been hinted in S1 - " They should never have given us uniforms if they didn't want us to be an army." Almost 2 seasons are gone, and we're still standing the same place where we started. Patience is a finite resource, especially for series viewers.
"Our viewers cannot repel the plot armor of that magnitude!"
8 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Things I liked:
+ Cinematography. Sometimes it can bore me to death, but now it surely had its moments. The hanging, the supermarket conversation at the fridges, and especially when June visited Hannah's school.
+ Emily's story. A wise choice to show how Gilead twists people and make their return to the "normal" world even harder. The fall-outs of Emily's actions hunt her in Canada / Little US even more than they did in Gilead. I would be really surprised if there would be any sort of happy ending for poor Emily.
+ The DC life. Finally, some glimpse in the everyday life of Gilead outside Boston. At home you get your finger cut for reading, because that's the law. In the capital wives can seemingly get away with - barely covered - adultery just fine.
+ The dust on the railing in the baptist house. Not a huge deal, but it was a nice detail.
The bad:
The REALLY bad --- June getting away with EVERYTHING. Right now she grew a plot armor rivaling in thickness with the one of Tyrion Lannister's. It is well established by now that Lawrence has a huge threshold toward misdeeds. Organized resistance? Just do it. Semi-openly defying the law? Sure thing! Conspiring? Homicide? Smuggling? Just keep it quiet, OK? The only thing one cannot mess with, is his wife. And June just did that. Jeopardizing not only her but also Mrs. Lawrence, and thus risking the exposure of the commander and the whole undercover resistance movement on the long run. Joseph's reaction? Some awkward staring down the stairs...
+ Emily's story. A wise choice to show how Gilead twists people and make their return to the "normal" world even harder. The fall-outs of Emily's actions hunt her in Canada / Little US even more than they did in Gilead. I would be really surprised if there would be any sort of happy ending for poor Emily.
+ The DC life. Finally, some glimpse in the everyday life of Gilead outside Boston. At home you get your finger cut for reading, because that's the law. In the capital wives can seemingly get away with - barely covered - adultery just fine.
+ The dust on the railing in the baptist house. Not a huge deal, but it was a nice detail.
The bad:
- The pacing. Really, the entire episode's plot could be concluded in about 20 minutes. June gets careless, her daughter is being taken away, and a Martha (and possibly Guardian Parker) is being killed due to her actions. Fred lies to Serena about Nicole and it gets them back together again. Emily feels the repercussions of her actions in Gilead. I can only second those reviews who say that this season will either make a flying start for the last 5 episodes, or will go down the drain entirely.
- Moira's script. She's as annoying as ever, but the "Canada should grow a pair" deserves special mention this time. Yup, it is that easy to stand up against the mad theocracy/dictatorship of Gilead, who probably has access to most of the US' military arsenal. All that from a mouth of a well-educated, intelligent girl, who had seen the place from the inside...
The REALLY bad --- June getting away with EVERYTHING. Right now she grew a plot armor rivaling in thickness with the one of Tyrion Lannister's. It is well established by now that Lawrence has a huge threshold toward misdeeds. Organized resistance? Just do it. Semi-openly defying the law? Sure thing! Conspiring? Homicide? Smuggling? Just keep it quiet, OK? The only thing one cannot mess with, is his wife. And June just did that. Jeopardizing not only her but also Mrs. Lawrence, and thus risking the exposure of the commander and the whole undercover resistance movement on the long run. Joseph's reaction? Some awkward staring down the stairs...
This movie made a generation to learn that Lucas =/= Star Wars
31 October 2017
I remember my first encounter with Star Wars quite clearly; the 1997 re-release of the Empire strikes back. I did not know back then, that I've seen the highlight of the entire franchise, and that it wasn't directed by Lucas, the man, who dreamed this entire universe a good 2 decades ago. I left the movie theater bewitched, and I knew I'll NEED to buy that (so far unknown) Slave 1 ship miniature, that was gathering dust in my hometown's toy shop.
3 years later I managed to see Episode 1, and really, I can't remember about my feelings at the end of the movie. Did I hate it? Did I liked it? Honestly, I don't know. There had had to be almost another decade, when I could finally put this movie into perspective. To summarize it in whole, it was a great, missed opportunity.
The opportunity, which was there to create a gripping back-story for one of the most epic villain of the film history. How it failed, I won't list here again. There are more than 3000 reviews about this film, which go into the details to explain this to you. The sloppy script, the lack of direction toward the actors, the over-used CGI, Jar-Jar-freakin' Binks, you name it.
I just want to point out, that for me it was this film, which dethroned the myth of Lucas, as a visionary genius, who single-handed made this franchise so great. There were, and are many others, who contributed greatly toward this whole thing, writers, sound editors, scenery makers, costume designers, and could go on endlessly.
This movie got 5 stars from me, because there are still traces of these enthusiastic people's work. From the masterpiece of John Williams to those, who spent countless working hours casting the Gungan war-gears, design the architectures on Coruscant, train Qui Gon and Darth Maul to the choreography of the final lightsabre duel, and so on. Thank you for keeping the magic alive, while the head of the whole project kept on ruining things.
3 years later I managed to see Episode 1, and really, I can't remember about my feelings at the end of the movie. Did I hate it? Did I liked it? Honestly, I don't know. There had had to be almost another decade, when I could finally put this movie into perspective. To summarize it in whole, it was a great, missed opportunity.
The opportunity, which was there to create a gripping back-story for one of the most epic villain of the film history. How it failed, I won't list here again. There are more than 3000 reviews about this film, which go into the details to explain this to you. The sloppy script, the lack of direction toward the actors, the over-used CGI, Jar-Jar-freakin' Binks, you name it.
I just want to point out, that for me it was this film, which dethroned the myth of Lucas, as a visionary genius, who single-handed made this franchise so great. There were, and are many others, who contributed greatly toward this whole thing, writers, sound editors, scenery makers, costume designers, and could go on endlessly.
This movie got 5 stars from me, because there are still traces of these enthusiastic people's work. From the masterpiece of John Williams to those, who spent countless working hours casting the Gungan war-gears, design the architectures on Coruscant, train Qui Gon and Darth Maul to the choreography of the final lightsabre duel, and so on. Thank you for keeping the magic alive, while the head of the whole project kept on ruining things.
Parkoló
(2014)
It was here before your eyes all over the time
23 October 2017
That is some really fine piece of movie with room for various interpretations. Hats down for the writer team - they created a script with just the right pace, with the right setting everyone in the city can relate, the right amount of information about the characters to keep them interesting. The only thing I would've changed is the ending - such grim story would deserve something else than this pseudo-happy ending. Actors are all awesome, and the overall moral of the story, no matter how worn it is, delivered in a very gut-wrenching fashion. Highly recommended for everyone.
In a parallel dimension Ricklantis Mixup was aired as season finale
4 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
OK, this part could have much higher rating, were it not to close the season. It was pretty much like Pickle Rick in dynamic - Rick's (and in the beginning, Morty's) crazy adventure, in contrast with the slower side-story of Beth's insecurities about being a clone.
The good: * The president part. Their duel was full of with crazy moments, and it was good to see a previous protagonist as a main antagonist.
The bad: * The side-line after Beth made out with Jerry, and the final four- and-a-half minutes. After fleshing out the Smith story-line throughout the entire season, this conclusion was rather rushed, and left a sour taste after all this preparation. * The after credits.
I am sure that binge-watchers, like, 6 years later won't understand the low rating of this episode, but right now it left some empty space beyond it. Whereas the other season finales seemed complete, even with the deliberate promise of continuing the story, this one lacks the cool-handedness of "Ricksy Business", and the dark, emotional tone of "The Wedding Squanchers". Oh, and the darkest thing so far is Rick still didn't get his Szechuan Teriyaki dipping sauce!
The good: * The president part. Their duel was full of with crazy moments, and it was good to see a previous protagonist as a main antagonist.
The bad: * The side-line after Beth made out with Jerry, and the final four- and-a-half minutes. After fleshing out the Smith story-line throughout the entire season, this conclusion was rather rushed, and left a sour taste after all this preparation. * The after credits.
I am sure that binge-watchers, like, 6 years later won't understand the low rating of this episode, but right now it left some empty space beyond it. Whereas the other season finales seemed complete, even with the deliberate promise of continuing the story, this one lacks the cool-handedness of "Ricksy Business", and the dark, emotional tone of "The Wedding Squanchers". Oh, and the darkest thing so far is Rick still didn't get his Szechuan Teriyaki dipping sauce!
The WTF of Beth
26 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I gave this episode a 6, same as Vindicators 3, because it suffers from the same symptoms. Great ideas, most of them properly fleshed out, but many sloppy moves in writing and the whole story won't really move the characters any more forward from their current states. Harmon and Roiland like to play long games and probably they try to establish a plot line around (clone)Beth, but the start is nowhere as promising as it was for Evil Morty at the end of Season 1. Waiting for the payoff to prove me wrong.
So what if the best episode was a simulation operating at minimum capacity?
20 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was an excellent roller-coaster, seeing Rick in a beaten situation, then getting the upper hand... only to get down again... to emergent triumphant... then fail again... but manage to recuperate... only to be defeated by Prince Nebulon... but having the final laugh anyway.
Even though Morty is also a part of the adventure (or is he?), it is Jerry, who steals the show, as the complete opposite of Rick. Completely unaware of his surroundings, he embraces the simulation, and lives the best day of his life. It gives room to some interesting philosophical questions, like how your mind tries to bend reality to its own needs, and how true "cogito ergo sum" is. But all is ending up in laughter, as you hear Rick's closing lines, and the ending song. Odds are you'll search for Baker street to listen it one more time!
Even though Morty is also a part of the adventure (or is he?), it is Jerry, who steals the show, as the complete opposite of Rick. Completely unaware of his surroundings, he embraces the simulation, and lives the best day of his life. It gives room to some interesting philosophical questions, like how your mind tries to bend reality to its own needs, and how true "cogito ergo sum" is. But all is ending up in laughter, as you hear Rick's closing lines, and the ending song. Odds are you'll search for Baker street to listen it one more time!
Those who learn from the past are not doomed to repeat it
20 September 2017
As of today, Interdimensional Cable 2 is still the "weakest" episode of the series - if you can call a rating of 7,9 "weak", that is. And I'm glad they turned this formula inside out, and made a very good take on their "series of independent mini-episodes" episode. Bars in the last 3 episodes were put really high, and even though MMB lags a bit behind, I really liked this one. Here's why.
1.) They don't afraid to confess and face their failures. "Yes, we're doing it instead of Interdimensional cable". A nice breaking of the 4th wall, while preparing you for something else.
2.) Blue storage, red storage, purple storage. Proves time to time, that Morty's family is messed up beyond all recovery. They've got a bit less emphasis than in S1 and S2, but they got just the right amount in this episode. Even Jerry.
3.) A Rick who cares. How many times did Rick say that there are infinite realities? Were he not so caring about HIS Morty, he could get another one from another dimension with ease, once the previous Morty gone insane. He even acknowledged in Pickle Rick that he left his daughter behind in an alternate universe, and the the nature of multiverse is against any form of emotional attachment. Yet, he wipes Morty's memory, once something traumatizes him to preserve his sanity. The opening period reveals more about the relationship of these two than the entire Worldender episode.
4.) Summer, the hero they need, but not the one they deserve. Remember Rickmancing the Stone? How they tried to shovel down on our throat Summer as a main character? Well, here she gets only a minor part, but we see how important she is, not only for his grandpa and Morty, but for the very survival of both of them. Writing done right.
1.) They don't afraid to confess and face their failures. "Yes, we're doing it instead of Interdimensional cable". A nice breaking of the 4th wall, while preparing you for something else.
2.) Blue storage, red storage, purple storage. Proves time to time, that Morty's family is messed up beyond all recovery. They've got a bit less emphasis than in S1 and S2, but they got just the right amount in this episode. Even Jerry.
3.) A Rick who cares. How many times did Rick say that there are infinite realities? Were he not so caring about HIS Morty, he could get another one from another dimension with ease, once the previous Morty gone insane. He even acknowledged in Pickle Rick that he left his daughter behind in an alternate universe, and the the nature of multiverse is against any form of emotional attachment. Yet, he wipes Morty's memory, once something traumatizes him to preserve his sanity. The opening period reveals more about the relationship of these two than the entire Worldender episode.
4.) Summer, the hero they need, but not the one they deserve. Remember Rickmancing the Stone? How they tried to shovel down on our throat Summer as a main character? Well, here she gets only a minor part, but we see how important she is, not only for his grandpa and Morty, but for the very survival of both of them. Writing done right.
The first Rick and Summer adventure
14 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The first Rick and Summer adventure, and this is considered to be the "second worst" episode? OK then. Beside showing the standards of the series for being the second lowest rated part with an 8,2 average, I can't help the feeling that this one was downvoted for the seemingly misogynist jokes. However, as with nearly every episodes, this one also touches serious issues under the surface. Gender roles, teen pregnancy, taking the responsibility and what role model you give for your kids, and that men and women are equally needed to form a healthy society. Beside, the episode is full of with hilarious moments, as usual, and you can bear witness to the very first Summer+Rick adventure throughout the series.
Rough take-off for an awesome journey
13 September 2017
Odds are you'll ditch the entire series, if you start with that episode.
Roiland and Harmon took some overly bold steps about portraying their characters, and neglecting the story-line in the process. That is especially true for Rick, whose "evil genius" side is not really given emphasis beside the "stumbling drunk" moments, and Morty is also too flimsy and sometimes downright annoying, so you can hardly feel any sympathy for him.
The story-arc is also very basic and even though you can see some of the future genius moments of the series (the anti-leg break serum, the joke with time travel, or the getaway form the security guards), this one leaves something to be desired.
I guess the makers were still experimenting with the pace of the episodes, and found the real tone of the series in Lawnmower Dog. Though one can get the first impression only once, I strongly recommend for those who gave up on the entire show due to the Pilot to keep going on for at least 2 more episodes.
Roiland and Harmon took some overly bold steps about portraying their characters, and neglecting the story-line in the process. That is especially true for Rick, whose "evil genius" side is not really given emphasis beside the "stumbling drunk" moments, and Morty is also too flimsy and sometimes downright annoying, so you can hardly feel any sympathy for him.
The story-arc is also very basic and even though you can see some of the future genius moments of the series (the anti-leg break serum, the joke with time travel, or the getaway form the security guards), this one leaves something to be desired.
I guess the makers were still experimenting with the pace of the episodes, and found the real tone of the series in Lawnmower Dog. Though one can get the first impression only once, I strongly recommend for those who gave up on the entire show due to the Pilot to keep going on for at least 2 more episodes.
The Morty we deserve, and the one we need
11 September 2017
This episode might be off-track for those, who did not see season 1, but a major reward for everyone, who knows the back-story of the Citadel of Ricks. I cannot say that the major plot twist in the end is unexpected, because somehow you suspect it all along, but the built-up of the entire episode is so good that you can't really concentrate only upon that. This one is pure gold, and when the end theme plays, you will feel the good old "DAMN" feeling, that you felt at Rick Potion #9, Auto-Erotic Assimilation, or Close Rick-counters of the Rick Kind.
You wanted character development? Take it!
28 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I like, how the creators reverted to trolling their audience. I personally was whinging about how the characters lacked development in the 2-4th episodes. Now, you have it all, just buckle up! The pace is downright crazy, and it was excellent to see, how the title characters act, if they get rid of their annoying traits. And really, you could find even Moral Rick's most basic lines hilarious, because you knew how off-place they are to the character. I hope the moral(?) of the story will be a good guideline for the writers too. You'll need every shade of the character's personality to make and keep it interesting: A-hole Rick and Moral Rick, Flimsy Morty and Confident Morty too. Overall: a really nice episode, keep up the good work. Oh, and kudos for the references from the earlier parts.
FINALLY! Back on the track!
20 August 2017
Now THIS is the R&M I was hoping for. Clever jokes, nice references to the previous episodes, mind**** moments, excellent pacing and character developments. Both story lines were kept interesting, and small tidbits from movies like the Fifth Element or Honey I Blew Up the Kid were adding to the flavor of this one. I waited this part as a redeemer after The Rickshank Rickdemption, and it lived up for my expectations. Fingers crossed the will keep up the standard on the same level.
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