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The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
Chocolate chip cookie mixed with raisin
Jon Favreau made Iron Man (2008) and The Jungle Book (2016), but he also made Iron Man 2 (2010) and The Lion King (2019). Fantastic and pioneering works followed by lesser ones within their respective category. This peculiar pattern happened again with his involved in Star Wars, The Mandalorian (2019) and The Book of Boba Fett (2021).
The Mandalorian was the best of Disney SW as the show explore the vast galaxy and introduce us with new and old beloved characters. It also dig deep with Mando's identity and his relationship with Grogu, so it got both intrigue and intimacy. The story of The Book of Boba Fett, on the other hand, mostly stayed on Tatooine (not including Mando's episodes), and the showrunners were struggling to bring out the intrigue and intimacy within Boba and Tatooine's inhabitants (Tuskens, Mods). Calling the show Chocolate chip cookie mixed with raisin is because there were beautiful moments within episodes 2 and 5. One explore the Tusken's culture and Boba's past, the other introduced Boba's mentor and rival Cad Bane. They hinted at the possible depth of this show, but the Tusken tribe and Bane were basically became minor plot points in the next episode (3, 7). The Entire Tusken tribe got eliminated off screen and Bane got "killed" in the last few minutes of the finale. There is no depth, not enough intrigue and intimacy.
Is the show still enjoyable? Yes, it is, but you will always be distracted by elements that are less aesthetically pleasing: the flaws within the narratives, Boba's characterizations, the directors' quirky input (Vespa). All these made the viewing experience less indulgent, and pull you out of the SW universe to make you question why tf did they put raisin in a chocolate chip cookie.
Star Wars: Visions: The Twins (2021)
Wtf is going on here
This episode looks amazing, the composition, color, and action sequence are incredible. But, and that is a huge "but", the story just make you scratch your head and cringe at the end.
Bruh his sparkling lightsaber shoot out rainbow colors blades and they all combined and then freaking exploded and elongated and (in space, without gravity, or oxygen, stand on a rotating ship) he fking cut through the mfking star destroyer, slice all the way through with hyperspace (homage to The Last Jedi...ugh) without splitting his sister's head..wow...just...wow. I have never been high before, is this what it feels like? Somebody let me know, thanks.
Trese (2021)
Korra season 2 reboot
First thing first, I am an International viewer, I am Asian but not familiar with Filipino culture and mythology. Still, I find this show easy to watch and fairly enjoyable. However, 6 episodes are way too short, the show can't balance between good character or narrative developments and inevitably fail in both of them.
The legend of Korra season 2 despite its failures, can convincingly showcase the discourse of balancing the 2 contrasting worlds, how humans and the supernatural beings could coexist, and how the main character could serve as the bridge between the 2 realms. Trese tries to follow in Korra's footsteps but inevitably fails due to the show's insufficient world-building and lackluster characters. The Filipino culture inspired elements are certainly interesting to watch, but when it comes to deeper thematic ideas like balance/conflict/police brutality, the historical and social contexts were largely ignored or hastily brushed over. And let's not forget the overused zombies/chaotic evil god tropes. The show has also failed to make me feel invested in the characters. Hank is by far my favorite. The captain is probably my second. These 2 are properly humanized through the "show don't tell" principle. Other than that, the rest of the characters are pretty undeveloped. As for Trese, she has the badass but not the personality of Korra nor the charm of the good old detectives like Sherlock.
There are potentials in this show, I hope season 2 would properly flush out the characters and delivery a truly satisfying arc for Trese.
Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Raya did nothing wrong
"Raya and the last dragon" may have spectacular visual, but its story writing is match with "Avatar the last airbender".
The theme of trust is presented in an extremely inconsistent manner, especially when it comes to the dynamic between Raya and Namaari. Namaari is the embodiment of Raya's trauma and the source of her trust issues. And the way Disney wanted to push the lesson of trust and forgiveness is just so frustrating. Imagine Aang needing to trust Zuko at the end of season 2 right after his betrayal, and Zuko not having a redemption arc prior to that moment.
Disney, if you want the audience to empathize with the "bad guys who do bad things under uncontrollable circumstances", at least give so character development to them. There is none of that for Namaari, no real person will go with Sisu's plan. The fact that Raya did already proved that she is better than most of us. Raya is a Saint, she is the Aang of her world. Disney, please don't invalidate her past experiences, emotions, and trauma.
Love, Death & Robots: The Drowned Giant (2021)
A great analogy
Was expecting attack on Titan, got necrophilia creeps, and than ended up slightly more depressed.
The scientist offers an empathetic lens towards the way humanity treats and views whales or any other animals. We often forget how insignificant, how narrow our experience and perspectives are. It is truly a humbling experience.