Hordesofmotz Reviews

One Piece (2023– )

As good as anyone could hope for

[9/10 · 10 March 2024]

I'm a big fan of the original and was a bit nervous about how this would go. Seems the original writer was heavily involved, and I'm sure that played a big part in it's awesomeness (shame Netflix didn't show the same trust and respect to the original Avatar writers - they could have avoided the big pile of averageness the new 'Last Airbender' show has turned out to be)

I can't say its on the same level as the animation, mainly because of how phenomenal the voice actors (Japanese/sub) are.

I'm glad it exists though and enjoyed it a lot. My only concern is that the actors will presumably be in their mid 40s by the time they finish it.

They're gonna need to write in a longer time skip!

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024– )

A missed opportunity

[5/10 · 10 March 2024]

There was a lot of potential here, and there is a lot that really works. Ultimately its disappointing though. At episode 6 I decided to give up and just watch the classic animation again instead.

Both Aang and zukko seem badly miscast (only Sokka from the main characters impresses in that respect). The writing is all over the place, especially the earth kingdom episodes with Bumi, and the dialogue is way too serious. Even Iro disappoints. In the animation, almost everything he says is filled with wisdom, and that just doesn't come across here.

After watching Netflix' version of One Piece I had high hopes, but I've got to say they dropped the ball with this one.

One Piece (1999– )

The best story ever told

[10/10 · 30 September 2023]

This show is unbelievable. I'm a 48 year old philosphy teacher and I consider this the story of our age and our world. It is about our history and the world we currently live in. It's one of the funniest things I've ever seen, but also has had me in tears on many occasions. It is literally about how we can save our world. It is about racism, inequality, corruption and mass deception and control.

Luffy is my own personal hero because he doesn't care about the past or the future, but lives in the moment doing what is needed there and then, based on love and courage rather than ideas or rules. I see the heroes of our own world history who have fought against injustice and oppression in these characters and the situations they find themselves risking everything to resolve.

The Legend of Vox Machina (2022– )

Poor writing

[2/10 · 26 February 2022]

Mystified by the high rating here. Maybe this show only works for committed D&D fans. Certainly it feels like it was written by teenage boys. The language makes it inappropriate for youngsters and the puerile humour and lack of coherent story makes it difficult to watch as an adult. Its well animated, but after 7 episodes I'm done. What a waste of time. By the way I love rick and Morty, archer etc, a lot of animation is well written and genuinely funny. This, on the other hand is garbage.

Haikyu!! (2014–2020)

Total genius

[10/10 · 11 November 2021]

I just love this show so much. I've watched more anime than most people in their 40s and this is hands down my favourite. Hinata is such a unique character, the way he improves everyone around him. The show says more about how to succeed than anything else I've ever seen. It just nails it - the attitude you need to bring out the best in others as well as yourself. It's also hilarious, a genuinely funny anime (for grown ups I mean). It's a show that just works on so many levels.

Samurai Champloo (2004–2005)

Average at best

[5/10 · 31 July 2021]

After 10 episodes I'm giving up. The characters are uninteresting, the story is episodic and quite flimsy. It doesn't feel like it's going anywhere. Lacking in humour or intrigue. To be honest I've found every episode to be tedious and aimless.

Army of the Dead (2021)

Save your 2.5 hours

[2/10 · 20 June 2021]

It has some entertaining moments and if you dont mind if a movie has an incoherent plot, characters who's decisions make no sense and nobody you remotely care about then you might enjoy the action sequences a bit I suppose.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021– )

Smart and well-written

[8/10 · 18 April 2021]

Never been a fan of Sam or Bucky but now I am. The narrative of racism in America was unexpected. I know some people don't think racism is a big deal any more and so shouldn't be talked about so much, hence a lot of the negative reviews here, but the messages in this show are important and I think handled well.

Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online (2018)

Disappointing after SAO

[6/10 · 16 April 2021]

It lacks the depth and relatable characters of SAO. Entertaining enough but not great.

Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

Unexpectedly awesome

[9/10 · 13 April 2021]

I didn't understand all the fuss leading to it's release, and when I heard it was a four hour movie I just thought it must be some kind of ego trip. I loved it though. Darker and more mature than marvel, not better but different, which is ideal really. Amazing action sequences and a decent and coherent story. What is really shocking is just how much of what makes it good was cut for the theatrical release. I can see why Snyder would feel insulted to see his movie shredded into a jumbled and superficial mess and I think it's great he had the opportunity to restore it. I hope this version will be continued.

The Walking Dead: Diverged (2021) Season 10, Episode 21

I guess they ran out of money

[1/10 · 5 April 2021]

Daryl finds a new pen knife while Carol cooks up some soup. Save your time and skip to the next one.

Hi Score Girl (2018–2019)

Just beautiful

[10/10 · 1 April 2021]

It's a real bonus for those of us old enough to remember arcades in the 90s to see how well those old game characters are integrated into the lives of the characters. This is such an original and moving story with amazing characters. By the way I avoid romantic stories usually, but this is really special.

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.: Reawakened (2019– )

Thanks netflix

[8/10 · 25 March 2021]

I was gutted season 2 wasn't dubbed and the sub version just didn't work for me so although the quality dips a little I'm so happy to have bonus episodes of my favourite anime.

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016–2018)

Smart, funny and full of warmth

[9/10 · 25 March 2021]

One of the funniest thing I've seen in a long time and really interesting characters. Really unique and special.

Hinamatsuri (2018)

My favourite anime

[8/10 · 15 March 2021]

Really well written - funny and sweet characters and situations. Could have been 10 stars, but theres no season 2 to take it further.

WandaVision (2021)

Classic marvel

[8/10 · 21 February 2021]

The early episodes worked for me - just really funny and well written, like a good comedy. Then things gradually turn mysterious and slowly get darker and more engaging plot-wise. If this is a taste of what marvel tv is going to be then we've got a lot to look forward to.

Predestination (I) (2014)

Really makes you think

[10/10 · 17 February 2021]

I think this is under-rated. For me it's one of the best concept sci fi movies out there. It's dense - demands a repeat viewing and actually can only be fully appreciated once you know what is happening already. For those who enjoy Tenet and Interstellar.

The Expanse: Cibola Burn (2019) Season 4, Episode 10

Jeez!

[10/10 · 18 January 2021]

I think season 4 has been slower and nore grudual until these last two episodes. What a climax. Excited to see where we're going next.

The Expanse: Saeculum (2019) Season 4, Episode 9

Out of nowhere some of the best tv you'll ever see

[10/10 · 18 January 2021]

I've felt disappointed with season 4 so far but this episode alone and single handedly has reversed that feeling and made it my favourite season yet. That is how well this show is written.

Firefly (2002–2003)

Needed more time for greatness

[7/10 · 9 January 2021]

Had this show not been cancelled so early I have no doubt it would have gone on to be one of the greats of sci fi. As it stands though it's overrated. Usually season one sets things up and the real story kicks in later but of course that never happened since the show was tragically cancelled after just one season. Any sci fi fan needs to watch it simply to get a feel for what it could have been rather than for what it actually is which is nothing more than an introduction.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

Impressive but flawed

[8/10 · 7 January 2021]

Yes, the dialogue is awful and some plot elements mystifyingly irrelevent, but there is so much here that is beautiful, thought-provoking and inspired. I loved it, in spite of its glaring flaws.

The Expanse (2015–2022)

Amazing

[10/10 · 6 January 2021]

Give it a little time, I was halfway through season 1 before I felt I had any idea about what was going on. What I like is the character development, how they grow and change and become a family. Its probably the most ambitious and complex sci fi show since Babylon 5 and while it dips a little in season 4 it comes out stronger than ever in 5. Such strong characters you really just believe in and want to succeed. I can't praise this show highly enough.

The Mandalorian (2019– )

Hardly groundbreaking

[5/10 · 5 January 2021]

I mean its watchable, but episodic with very little story development. Basically just a tough guy wandering around helping out a different group of people each episode while looking after a cute baby. I don't have a problem with that and the baby is really really cute, it's just a bit superficial. This is the Disney channel though so I don't know, maybe it's aimed at teens and kids.

Community (2009–2015)

Absolute classic

[10/10 · 25 December 2020]

Amazing characters and some mind blowing stories. It's incredible what this show manages to fit into each 25 minute episode. I can't praise this highly enough - probably my favourite ever tv show (just ahead of bojack and the office) its almost perfect.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

The best since Empire Strikes Back

[9/10 · 25 December 2020]

Rian Johnson I salute you. This movie created so much potential for the story. The fact that this potential was ultimately ignored or negligently handled in the garbage that followed it shouldn't detract from the achievement here. A masterclass in movie making.