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Reviews
The Marvels (2023)
Uplifting, Heartwarming and Fun
One hour after leaving the theater, I feel that I have spent a very good 1 hour and 45 minutes of my time there.
This is not a Martin Scorcese, Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott, James Cameron (insert the names of other movie directors that the Critics consider the best) movie (which I love). And... Does it need to be...?
As Iman Villani said, this is a movie with superheroes, it takes place in space, it's not that deep, it's about teamwork and sisterhood. It joins these 3 great characters, pins them up against a decent villain, throws them into these crazy, cool situations, and you, the spectator, get to witness it.
Plus, you get to listen to a good soundtrack, watch visually interesting choreographed fights in which the 3 lead characters swap places and leave you wondering what will happen next and were they're gonna pop afterwards, have yourself some pretty good laughs, smile with some heartwarming moments. You get to see Nick Fury probably at his most fun and relevant in so many movies, and also have fun with Kamala's family thrown into the chaos.
I do believe some things might have been stretched out a bit too much (cat scenes and some of the girls dynamics, for instance), and the villain deserved a bit more depth and development, but slashing and spitting on this movie with a 1/10, a 2/10, a 3/10... Is that really realistic...?
As a guy that saw 30 of the 33 MCU films in the theaters, I'm thankful that Marvel Studios continues to provide these experiences to people. Leaving the theater with a smile in my face, smiling at my girlfriend for the fun time we had, for this good, heartwarming thing we shared... I can only be So Thankful for it <3.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Nomad Droids (2011)
Hidden Gem!
This was unexpectedly fun!
I had very much enjoyed season 3's droid episode, but didn't really warm-up to the previous one, so I had mild expectations about this one. And it was a delight! It felt super-creative and fun - it seemed as if the writers took a lot of liberty in writing the story, and turning it into a fun one, breaking it into these little segments (I gave a good laugh at the political jokes :)). In a series that gets progressively darker, it's good to have this change of pace.
Plus - it's a privilege to hear the voice of Anthony Daniels anytime :) This episode reminded me why C3PO and R2D2 are part of the soul of Star Wars :)
A plus also on the way they made the action sequences - they're done in a way that feels as if they're secundary to what's happening to the droids, but the sequences look great and I very much enjoyed them!
Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Landing at Point Rain (2009)
The REAL Attack of the Clones
My oh my. What just happened?
This episode gave me some amaaaaziing thrills!
The first episode of this new story arc brings Anakin & Co. Back to Geonosis to bring down a droid factory. I must say I was not very enthusiastic about the premise, as for me Geonosis was a closed chapter.
And how wrong was I! The production team deservers quite the recognition! They were able to make a super action packed episode, shot in a fantastic way! There were already some strong "battlefield-type" episodes so far, but this one kinda felt it was shot to mimic/honor classic war-like movies (read the Trivia section for more info). From the landing sequence to the destruction of the shield generator, there are moments of brilliance through and through. And how fun it was to listen to Ki Adi Mundi's lines at the end! It's not a story rich episode so to say, but I guess that's something to be developed in the following episodes of this arc.
One other strong point - Geonosis does feel quite real at times! They did a great work in bringing it back to life with this CGI models (it's not Attack of the Clones, but it could fool you :))
I must say that it also sort of portrayed the horrors of war, and that there were some strong scenes for a cartoon that is also aimed at young audiences (like the flamethrower scenes). I'm sure the production team is putting a message out there with it.
Andor: Narkina 5 (2022)
It keeps getting better and better
It has become a valuable family moment to sit and watch another episode of this amazing work each and every week.
I can't say how easy it is to become ensnared by each character - the script is just tops, even if their role is small it makes such a profound impact on my viewing experience that I can't even begin to describe it. They just feel realistic and fictional at the same time, y'know...?
I've enjoyed how they built the prison/factory planet for this episode. Physically, mentally and emotionally. The white oppressive ambiance, Andor's apathy/disorientation, the different inmates (felt just like classic prison movie), the urgency of the production environment, the cell/sleeping bunk configuration... Mon Mothma's trying to make things come together and feeling the Empire closing in... Luthen trying to reach out to Saw Gerrera...
I don't know where this is going, but I sure feel the Privilege of being a Star Wars fan while watching this! Keep up the Amazing Quality!
Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi (2022)
Great Inside Look into Characters that I Love
This series of shorts was very enjoyable. You can feel Dave Feloni's Midas touch on it.
The serious tone greatly added to my viewing experience.
In a way though, it felt sometimes as if the episodes could have had a little more context. They could have been longer, I personally would enjoy knowing more of Dooku's back story. Additional note - it was very cool to see his evolution, as the events of each of his episodes show how he becomes disenchanted with the Republic, and how ultimately he plays into Palpatine's hands.
Soundtrack blended in perfectly - that one is a perfect 10!
Please do continue with this series! It's full of potential!