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Fantaghirò: Fantaghirò 2 (1992)
To be continued...
If someone was to ask me what two words, I would describe this series: My first word is....cheesy. And my second word is...iconic.
This second journey was a lot fun! We get those cool forest elves, a beautiful immortal lady covered in leaves, more of Fantaghiro's ugly bowl cut wig, a talking boomerang rock, and the Black Witch/Queen and her minions! But then...the white goose came. I would've given this 10 stars if it wasn't for that freaking goose. I didn't mind her in the first part. But in this second part, she needs to make a sound for everything!! I can understand if she and Fantaghiro are in a dire situation (the goose will make a noise to show that she is scared...fine but annoying). But when Fantaghiro was walking down the stairs with the goose on her side, the freaking goose needed to make a noise for almost every step Fanta took! Jfc! I couldn't take it anymore! I think that if someone else could voice the goose and give it a less childish voice, I wouldn't be as pissed. (Yes, it's 2024, and I am ranting about a talking goose deal with it.)
Nielsen as the Black Queen was superb. If I were to see her, I wouldn't need to be under a spell to fall for her. I probably would've fallen in love with her with my free will and then regretted it since, you know, she's evil. Her costume was great, but that bird helmet?!!! Fabulous. I want that helmet! Her minions Lightning and Bolt were super cool and adorable. If I saw this as a kid in the 90s, I would've looked up to them (other than the iconic Fantaghiro!). And no doubt I would've dressed as Lightning and Bolt for Halloween sometime in the 1990s.
I wish we heard Nielsen's original voice. I feel like hearing her original voice would've added more to her character. Because she was speaking English (actually a good set of characters were... even the title character herself!). But they were dubbed by Italian voice actors. Which I find somewhat irritating. Why not hire actual actors who speak Italian?!! I was shocked to find that a good 20% of the cast are actually Italian. But I do love Fantaghiro's Italian voice.
So I don't know when I'll watch the third part, maybe around Christmas or Thanksgiving?! I was planning on watching all 10 parts the entire month, but I feel like it would be a lot more special for the holiday season and for spring 2025. So I can't wait! But if I have to deal with that goose again...well may the gods protect me.
Gravedale High (1990)
No tricks! Just treats!
A short-lived treat. It's amazing that whenever I come across spooky cartoons, this show is always left out. Even for the obscure ones. And out of all those spooky cartoons, this one was short lived. And apparently the creator of "Monster High" was inspired by the show!
As soon as I played the first episode and heard the catchy opening theme song, a huge wave of nostalgia hit me. I have never laid eyes on this cartoon, so it's very weird. This is those moments where I need a unique or foreign term to describe something that is very nostalgic, even though I never had any connection with it (most likely I'll find said term on an Instagram or Tumblr page).
It has a unique and problematic set of characters: a Fonz like vampire, a Frankenstein's monster Mini-Me, a cute chubby mummy (can you guess what her name is? Yeah, that's the problematic part), a beautiful black Southern Belle zombie, and a few more.
I love the animation in the show. My favorite character designs are Vinnie and Blanche. My favorite characters (personality wise) are Vinnie, Gill, and Cleofatra. I hated Frankentyke at first, but he began to grow on me. For Cleofatra, the fatphobia is not as rampant as feared. Yes, it's there, but not shoved down your throat (I mean I've only seen the available 8 episodes...So I can't vouch for the missing 5). I wish one of the students was a witch! I don't understand why we don't have a witch character...
Ricky Moranis and Ricki Lake were big in my childhood, so I am shocked I never saw the show when I was younger or even heard of it until this year! And there were quite some big names in this cartoon.
As mentioned before I have only seen eight episodes since five of the episodes are nowhere to be found. (It's like they're trying to wipe this cartoon away from history.) I am just so flabbergasted why this was short-lived. Despite its flaw, the show was a lot of fun and had a set of quirky and cool characters (and their episodes did end with a life lesson lol).
Sweet Valley High: Sailing Solution (1997)
Tired of Todd
*Sigh*
I hate Todd. I cannot believe there is a character who I hate more than Jessica.
OK, so this episode focuses on Liz winning a big award for an article that she has written. But along comes Todd, ruining everything as usual and telling Liz that she is selfish for wanting to go to the ceremony. How is wanting to attend a ceremony for an award you won less special than a freaking boat festival bruv???!! OK, I'll admit it...I've lost interest in the Oscars and Grammys a long time ago. And I find those shows kind of pointless. You're not a good actor just because you won an Oscar. (Isn't that right, Gwyneth Paltrow?!) But still, this was IMPORTANT to Liz. And Liz says herself that this might be her first and last award she's ever won. If she had upset Todd for something like bowling, then I could understand where he was coming from.
(In the previous episode, I was really hoping she'd hooked up with a new guy! The "one" from the radio! But of course, that episode ends with Todd being that guy. Ugh. What an ick. What a dud. What a killjoy. I. Cannot. Stand. Him.)
I miss the original Todd. He was much softer, charming, sometimes serious & grounded. But this new Todd is a lot more immature, irritable & egotistical. He seems like a completely different character. A casting director's BIG mistake.
And what was the point of Devon?!!! He was a horrible (and very brief) boyfriend to Liz. I didn't want them to end up together either. But really...what was the point of his character??? We do not need TWO new characters for the last season. They should've just kept Shred and stopped with Renata.
I really wish they'd made Liz stay single or get her a fresh breath of air in the form of a high school male. Every time there's a male character Liz hits it off with they don't last long. She always goes running back to Todd the tumor.
It's not true love....they are in high school. Their romance is low key toxic and somewhat parasitic and oh yeah there's hormones in it as well. Ok so I ranted and reviewed a-lot. But I had to get this out of my head since new Todd came last season. On the positive side Enid and Manny are my fave couple. They are so cringe in a cute and entertaining way!!
*~(I'm kind Of happy that I'm almost finished with the show. I'll be leaving soon for a trip overseas for a few months! And I'm pretty sure that country doesn't have this show on their Prime. No matter the internet will likely be scarce lol. So I won't be able to finish this last season in the summer. But thats a good thing since I am sick of Liz and Todd. I need a break. I'll finish the rest of this in late autumn)~*
Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special (2023)
Ridiculous fun!
OK so I thought this was going to be lots of Joker, Legion of Doom, Darkseid or supes vs villains funny shenanigans type of stories that were mushed together while Harley and Ivy are trying to enjoy their first Valentine's Day. I also thought that this special was gonna foreshadow some things that we'd see in season 4. But it is a Valentine's Day episode so why not make the plot completely fun and asinine?!!
Harley was super annoying in this season at first, but later on she was tolerable. She is somewhat annoying in this special, but that's part of the ridiculous (and kind of icky) fun! After all the craziness (and Gotham is on fire), it eventually ends with a sentimental and beautiful monologue about Ivy's favorite Valentine's Day.
P. S. I cannot believe I just now noticed that King Shark wasn't in this special (just a cameo). And that Darkseid being at the RNC bit had me dying!
Tipping the Velvet (2002)
Beautiful & poignant coming of age story
So I'm currently reading "Fingersmith" (I bought it from a thrift bookstore not knowing it was an LGBT novel ha!) And while browsing through frockflicks I saw that another of Sarah's novels was made into a TV miniseries. Yes, this one. (I didn't know there was also a miniseries adaptation of "Fingersmith".) So I decided to watch this one instead of "Fingersmith" because you know I am reading the novel, and that is always a reader's big no to watch and read the same story at the same time. (I'll probably watch "Fingersmith" next year.)
Stirling did a terrific job in her role! She was so enthusiastic and radiant. She made you laugh and she made you cry. I didn't know she was the daughter of the late Diana Rigg (who is one of my favorite retro British actors.) However, I did think that Stirling's narration was quite cheesy or over the top at times. But you know what?!! I grew to love it!
OH BOY those letterboxd reviews weren't lying!! When other reviewers said that this miniseries had a lot of cheesy edits, that was very of its time! I couldn't stop laughing at some scenes cuz they were right! BUT it does add to the charm of this show! Also, I love that whimsical feel good but somewhat cheesy main title. So yes, lots of cheesy stuff going on in this adaptation. But
the cheese plate was delicious! Oh, how I ate it up!
I never watched a coming of age production like this before. So it was a fun and wild (and sometimes distressing) ride seeing Nan go from the stages of vaudeville then to the streets then to a crazy rich lady's "boy" toy and finally safe in the arms of the precious Flo and her socialist brother. I loved seeing her transformation. It's amazing what three episodes can do! Because what a transformation we saw in Nan. I loved that she oozed confidence.
And Nan's Flo. Flo is the biggest sweetheart of all her sweethearts. Oh how I loved Flo. I loved her brother as well! I'm so happy that Nan had a happy ending. I kind of sensed it. I mean like, you cannot give me cheesy edits & a main title sounding like that and close this series with a horrid ending! So I'm glad I stuck around! The relief I felt when she chose Flo. Because my heart skipped a beat...I really did thought she was gonna throw that rose to Kitty. (Keely Hawes is so beautiful but sadly Kitty was not.)
Funny Woman (2023)
Gimme Some Lovin'
The 1960s is one of my favorite decades. So it was so refreshing seeing a period show that takes place in the 60s. I never really get period shows that do. Especially ones that are comedic with a female lead!
There are so many likable characters here. I love the team behind "Jim and Barbara". I also love the fashion, the hairstyles and the club scenes! The soundtrack is amazing as well...it's so nice to hear Francoise Hardy's music in a TV show again. (Usually when I hear Hardy's music in a TV show or movie that always means it is going to be a good watch ha!) Yes the show is TVMA but thankfully there weren't any softcore porn-like sex scenes. No gross male gaze shots. So if you're a Gen Z gal here is another reason to watch this show.
I was not aware that the show was renewed for season two. Umm...this is one of the best news I've gotten all summer!! Season two is coming out in a month! Already! So I'm in the states which means I'll have to rely on PBS. But according to PBS they got the show nearly a year after it's released (judging on the upload date). So I really do hope I do not have to wait a year for it to air on PBS. Because I need some more now!
Kimi no Hana ni Naru (2022)
Like a cool breeze on a hot day
~Crazy that this was my first Japanese show about a music group. Maybe cuz I'm always in and out of Japanese pop culture. For a few years, I'll get into some bands, and then years after that, I'll lose touch with them and repeat! (Not anymore... its tiring catching up)~
Alright moving on:
I will admit that I did not like the female lead at first. She was just way too happy for me. And then you have her opposite the male lead, Dan, who was just way too grumpy for me! I'm glad that the members of the group acknowledged that Dan's attitude needed some fixing. In the show, we do find out why the FL always needs to put on a happy-go-lucky attitude. After that revelation she finally grew on me!
I love that in the show we got to see the many sides of the members of the group. And Dan finally cooled down! Hooray!!!! That was a huge relief for me. He was no longer aggravating. I began liking him. The vibe of the show and the personalities of the characters felt like a cool breeze on a hot day.
~*Also I love the female lead's sister! It's rare for me to see sisterhood in a Japanese TV show so it was so refreshing seeing it here! And the group's manager and his boyfriend were very cute! (Fun fact: the manager is the voice of Light in "Death Note")*~
The songs were amazing as well! I had to researched during the middle of the show are these boys an actual group?!!! Because I'm sold! It was such a journey seeing this boy group going from nothing to something. Seeing these ups and downs they had to go through. And seeing many people of different ages come to their support. So heartwarming!
Overall this was such a sweet, fun, cute and heartfelt dramedy. Sadly this show didn't had any laugh out loud moments ( the kind where I start tearing in my eyes). But it was still worth it. I saw this show last summer. I'd always watched it when the sun was setting. My TV is by the window so those beautiful sunsets really helped with the vibe of the show! It really reflected those feel good moments in an episode.
Steven Universe: Last One Out of Beach City (2016)
She's a rebel with a cause!
(I really regret not watching Steven Universe when it was still airing on Cartoon Network. Back in the 2010s I've only seen one episode in 2014 and I liked it. But I guess I just didn't care enough to stick around with it?!!! In 2020
I started watching it on Hulu then put it on hold since I was too busy in 2021. So now I'm rewatching & catching up on MAX after 4 yrs!)
When I saw the image for this episode (on MAX), I thought, "Ummm wait, Rose Quartz is back?!" And then I go "nah!" so I started to brainstorm. I thought this was going to be an episode where Steven and the Gems tell a story and add Rose as a cool character in their story...
But no, it's even better than what I brainstormed! This episode focuses on Pearl and how we see a few different sides of her. Rose is sadly not alive, but on the positive side, there is a woman who resembles her! Seeing Pearl try to approach this character was so sweet! Just seeing how nervous Pearl was. Look at this uptight gem experiencing something that majority of humans go thru! A sort of puppy love for Pearl. And seeing Amethyst and Steven...just encouraging her....honestly my heart was melting. Hooray for Pearl for getting her number at the end! This was a perfect late night episode.....with that cool night summer wind blowing. After seeing this, I drifted off to sleep with a big, dumb grin on my face :)
My only complaint about this episode is that I wish it was longer. I stopped watching this show for now (I'll be finishing the rest of seasons 4, 5 & 6 late in the year.... This cartoon is too good to just watch in one go!) and when I get back I have a feeling I won't be seeing much of this Rose-like character throughout the remaining seasons. (I hope I'm wrong).
Chocky (1984)
An atmospheric sci fi tale
When I was younger I was so obsessed with those evil ghost kids or ghosts "befriending" kids type of movies.
Watching this gave me that vibe (but in a better and unique way). Of course, that was the purpose of the show at first. Is Matt threatened by some ominous presence?! I love the vibe and atmosphere. I loved how good the build up was until it was revealed who Chocky really is and why she came to Matthew.
And that beautiful haunting opening/closing score? That's a melody I can never get out of my head. I wish I could find a longer version of it. That score is like a creepy lullaby....unsettling but very soothing. Definitely one of my favorite main titles in a TV show.
I found out about this show this decade. I don't even know how I came across it. Perhaps by chance? Whenever I was looking for a British retro kids show... I never saw this come up. I never saw reruns or even heard of this show when I spent some of my years in (my home away from home) England.
~This is why I've dedicated most of my free time looking for shows I could've watched in England (or wish I paid more attention to). So thank the gods for Britbox!~
After Matthew leaves the show it does take a different turn (Chocky's Challenge and Children)...it's no longer atmospheric. So if you want a short, nice, atmospheric children's sci-fi (that is somewhat heartfelt), then I recommend watching this as a standalone show.
Rusalka (1977)
A dream
(I don't rate movies here that is what MUBI and Letterboxd are for but I'll only do it for operas and the like)
In 1976 "Mala morska vila" (Czech) came out and also in the same year "Rusalochka" ( USSR) came out and a year later we have this opera movie version! It just makes me wonder are there any more Rusalkas/Little Mermaids out there that came around these years?!! Because each of them delivered! I need more!
Before watching this I used a lightning projector for my room where I selected the colors blue and green so that I could really felt like I was in the forest trapped with the water nymphs! It helped a lot. I felt like I was under a spell and I didn't want it to end. I wish we saw more of the nymphs. (I saw the MET opera years ago and one of the nymphs had a solo but not here hmmm)...
Ugh! THAT beginning! I loved the beginning of the movie. The nymphs being in the slo-mo effect. That was editing done right. It really gave it that otherworldly and ethereal vibe. I really did felt like I was in a forest trying to see these beautiful nymphs dancing before me...trying to keep up with them. And Rusalka's transformation to her OG form done in stop motion...just enchanting! Again brava to the editing team.
The makeup and the costumes were glorious as well! Rusalka herself was beautiful. I was shocked to find out she was no opera singer just an actress lip synching.
P. S. Jezibaba was the coolest.
Sweet Valley High: The Right to Bare Midriffs (1997)
A passion for fashion
In typical 90s and y2k fashion (no pun intended) this episode is about a school uniform policy that the school is going to introduce....but fashion lovers Jess, Lila, Renata (my fave of the bunch) and Cheryl (my other fave) decides to put up a fight!
~*It's shocking that Liz isn't the one fighting against it since she's a believer of that sort. She is usually grounded and empathetic.*~
Also in this episode Jessica wants her right to bare her navel that the dress code is trying to permit. And there is even a stocky male student who brings back the 70s by wearing a jersey crop top to support her protest (good for him! I was clapping as soon as he showed up with that crop top on!).
(About the show's fashion so far:)
Since this is an episode about clothing I might as well write my observations so far on the show's fashion.
On Jess: Look I can hate on Jess all I want but since season 2 I find her quite bearable (she is much better in S3). She is not just a toxic mean girl anymore...she is the funny, dumb, and fashionable twin. She is finally entertaining. In season one I just wanted to get inside my TV and smack her. BUT in season one she was the best dressed out of all the characters. She never wore bright colors (like s2 and now). Well none of the characters really did. Maybe because at that time in the early 90s there weren't really that many bright colors people were wearing. The early 90s had no identity for fashion. But the mid/late 90s that's when all the colors came in...the wonderful fashion I grew up with! And you definitely could see that here in the show. And Jess and Lila's hairstyles are spectacular as well! Each episode I'd always look forward to the fashion and hairstyles.
On Lila: Okay for Lila being a rich girl who is fashion obsessed...in S1 & S2 her fashion was bland and preppy. There was nothing really "rich" or "fashionista" about it. It wasn't even a "quiet luxury" type of fashion. But when the new actress came to play Lila (and its the mid 90s now)...Lila's fashion has gotten soooo much better. Now it screams rich girl (and it also screams soap opera character). It finally matches her character. And of course she wears a lot more hats than Jess. Like here in this episode! ~Those 90s hats! What a decade for fashion!~
On Cheryl: Cheryl is supposed to be a model right?! Her fashion throughout the show is good but it's not as great as the other two (As you can also so here in this episode). Shouldn't she be wearing some designer labels to school and the latest trends?!! I know some models have normal lives but...It would've been nice to see some memorable fashion moments & fashion related stuff from Cheryl in general. Making her a model was useless. Renata should've been the model (if the show came out in the 2000s that would've been the case! With the wave of Brazilian models!)
I feel like ModernGurlz is going to do a Youtube vid on this someday haha!
Harley Quinn: Riddle U (2020)
Steph = MVP
This is by far my number one favorite episode of the series. I have a love-hate relationship with Clayface I find him super funny at times... I love characters who have a passion for acting & theater... but sometimes those characters can be unbearable. But here Clayface as Steph was the frickin best! He/she ends up becoming popular within a day at Riddle U. (Honestly kudos to his voice actor cuz that was some hilarious work that had me dying!!)
And Harley was right this was by far Clayface's best work.
The scene that had me laughing the most: (Its at the college party) Steph being popular means that she has access to the VIP room. Harls and Ive tells Steph to go spy in the room for them and come back and spill. But all Steph could think about is "her" Chad (idk how Clay got some guy to like him that quick) and then Ive says "oh my god! You're a f-bomb clay monster. Just forget about Chad for five seconds and do your god**** job!"...
I laughed and clapped to the point that I had tears in my eyes and then those tears burned up my eyes and I had to go to the bathroom and washed my face with cold water... but after that I kept rewinding that scene over and over again. Totally worth it! This show is so ridiculous...which means that it's perfect for the summer!
I wish this was a two-part or three-part episode! And a pity we didn't get to see Harley and Ivy do their makeovers as college students. No doubt that Harley airbrushed herself. But I would've love to see Ivy's transformation! :/
History Cold Case: Mummified Child (2010)
Untitled
I always feel uncomfortable watching history or science TV specials that are from 2010 or 2011 or older. Technology has changed since 2010 and history will always reveal hidden truths. But I was so curious... I've decided to make this show my only exception.
The previous episode was somewhat lighthearted with knowing the Ipswich man got taken care of in the Infirmary where he died in. This episode takes a darker turn...the study being a small child. What was disturbing when we first see the child... The scientists go "oh he's beautiful!" I was just so creeped out by that. Yes I love science and history and mummies but ummm that child looked like something straight out of a sci-fi horror movie. If I had been there I would have yell "OHHH MY GOD!" as I start freaking out and then get my cool together.
At the end we do not know if the child was murdered or body snatched. All we know is that he was a well fed boy whose body was taken illegally. If only that 1832 Act came alot earlier (No doubt religion was the cause of this act not happening sooner. It could've saved many lives). But it was still very interesting to learn about other body snatchers of Victorian England who I didn't know about before...like John Bishop. His case nearly made me sick to my stomach. Jfc.
From the beginning when the scientists were gawking at the mummy or specimen we get a change of heart at the end when they all agreed to bury the boy instead of displaying or keeping him. So that was a nice change. I'm all for science (okay 90% more like), after all its shows like these that inspired me to work in this field along with forensic scientists and archeologists, but sometimes we need to have barriers and just let some of the dead rest. Especially if it's a child.
Sweet Valley High: Crimes & Cappuccinos (1997)
Would've been a serious episode if this was season one
Lol what did I just watched?!!! I was so confused what was going on in the beginning of the episode...Cheryl complains that she has a migraine and throughout the entire episode she's acting really strange like she's been taking a happy pill or something.
Also Jess (ick!) and Enid become close. And business is booming for Winston at the Moon Beach! So "is this all a dream??" I thought to myself, as I was trying to solve the mystery, "If so, then whose dream?"....No, it's not a dream, it's because Lila is gone! She gets kidnapped! Life for the majority of the main characters in the episode has been a breeze ever since Lila is gone (except for Liz). Manny, Todd, and sadly Shred aren't present in this episode.
If this was season one, this would've been a serious episode with Winston being a slight comedic touch. Even when Lila was kidnapped here she tells her kidnappers that she doesn't even know if her dad cares for her whereabouts (ya know rich people problems). If this was season one the writers would definitely dwelled into that issue but they didn't. Sooo...Remember those crazy episodes when Jessica (ick!) was held at gunpoint in season one and the two part episodes when Liz gets kidnapped by that creep ?!
~ I guess the creators of the show thought that was way too dark and decided to lightened things up. By season two the show became a lot more goofier and I am so happy about that! (Bridget Flannery as) Lila end up becoming one of my favorite characters. I hate that she isn't here in season three. But this new Lila is fine.~
At the end of this episode the kidnappers released Lila because they find her very annoying and high maintenance. And then, when Lila comes back, everybody's lives start going back to normal. Cheryl's migraine is back and Winston's success is so passe! But on the bright side Liz gets her friend back. This was a fun and odd episode!
Bratz (2005)
Should've been in 2D
It was a missed opportunity not to make this show in 2D like the 2004 movie " Starrin' & Stylin" The 2D art was so good! Just keep Yasmin's and Sasha's original skin tones...ya know unlike the awful whitewashed versions in that movie.
Why?! Cuz the animation here is just yikes. When I first saw the show when it came out in the 2000s, I even thought the animation was bad! That was one of the reasons why I didn't kept watching. The hair physics is just too much. Animators spent way too much time on the hair and less time on faces. And you would at least see a background character and it's replica in the same scene lol
But their specials and their movies were a lot better and funner. Again this show should've been in 2D BUT I think that their specials and movies should've remained in 3D! It would've been a nice treat seeing our gals in 3D every now and then.
One of the other reasons why I didn't like the show was the whole magazine thing with Burdine. I saw that as an obstacle and find it boring. It's funny, I was a huge fan of Bratz when I was young but I don't remember The whole deal with the magazine! Was it on their website or something?! If it was, was it the inspiration for the show ?! Because that would make total sense, sure I was a huge fan but I was on the Barbie website every day instead of Bratz! Haha!
Usually when it comes to shows (live action or animated) that's about a group of girls...each girl has a distinct personality trait or to others "stereotypical" troupes. Like the smart one, the girly one, the sporty one, and the artsy one. I started watching some episodes recently and none of the Bratz really have a personality trait. The only thing distinct about them are their nicknames that they kept calling each other which is kind of cringe! But on the positive side they're all likable and ambitious! And their fashion is great!
~* So now that Bratz is making their come back I hope we get a new show! I think its finally time! If you go to their Instagram account they'll post clips occasionally (the "Mean Girls" one was hilarious!) with updated animation. And the animation is soooo much better yes I know technology has improved (but still it is so therapeutic). And I hope that the new series is more mature as well. I think they need to rebrand for the older crowd. *kisses* ~
Kuei chih chih hsing chang (2023)
Feel good series that stretches out like dough
I've seen lots of other viewers complained that this show should've been shorter. And I agree. By episode 20 or 20 something THE secret comes out when Kai-Chi sets up both the feuding families and exposes Heng Wei's plan! I was like "already?!! Dang that was quick!" So why do we need 40 episodes? 30 episodes would've made a lot more sense.
Pros: it's so feel good and It has likable characters. Some of those characters were like a warm hug or a cool breeze on a hot day! I liked the female lead! She wasn't annoying and she wasn't a pushover. She was calm and grounded. Tho she wasn't my favorite character. My favorites were Li Su Lan (Heng Wei's Grandma), Heng-da (when he wasn't pursuing Jing-Fen), Secretary Gu, Shun Ying and A'Fa (Yu Quan's cool dad).
~*~In the beginning Heng-Wei was so heartless but we Fortunately see a more human side of him as he falls for the FL and Can clearly see in his face that he was regretting his plan. Marcus did great job playing Heng-Wei. While Heng-Wei wasn't my favorite character I did liked and end up respecting him.~*~
Cons: #1) Jing-Fen gets pregnant. Which was so ridiculous. What started as a great show just sort of went downhill after that subplot. It just began to felt like a never ending soap opera. So yes this is the main reason why the show is long.
Con: #2) Heng-Da was adorable but I would've liked him so much better if his crush on Jing-fen lasted a short time. I really thought that was gonna happen! But no he keeps going after her and she has to keep telling him to bug off. This subplot was very tiring...
Part Con: #1) I love Jing-Tsen as a boy but at the same time I didn't really found her quite believable. Yes I do know that there are some boys that don't have Adam apples or deep voices. And who are very soft and pretty looking (pretty boys!) But I think that an actress who is somewhat more androgynous looking should've gotten this role.
Part Con: #2)This show has its funny moments but they didnt really stood out. I was hoping for a lot more funnier scenes that were memorable. I wanted scenes that made me laugh so hard, tears started coming out of my eyes. The funniest scenes that I can think of were at the beginning and middle of the show when Heng-Wei always pretends to be romantically interested in Yu Quan!
Overall it's a good show. Yes, I did have a lot of fave characters but spending more episodes with them would've been great if the subplots were better, original and funnier. If that were the case, I wouldn't have minded it being 40 episodes.
Funny Woman: Episode #1.2 (2023)
The censoring is such a dippy doodle
When I first saw that ALLARTS was airing this show (sadly I missed episode one) I immediately thought: the British Marvelous Mrs. Maisel!
But it is nothing like that really. Tho like Mrs. Maisel, our protagonist Barbara, is very likable and feisty! (which is a win). Unlike Maisel, she is very cute, bubbly and somewhat flirty. Barbara is here to prove to men that you can be pretty AND funny. And she's doing a great job at it. I am enjoying Gemma's acting here! I've never seen Gemma in a TV show so it is so weird not watching her in a movie.
At first I was wondering why this was rated TVMA but now I see It's because of all the cussing they do! I don't get why this is censored AT 10PM on ALLARTS. ALLARTS has aired some pretty risqué stuff (at the daytime) especially (non-MET) operas (some of those operas had nothing to do with the actual plot..just gross shock value).
And even for a Danish show that I saw they put a warning saying that it's TV mature. There was no censoring either. Maybe because they were speaking in a different language?! But still why not all the freedom for this show then? I try to engage in a scene, but then hearing the mute cussing just throws me off. Cuz they do kind of cuss quite a lot.
~If this show was on Prime Video I'd go there instead and stop watching it on the ALLARTS channel. But still I hope this series is worth it when I watch the other episodes! Because I am enjoying it so far even with mute swearing!~
Atlantis (2013)
A flawed epic
I found this hidden gem on Hulu! To me, this show is more action and adventure than fantasy. I remember while watching the majority of episodes I was kind of disappointed that we didn't get a lot more fantasy like in "Merlin". But I was very tuned into the episodes, the characters, the mythology, the costumes, the plots and, yes, even the confusing twist! (You know the bit where Jason is actually the main villain's son.)
My issue with this show: at the beginning of episode one, you see Jason in the modern world on a boat, then he gets magically transferred to ancient Greece. I cannot remember how he got there, not even sure if they did explained it. In season one, you see him clearly trying to adapt to ancient Greece but we don't know much about his modern life. It would've been nice if we knew more about him.
And in the final season, you completely forget that Jason's from the modern world! Like I mean, yeah, he has more problems going on in ancient Greece than to worry about a life he's not living anymore. But it would've been nice to see him go "hey I am not one of you guys I'm from the future!!".
~And what about the people in the modern world who are concerned that he's gone?! What about his loved ones? Why not show their side of the story? I think the show would've worked so much better if he was just a drifter in ancient Greece from the ancient times who finds himself caught up in these adventures, cuz making him of the modern world was as necessary as wearing a heavy coat in a heatwave~
As I mentioned before he ends up being the son of the main villain so how on earth is that possible if he is from the modern time?! Unless he's a descendent?!! Huh?? Am I missing something?! I did my research and I do not think it's me at fault here I believe it's the writers lol)
In the final episode, we see so many scenes that would've been shown in season three if there was one but sadly, we never got that chance. Yes the show was deeply flawed, but the adventures, the characters and costumes are what made my time worth watching! This is definitely a favorite action/adventure series of mine!
The Paradise (2012)
A delight that should've lasted longer!
I have never seen "Mr. Selfridge" before, and it has been on my mental watchlist since 2020. Maybe one of the PBS channels will air reruns (yes, I mean you ALLARTS). If PBS does air it, I really hope they air it every weekday instead of once a week.
There are some characters that are likable and some that are not, but the actors all did a great job portraying their roles. I love our lead character, who is a small town girl with big dreams and big ideas despite her gender.
When Denise first meets Clara, Clara gets suspicious of her, believing that she is hiding something...hehe I thought that was the case as well. I was waiting for the big reveal and the big secret. But no, it turns out Clara was jealous. Thank goodness I began to like Clara in the final season because I couldn't stand her in the first.
It just sucks that this show had to get canceled because it wasn't doing as well as its competition "Mr. Selfridge". I would've loved to see Denise running her own business! And I've grown so attached to the characters and the Paradise.
I love that ending scene when Denise runs through the different locations of the Paradise when she comes up with her own idea for her own business (in the final episode).... It was beautifully filmed. It was a nice way of saying goodbye.
Faerie Tale Theatre: The Boy Who Left Home to Find Out About the Shivers (1984)
My favorite of the series
OMG! Of course I am going to end up loving the more Gothic and scarier episode in a FAIRYTALE series not because that's more my preference But because there are other episodes that just lack and don't hit hard and sadly the one that I can identify with the most is the one that won my heart completely! Why is that?!
Well for starters you have the American king of horror narrating (Price) and you have one of the English kings of horror acting (Lee) who are my favorites. MacNicol did an amazingly cute job as the protagonist. The supporting characters did a good job as well. The female lead played by Dana Hill was so adorable ( it is so sad that she passed away at a young age :/ ). The set design, the costumes, the effects, & the makeup were on point as well! They really served a nice spooky delicacy!
Yes this episode is scary but it's also funny as well there is a scene where the protagonist starts bowling with these ghosts who were trying to scare him but he ends up teaching them how to bowl and he has fun with them. I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard! I watched this episode while the sun was going down because I knew it would be perfect for that and boy I was right!
I'm definitely gonna rewatch this again on Halloween!
Lady Lovelylocks and the Pixietails (1987)
Cute girly fun
In typical 80s fashion the good guy has blue eyes & blonde hair while the villain has black hair (which is why I sometimes find myself rooting for the bad girl time to time haha. And she has a much better dress!)
To be honest I wasn't expecting the animals or the creatures in this cartoon. Yes I'm aware that the pixietails are in the title of the show I just didn't knew that when I first saw it haha. Anyways I was expecting something more like that episode of Fairly OddParents "Hairicane". But here I thought it was gonna be more cutesy magical stuff with her hair (without the help of the pixietails). Idk just something more memorable...
I didn't grew up with this cartoon. I've only seen pictures inside the books. Maybe I'm missing something?! Because this cartoon is confusing... it doesn't specify why the prince is a dog. Why can't he show his true form to our protagonist?! How did he got cursed?! It would've been nice if we got an introduction to that in the beginning of the show. A full episode even!
The animation here is pretty but at the same time, you can tell it was done on a low budget. It sucks because the books had amazing art in them. Maybe if this was made in the 90s or 2000s It would've been better?!! (It would've been an a lot crazier and memorable show if it were released in those times! This 90s baby knows!)
Overall it's a cute cartoon that is somewhat forgettable. Ravenwaves and that catchy ending song are only the memorable parts of this show.
Sweet Valley High: A Star Is Torn (1996)
Jessica is human?!
AJ was actually a good buffer for the time because we as a spectator are spared from Jessica's selfishness And mean girl attitude. We finally get to see the human side of her while AJ is around. (Sometimes I do find Jessica's mean girl attitude funny...mainly here in season three. In seasons 1 and 2 she was just pure toxic)
We also get a break from Jessica being boy crazy. I hate female characters that are too boy obsessed like that at least when AJ was around we stopped hearing about who is Jessica dating today, tomorrow or next week.
I do wish AJ was a part of the show though instead of Bruce we should've had AJ. He would've been a cool touch the show! Bruce brought nothing to the show (But I do prefer his hilarious cousin Shred)
My Adventures with Superman: Olsen's Eleven (2024)
Heartfelt-ish episode
This episode just doesnt
go straight to Jimmy and Lois meeting Kara and Superman in space. It shows how they got to space in the first place.
Anyways how were they going to go to space? They meet up with the female villain Livewire to help them steal a spaceship from star labs. Livewire agrees, but she only agrees because she sees this as a way to steal weapons from star labs along with her gf and her crew. Also making an appearance is Mallah and the Brain! They actually are here to help out Jimmy and Lois, unlike Livewire lol
But Livewire ends up saving them because of their whining which I thought was incredibly heartwarming. I knew at some point we were going to see a somewhat human side of Livewire this season. And we certainly got that when they showed us her girlfriend Heat Wave (I don't really remember her from last season I'll have to rewatch again lol). Livewire makes a speech about fighting for love. That was so sweet !
No doubt the wave of whiny "woe is us" bigots will give this episode a low rating. Clearly this show is not for you. *Gasps* heaven forbids if someone's living their OWN life and not by your standards! How dare they right?!! Ohhh boo-hoo!
But overall this was a fun and sweet episode that was so perfect to watch on a sunny day! I'm so happy that this show got renewed for season three! *chef's kiss*
Faerie Tale Theatre (1982)
Its decent
I didn't grew up in the 80s I'm a 90s baby so I cannot judge the show based on nostalgia like the others. So yes I am going to be slightly harsh here!
I guess the show having a star studded cast doesn't equally means it's going to be good. I hate productions that have a star studded cast I always avoided those awful Hollywood (mainly romantic) movies they did in the 2000s which was a huge trend at that time (Yes even the animated 3-D ones) with too many stars. So why did I watched this one ? I watched it for the fairytales not the cast. I decided to not be so snotty and I really needed a fairytale show.
I'm shocked for a show with the star studded cast the budget looks pretty low. There are some really good episodes (like the " Boy Who Left Home to Find Out About the The Shivers"). Some pretty decent episodes (like "The Little Mermaid"). And episodes that are just plain dry and empty ("Rapunzel").
I get it because the show did had different directors for each episode. But STILL I was hoping while watching this show I'd get something atmospheric and mesmerizing (which was what I was expecting in the "Beauty and the Beast" episode). I was also hoping that this show had fun episodes (but "Three Little Pigs" was just one of the few). I thought that this show was gonna be some thing I'd hold dear and close to me. But I only end up loving a few episodes. And regretted watching some others.
Some episodes could've done with comedic or modern touches to it as well something to keep the episode from running dry (like my least favorite "Rapuznel" which felt like watching a stage play in someone's backyard). Again just because it has a bunch of stars in it doesn't mean It's going to be great.
I prefer BBC's "The Storyteller" which also came out in the 1980s. I wish that show had a lot more episodes like this show. If you want something more atmospheric, sometimes comedic, and haunting then I recommend you watch it! But if you want something simple, cheesy, low budget and wholesome thats filled with a lot of familiar faces....then this Shelley Duvall show is for you (no shade to Shelley I do admire her)
Misfits (2009)
Good grief
I was so excited to find out that the show was on Hulu. I lived in England when the second season came out. I only saw bits and pieces of the show on the telly (the GOOD bits and pieces but now I really wish I had saw the bad instead It'd saved me the trouble).
And I regretted it. I had to stop after season three. Season one was so unbearable for me mainly because of Nathan. He had to be the worst character I ever had to deal with in a TV show ever. If I had to deal with a person like that in real life I'd probably be in jail for a really long time. Simon is no good either but at least he can stfu! Curtis was the best male character in that season. And there are also some useless characters introduced and useless sex scenes but it doesn't matter because sex sells right?!!
I am shocked that I even made it to season three I don't know why I even did that I can be stupid like that sometimes. No more torturing myself with the telly.
I had to watch Doctor Who to recover from what I just Watched. ( I never even finished the seasons with the 11th doctor so I thought it would be a good chance to finally recover with it !)
I'll be looking for other British sci-fi shows. So far I only watched and liked both the 1980s series "Chocky" and the 21st century "Doctor Who"... a pity "Misfits" couldn't make it.