singakd Reviews

Sunrise (II) (2024)

Was there really a vampire?

[2/10 · 13 May 2024]

In a sea of brooding trench coat and hillbullies, Guy Pierce's acting shines like a beacon of hope. Sadly, the monsters seem to be on a coffee break, leaving us pondering life's mysteries instead. The revenge plot? About as thrilling as watching paint dry. With more loose ends than a cat's yarn ball, the film's potential fizzles faster than a vampire in sunlight. And don't get me started on the broodiness - it's like waiting for a magician to pull a rabbit out of an empty hat, mystical but ultimately disappointing.

In a world saturated with vampire tales, you'd think we'd see the bloodsuckers coming from a mile away. But no, we're left scratching our heads as the supposed monster - more like a vampire with an identity crisis - requires guns, gasoline, and fire to inflict any damage. Talk about a plot twist as predictable as a sunrise. I rest my case.

My Happy Marriage (2023)

True Adaptation

[10/10 · 18 October 2023]

The live-action movie was incredibly fast-paced and a million times better than the anime, especially in how it portrayed Miyo as a character. The actress who portrayed her was flawless, as were the rest of the cast. Her performance was outstanding, from her voice to her acting. The cinematography was excellent, and the main cast delivered great performances that remained faithful to the source material, all within a high-energy, action-packed experience. Ren Meguro was such a great choice given his demeanor and looks for the main lead were exceptional. I wish they honed in on Miyos super natural abilities a little more than they did. Else 10/10.

Twin Murders: The Silence of the White City (2019)

Yawn Fest

[1/10 · 3 October 2023]

Yet another Netflix movie in which the police appear utterly ineffectual, and the serial killer meets an easy demise in the end after a dull and unsatisfying revelation. If I could, I would have rated it negatively. It's evident that there was room for a deeper exploration of the motives behind the murders, as well as how a mediocrely physically fit man with a demanding job and a police officer wife could commit such acts, instead of the rushed affair between the main characters. The forced chemistry between them was baffling. One moment he's grieving his wife, and the next, he's romantically involved with his boss. Speaking of which, it's implausible how quickly she turned on her husband upon hearing from the cop over the phone. Normally, one would seek more evidence before resorting to a kitchen knife. While he hinted at knowing something, it wasn't life-threatening. As many astute reviewers have noted, the editing and directing was so bad. It's puzzling why some viewers even gave it any stars at all!

My Happy Marriage (2023– )

Miyo the Most Insufferable Cinderella like wizard (maybe?)

[3/10 · 9 August 2023]

The story sounds interesting given there is magic, hidden talents, vintage Japanese backdrop etc. Apart from a very typical Cinderella like premise. However, if Miyo's voice and character wasn't this insufferable I believe the show would have been more tolerable. Twenty minutes episodes with constant flashbacks to "poor and miserable life of Miyo" while she doubts every reason why she exits gets boring by the passing minute and does nothing to take the story ahead. Yes, she has had it very tough and we get it but then again she has no redeeming quality except poor her to really root for her? Too many apologies from her constantly drags the show on. Nothing against the voice actor by whoever voices Miyo (I changed Audio setting to English, German etc.) its so mousy and intolerable every time, it becomes unbearable to hear it and enjoy her growth (if any in next few episodes?). Looks like they might milk this couple of more seasons especially since everyone loves Cinderella like poor girl and Rich Smart Handsome Boy storyline. But not very engaging in the first few pilot episodes.

D.P. (2021– )

Season one great, Season two not bad

[7/10 · 8 August 2023]

Season 1 was great and loved every bit of it. Started off so well! Introducing all the characters and seeing them grow (I'm Jisup) was very refreshing. A country where military service is compulsory I cant even imagine all sorts of folks coming under the same roof handling weapons and being responsible for the national security. Not all are equipped for it and that means conflict whether we admit it or not. There is a reason why other countries do mental evaluation before admitting people to the military or police and you can clearly see the distinction here. And this is why the first season was very powerful in conveying the shortcomings of that process. Come to season two and it sort of fall flat to all the theatricals. We get the message but it is messy in its delivery. Places where they could have used the platform to convey powerful yet effective message they just stood around and did nothing. Most of it is packed in last 2 episodes but even then it feel like it does not give its everything which is disappointing because I had hopes. Nonetheless it delivers its message and I'm glad to have found a show which is different. It tackles the compelling topic of bullying and bureaucracy in public services and kudos to the team for that!

The Murderer (II) (2023)

Should have titled "Farang"

[1/10 · 30 July 2023]

The "Farang" is the main theme of the movie whereas the murders should have been. One truly cannot focus on the movie as all they talk about is "farang this" "farang that" and thats all the god forbidden time! On top, the Irle character is the dumbest one I have ever seen. I get you are a foreigner but you cannot be this naive, stereotypical and what about all the overacting. Running around like a lunatic in the fields half the time. The premise was interesting and I'm all up for murder mystery with dark humor but this was just plain silly. Childish at best but does speaks volume of Viet caliber around policing and treating foreigners.

The Valhalla Murders (2019–2020)

Extremely frustrating, mindless detectives

[1/10 · 24 July 2023]

The story in itself is okay nothing out of the ordinary. The frustrating part are the detectives and the Icelandic police force. I beg to differ they are this dense in reality (hope not for Iceland citizens sake). I get not all detectives are Sherlock Holmes, I get it but damn they are super incompetent. Especially Kata. I'm all for a women lead trust I am but she was just very dense and that was disappointing. Tampering with the evidence, not confronting her son about the rape video and why he was so secretive about it, going places alone no backup, not able to handle her fire arm properly. List goes on. Moments when I felt she did good policing she goes and get herself in situation that could have been easily avoided had she just been more careful and better equipped like the police should be! Apart from putting the puzzles together they have no physical attribute or arms training that helps them stay ahead of the murders. When you finally find out who it is in the end (lack luster reveal), oh my god how were they not able to over power him? An old dude (possibly in his 60s?) and two of the supposed smart and fit detectives are having gala of a difficult time apprehending him. The end hinting season 2? I urge Netflix to invest that budget somewhere else, perhaps a documentary about how police actually solves true cases.

Lookism (2022– )

Meh

[1/10 · 21 July 2023]

Started with zero expectations yet it disappointed me. After watching multiple KDramas and movies didn't know bully was such a hot topic but not necessarily in the way this show explores. There are bullies everywhere and they are super fixated to this supposedly overweight ugly boy all the time? Bully magnet much. They physically assult the bajisus out of him, never stands up for himself says anything and we are supposed to feel sorry for him? It doesn't explore any back story and with the main leads demeanor (mousy, utters 4 words maybe at a time and selfish to his mother) it just doesn't make you empathize him whatsoever. The purpose of the story much like my other peers (adults) pointed out is extremely lack luster! The premise pretty much says be good looking and world will be nice to you else ugly timid folks go hide in the cornor.

Guys it's time to go shopping for a handsome body with God like athletic features to switch souls with!!

Deadloch (2023– )

Unique as long as you adjust your mindset

[6/10 · 10 July 2023]

It's a fun show if you go in with the attitude that it's a lot of sattire and not a real "real" crime thriller.

At first I was terribly ticked off by the dumbness of all the characters but then I decided to give it another go by switching the mindset and going in with the flow. It does make you question how on earth a population this dumb witted end up at same location!

Except for Dulcie and Abbys characters none of the others are either relatable or likeable? But the show grows on you and I found even terribly annoying Eddie somewhat funny later. Give it a go, it might pleasantly surprise you.

Polite Society (2023)

Good initiative, wanted to like

[5/10 · 28 June 2023]

Polite Society is a great initiative towards brown community have to admit. A brown girl and a martial artist now that's a great catch but man did it lack the luster and the fury it could have been. I was rooting for this movie to knock me off my socks. The main lead, Ria I so wanted to cheer for her loudly especially being a brown girl myself but it lacked the fury she so "claimed" to have. She was all anger and self-anointed stunt woman but her moves were so childish in comparison. Someone who has learned martial arts myself her stunts looked a bit cartoonish to be honest. Storyline wasn't too bad but I wish they gave main lead a bit more character growth than an angry-ready to pick a fight-righteous self-proclaimed fury master.

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

John Wick Saga Continues

[10/10 · 3 April 2023]

John Wick 1 was love at first viewing and the saga continues! JW4 has all that and more you expect from Keanu-Chad duo. It has the growth of our main lead, much to crave for action sequences, brotherhood element at its finest and a deserving end. I for once agree with the commiserating end but I secretly greed for more JW and why not when there are other less deserving sequels from the likes of FandF, Transformers out there. It was a very heartwarming to see they stayed true to the original element and exceeded our expectations with the choreography and assasin universe. I can clearly see how JW world has set the ripples in all other movies that are now adapting proper action choreography.

My Name (2021)

Awesome Action! Han So-hee Great Job!

[10/10 · 14 February 2023]

Have to admit, I started with low expectations just because they all claim to be this THE action revenge drama but end up being sobby no character building blah. But to my surprise not this one! While the storyline is pretty predictable if revenge is your genre but the action scenes did not disappoint at all! What I was even more glad about was the female lead, Han So-hee. Female protagonists normally get women to women fight or bare minimal and lot of talking/ sobbing but this.. made me happy when there were so many hand to hand combats. And best part was the action sequences weren't choppy, thank lord! Must watch for all! Highly recommended. I recommend starting Oh Hyejin Impossible series like Ethan Hunt!

Warrior Nun (2020–2022)

Season 1 Great, Season 2 Not so Great

[3/10 · 16 November 2022]

Season 1 was easy to watch. Loved the growth of all characters. Season 2 on the other hand god knows what on earth happened, all character growth out of the window! Everyone somehow became extremely dumb, to push the plot I believe. They constantly get sabotaged and none of them learn anything remotely from it. Especially Ava. I kind of liked her in season 1 although she was constantly rejecting the halo that literally gave her another chance but S2 she is kind of same, no character arch. How? Hasnt she learned anything? She is hot headed and puts everyone else in danger. What about Father Vincent? He has more lives than a cat. Why on earth is he spared five million times? Dont they learn? Lilith turning evil, while not much of surprise, came in bad timing. Didnt make sense when it happened. Its not like someone was rejecting her, she was given a purpose which was better than being Adriel's side B I suppose? But nope! Ep 7 just knocked the sock out of me, not a good way. They had perfect opportunity to take Adriel down but I guess their lives was far more important than their entire mission?!! Give me a break! I understand that would kill the whole show in one go but whats the point if not making it look the enter "sisterhood" absolutely selfish?! Yup I dont think I am cheering for S3. This is as far as I go.

The Princess (I) (2022)

A for great effort!

[9/10 · 26 July 2022]

For once female protagonist movie that's all action no romance drama, thank god. They usually pit female against females and this one broke that mold. I can see why some complained about the storyline but then again it's action entertainment I don't think they were going for serious drama anyways. Joey King and her stunt double seemed to have done a great job! I couldn't differentiate one from another. Some times you just need to sit back and enjoy non stop a$$ kicking, this one does it!

Yumi's Cells: Episode #2.14 (2022) Season 2, Episode 14

Great ending for a wonderful show that will be missed!

[10/10 · 24 July 2022]

Absolutely love it! Yumi's character development along with some of the other characters is done so beautifully that by S2 I felt I knew each of them so well and cared deeply. Hats off to Kim GoEun. Honestly, I started watching show because of her and she did not let us down at all. She is so mesmerizing I felt her all her emotions be it frustration, struggles, happiness, despair. The animation, omg kudos to the entire animation studio. Such a phenomenal job! And especially voice actors! My fav cells Reason, love, foodie and lust. I laughed and cried with all of them. Im sad it ended but the ending was perfect. Subtle and impactful! Don't be persuaded by negative comments about the ending, can't have typical cliche endings so boring. And for that I loved this even more! Congratulations KGE for the award, well deserved and more!!!

Midnight (2021)

Wow terrible

[1/10 · 13 July 2022]

I went in great hopes but man this one was bad. Acting is great no question but who ever wrote the script could have done far better job. Nothing new than what the other reviews haven't covered already but this was dumb at so many level. I get that people can make some pretty stupid decisions when they are conered but police?!! And that too many a times. Nope! 70% movie is chase scenes. I was expecting some bad ass twist how they'll get the overly smirky bad guy but it was okay. Not what the movie built it up to be.

Snowflake Mountain (2022)

Snowflakes actually exist

[9/10 · 29 June 2022]

The fact that most of the generation is snowflake especially tick tokers this show is so real. I personally know people aka supposed adults this incapable of survival made it more relatable.

Outer Range (2022– )

Started great but then just meh

[3/10 · 7 May 2022]

It was a great start! The first 2 episodes had me hooked. New concept fully intriguing. It went down hill once they started giving Autumn too much of attention. Places where one would use common sense they just wouldn't. It had potential and I'm sure they can make up for it if they interject some logic into it.

Elves (2021)

Negative 100 please

[1/10 · 6 December 2021]

This is so very bad I don't even know where to start and end. First purely because of the girl, Jose. I get writers wrote her a character that's just dumb but sorry the girl playing the role isn't any better either. Parents, brothers all are just worse characters I've ever seen. None of them have any depth to their character nor does common sense. You see a fence leave it alone unless you are reporter, suspecting cop or least an activist. They are none and all they are is only a family and that too celebrating Xmas. Self proclaimed animal activist Ms annoying Jose needed to go away like 10 mins into episode 1 because you know stupid when you see one. Only others around them suffer the consequences not them. Why unfair world why!

Midnight Mass (2021)

Omg stop monologuing extensively!

[1/10 · 30 September 2021]

I felt being deeply manipulated into being baptasized by end of the show. It is so frustrating to have all of them talk round and round and round. Bible verses thrown around at every God damn second. If you ask me in my opinion, "Gods will is to stop this show forever".. No regular dialogues ever. Never straight to the point ever. I get gullible people are dumb but to this extend is beyond me. Not a show worth investing time on.

Yumi's Cells (2021– )

Perfection!

[10/10 · 26 September 2021]

Kim GoEun is perfect for Yumi! Cheese in the trap is classic example she adapted super well to the webtoon earlier. I read Yumi cells and it's by the book which is quite refreshing they didn't meddle with the storyline. I was skeptical at first how cells would translate in animation but to my surprise they are super cute, relatable and fun. It's such a smart concept and no wonder everyone loved webtoon. Its an absolute no nonsense show which is super refreshing in KDrama. They have my total admiration for doing such a phenomenal job. Looking forward for more!

Beauty and the Beast (2014– )

What an insufferable Beast

[2/10 · 17 August 2021]

I tried really really hard to like it but I just couldn't. We get it this is not typical Disney version but it's nothing original either. Phantom of opera meets Jane Eyre plus other Disney folklore. The actress that played Bella is gorgeous no doubt but that's about it. Such monotone acting. No character was worth admiring. Much like other critics mentioned, beasts abusive behavior is easily quoted "misunderstood". Yes right! If he was under a spell that behavior would have been acceptable but nope. It was dreadful sitting through it all but I finished it. Regretting it why.

Fear Street: Part One - 1994 (2021)

It's Meh... just OK

[4/10 · 20 July 2021]

No one is smart in this trilogy, no one whatsoever! It's mediocre at best. Had potential but common sense is just missing in the script. They've taken Freddie, Jason, all 80s horror flicks and just mooshed them all together. Made quite a mess of it too.. How did the studio find budget to fund 3 of these horrific movies?! They could have used that money to make one really cool movie. Just because you put kids together in 80s or 90s setup that doesn't we would love it like Stranger Things. Try harder!

Splinter (I) (2008)

Nerd Boyfriend spoiled it for me

[2/10 · 20 July 2021]

The movie in itself isn't that bad. It has its moments and it's intriguing but the nerd bf Seth is just plain annoying, useless and much like others said absolutely bad actor. Times when situation would shock people he would say "calm" or we can't do this or some super nerd irrelevant thing or just freeze at a spot.

Mad for Each Other (2021– )

Refreshing

[9/10 · 8 July 2021]

Much like my peers before, this is definitely a feel good drama. But most importantly the male lead, Jung Woo knows how to use his facial expressions and acting skills and isn't just yet another pretty mannequin boy (much like all 20 year old kdrama actors that can't be bothered with acting, it creates crevices around their pretty faces). It was absolutely refreshing to see great acting and a simple yet deeply touching script and cast. Highly recommend watching it.