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Succession: The Munsters (2023)
Necessary Set Up
This episode did a great job of putting the endgame of this show in place. Most notably, the sibling's first play against Logan is made through a $10b deal. Shiv and Tom close the episode with a conversation that has so many layers of meaning with every snarky response. This was an exciting and well written episode, with a couple of the show's most directly comedic moments yet. (That "tell me something funny" scene was perfect) While it's maybe not the boldest season premiere of the series so far, it's still pretty great and far from a disappointment. I'm just excited to see where we go from here!
Game of Thrones: The Long Night (2019)
The Hate is Absurd
I haven't written a review in a while but the amount of low scores I have seen plaguing this episode made me want to make a review of my own.
I completely loved this episode. It was intense, it was epic, and it was constant. This is will likely be the largest scale battle in the entirety of the the show. It was such a blast watching the action unfold for over an hour that I might call this one of my favorite episodes of GoT ever. It would be hard to not admit how cool it was seeing dragons face off against each other above the clouds, watching Jon struggle his way towards the night king, Theon defending Bran as the last man standing, or watching the Dothraki lights flicker out one by one from a mile away. These are just a few of many highlights. Its clear that the creators wanted to make an unforgettable spectacle combining as many GoT elements as possible. For me, they stuck the landing.
It's sad to go on IMDB and find so many negitave reviews, with nothing good to say about the episode when there was clearly so much appreciate, even if you had problems with it. Maybe there was some cliches and plot armor, but if this had been a completely realistic outcome then we would have nobody left alive to root for. Good thing this is a fantasy show, where things don't always play out like they would in real life. There has always been the element of fantasy, and I don't see anyone complaining when Jon survives the Battle of the Bastards or Jaimie surviving the Spoils of War.
Not to mention this battle with the White Walkers has never been the central arc of the story. It has been about the throne all along. We want as many personalities as we can fighting to take down the true enemy of the show: Cersei. If we reach episode six and the death count hasn't piled up to your liking, then you can complain all you want in a 1 star review. But there is still a story left to be told, and it's the story that demands true consequences. The fight for power.
Friends from College: The Wedding (2019)
Really Enjoyed This Season
I binged all eight episodes and enjoyed the entire thing! I love the comedy in this show, it really works for me. Its usually pretty subtle and dry humor. This second go around definetely is more drama heavy than it is with comedy, but I don't think that's necesarily a bad thing.
You can realy feel the tensions rise between the characters as more problems mount on top of each other. The entire show is pretty consistent in quality and I can easily reccomend it. My one complaint is that some people act overtly stupid which causes issues that could've easily been avoided. Still, looking forward to the third season. I don't know where they're going to take the story after the ending of season two!
47 Meters Down (2017)
A Stupid but Entertaining Thriller
When I watched this movie I kept asking myself the entire runtime, why are the sharks attacking them if they don't have an open wound. Of course the answer is that it's a movie and I just need to go along with it so I thought whatever. But the question of why the crew didn't send down extra oxygen tanks when they fell was still there. It bothered me the entire time.
I liked the ending, and how it didn't end up being as formulaic as I thought it was going to be. In fact, I thought it was pretty good. But what really holds down this movie is the characters and their entire reason for bring down there. Moments where the movie is so blatantly trying to get the audience to feel for the two main leads. It all feels forced. Because I didn't end up caring about these characters it didn't matter what happened to them.
What this movie did right was tension. The trapped feeling of being underwater with no options was handled perfectly. In fact, you could've removed the threat of sharks entirely from the movie and it would've made it more believable, and more tension filled. The struggle of maintaining oxygen took up most of the plot while sharks were just an added jumpscare or two.
For what the movie is, it offers good tension at moments and creates a great atmosphere. But the characters and some other minor things really hold this back from being anywhere close to great. I know most people will enjoy it more than I did, but for me... 5/10
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
Hilarious fun for the first half
Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew return for another adventure in the fifth installment of the POTC franchise. And while it was a good looking film all around, with great special effects and set pieces, the convoluted story holds it back from being truly great.
The first half of this film is the better half, featuring plenty of hilarious moments, scenes filled with action and comedic charm. Dialogue is entertaining and interesting while the story makes sense for a first time viewer in the franchise. However, more and more things have to be explained as the film goes on and it becomes very confusing. Certain fights and ideas added to the plot feel unnecessary and odd. Multiple characters are given screen time but then disappear for the entire movie. (A few in particular are tossed in at the end for closure that felt rushed and not expanded upon). So many characters are given their purpose for being there that it's difficult to keep up with everyone's motivation!
This film is a step above stranger tides, but a step below dead man's chest and black pearl. Still, see this movie and you will have a fun time! Just try to keep up with everything that's going on the best you can.
Bates Motel: The Cord (2017)
Great yet something missing...
Season five of Bates Motel has been full of bloody death since the first episode. The show finally concludes as Norman's mind continues to spiral further and further into the deep end. With this last episode the story is finished and almost all character conflicts are resolved. Almost all...(I'll get to that in a second)
I originally rated this episode a 10 out of 10 once the end credits rolled. The more a I thought about it the more I saw the issues rise to the surface. To start things off, I think this episode went the way most fans expected it too. Not that that's a bad thing. The acting for this episode is top notch and the last few minutes before Norman's long predicted death was very disturbing. One of the final shots that show Norman lying in Dylan's arms and the corpse of Norma sitting at the dinner table was disturbing and captured the tone of the show. Yet I can't help feel as though Romero's final moments could have been handled better. It felt formulaic and predictable, even though when the gunshots rang out I really felt the impact of the situation.
Norman is gone at this point. He drives his mother's dead body to his home and makes himself believe he is back at the starting point of the show. His mind play tricks to make him think he can start over, to make things work out in the end. Then he calls Dylan, inviting him over for dinner. Understanding the inevitable, the thing that Dylan and Norma denied for so long, Norman needs to die. Dylan makes a final attempt for sanity but it only sparks anger in Norman, who attacks him with a knife but is shot in the gut. His tombstone only reads his name, as opposed to Norma's, which is full of her personal qualities. And then the end.
I do not hate this ending as some people do, but I would agree that Dylan dying alongside his brother would make it more impactful and memorable. Based upon how dark this show's tone is, it seems like the perfect yet surprising ending. Dylan, the character of humanity and reason in this tale of craziness sacrifices himself to stop his brother. Even the final call with Emma only supports this ending. Yet it doesn't happen, and Dylan and Emma walk out as one the few surviving characters, even with a happy ending.
But my main problem is that this final episode kind of left other characters with no ending. They just didn't get any scenes after one point. Madeline was nowhere to be found, the sheriff pretty much just dropped off the face of the Earth after the first few minutes, and whoever Romero's old friend was made pretty much irrelevant. Will she ever find out if Romero died? The audience is left to figure that out for themselves.
Regardless of these issues, I still believe this has been a great season. It was very different from the previous 4 and tried many new things, introduced new characters that were interesting to watch, and gave a good enough ending for me. Although there are some problems, it didn't stop me enjoying the show any less. Bates Motel will be one of my favorite shows, and looking at the first episode compared to last episode really shows how far the characters have come throughout the five seasons. Good job creators, good job to everyone who helped make the show, and so long Bates Motel.
Bates Motel: The Body (2017)
Season 5 is looking to be the best season yet!
Season 5 is looking to be the best season yet! Every episode has been well paced, shot, and acted. There are very few things that I think the creators should have done differently. This episode is no exception.
The episode follows the events happening right after last week's devastating end: Norman confessing to the murder of Sam Loomis. He instantly regrets this as he sits waiting in the police station for questioning. Norma takes control of his mind and tries to handle the situations herself, but things go from bad to worse. Meanwhile, Dylan finally gets closure on the disappearance of Emma's mom and Romero finds his gun, heading straight to the bates motel only to find it empty...almost. He finds Chick, writing his book in the quiet corner of the basement. Chick presses Romero's button and ultimately gets a bullet to the head, ending Chick's story in the show for good.
The shock value of this moment was awesome, and I could really see no other ending for Chick regardless. He had not made an appearance for a few episodes, but popped back in towards the end so that there would be closure. As for Norman, I can't wait to watch him in court next week and how he will confront Madeline after she learned the truth. The end is upon us, and these final two epsiodes will not disappoint!
10/10
Bates Motel: Marion (2017)
Welcome to The End
This is the episode fans of the show have expected since the beginning and it definitely delivered, playing out differently than everyone expected.
To start it off, Dylan and Emma finally learn the thing that I knew would come back to bite them in the midst of their happiness and comfort. Norma is dead, and Dylan will realize the truth about the matter if he hasn't already. No sign Romero or Chick in this episode, as there was to many other things going on with Norman that deserve the entire runtime of this week's episode.
The episode mainly revolves around Marion Crane, (played by Rihanna) being at the Bates Motel, as well as Norman struggling to deal with the fake Norma he has created in his mind. It was awesome to finally see the truth revealed to himself, as fake Norma tells him what has been done for his own "protection." On the other end, both of Sam's relationships fall apart and he is left alone, waiting for Marion at the Bates Motel. The twist at the end is Sam being killed in the famous shower scene, as opposed to Marion. Norman tries his best to accept he's crazy and dismiss Norma, who continuously steps into his life. As you could guess it doesn't work. After setting up a near frame for frame remake of the original psycho shower scene with Marion, Sam gets the punishment at the end of the episode, leaving Norman with a bloody mess. You can see the terror in his eyes as he asks, "Mother, what have I done?"
This episode amazing start to finish. Norman has now concioussly killed someone, marking the beginning of the end. These last four epsiodes of Bates Motel are sure to be a suspenseful ride, and I can't wait to see what happens next. 10/10
Bates Motel: Hidden (2017)
Excellent Again
How could you not like this episode? Bates Motel has become a true horror TV show at this point, especially with Norman so far gone. Multiple times in this episode he gets to the point where he's revealing the truth to himself about Norma, but never seems to understand until the end...maybe? I'll have to wait next week to find out.
Max and Emma were completely absent from this episode which I don't mind. It would be nice if they let them end on a happy note considering we all know how Norman's story will go. However, chances are that won't happen. Romero's screen time involved recovering from the bullet wound in the previous episode. It was very exciting to watch things play out, Romero pushing his borders on what he's willing to do. The last few minutes of this episode involving Madeleine were the most intriguing part of the entire episode. It's sad to see the happiness Norman could have for the future if he didn't go through the harsh things in his early life. The last shot of the episode confirmed that there truly isn't hope for him.
Directed by Max Thieriot, this is one of my favorite episodes of the season so far! Season 5 has been amazing and I can't wait to see where the show goes from here before the walls come crumbling down for Norman. (Maybe at the hands of the new sheriff??)
10/10 Stars
Bates Motel: Bad Blood (2017)
Slight Step Downwards
The previous two episodes have been really good and entertaining from start to finish. Here there are just a few issues (one in particular) that hold this episode back from having a 10 star rating.
First off, Chick is a decent enough character. I understand a lot more about him from this episode than I ever did over the course of the show. I just have a hard time believing that he is allowed to live in the house. Those minor scenes just felt out of place. I also wanted to see a little more exploration of Madeleine's character, which could have replaced some of Chick's moments. And finally, SPOILER ALERT, I figured Caleb would die this episode but the way they did it was terrible. First, Norman was supposed to kill him but he let him go, Norma/n shot at him but she missed, he runs out in the street and gets accidentally run over by Chick, who was distracted and didn't have his eyes on the road. It was almost comical. If he was killed by Norma, there would've been so much impact and emotion. This is the worst death in the show. Period.
The rest of this episode is a positive. Romero's story has been fantastic, the dinner table scene was really interesting and the final few moments of Caleb's time in the show was good as well. I hope the follow up to his death will be handled properly because his death just wasn't.
8/10
Split (2016)
Great Movie, minor issues
Before I start this very late review, I just want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I'm happy M. Night has come back with a hit movie that puts forth gripping suspense, terror, and even mild humor at times. It should be noted that this movie is still a very dark one, with scenes of open wounds and pedophilia shown on screen. I'm very surprised it ended up with a PG-13 rating when it's all said and done.
Nevertheless, 'Split' cuts to the chase, diving right into the kidnapping of three teenage girls. There is great camera work in this scene and definitely hooks you right in. It was exciting watching them piece together the strange actions of Kevin and his odd behavior. It isn't exciting however, watching some of the girls struggle to act. They do a poor job, and for a second it took me out of the viewing experience. Thankfully, not all the girls get an even amount of screen time as the trailer might have you believe.
There are two other stories that the movie will jump back and forth throughout. One is of Dr. Karen Fletcher, who Kevin turns to so the audience can help understand him better, as well as Fletcher herself. In these scenes James McAvoy really gets to show off his acting skills, and he is awesome to watch. The other is a flashback that could have been cut down a few minutes, but still brought forth an important aspect of one main character that helps the audience understand them better. The movie ends with some plots I felt did not have much closure, but it did not lessen the quality of the movie. And then there's the end credit scene, which felt silly but could be enjoyable for those who understand it.
In short, Split is a tense, but slower paced movie with solid acting from McAvoy and decent acting from the rest of the cast. I would definitely recommend seeing this whenever you can. Though the run time could be taken down a bit, it still leaves you on the edge of your seat as the main characters learn piece by piece the dangers of Kevin and his multiple personalities.
Bates Motel: Dark Paradise (2017)
Great Start to The End
I have been looking forward to this season ever since the devastating events of season 4. This episode reassures me that there will be plenty to like in the final outing of Bates Motel.
One issue I thought I might have with the show now is Norma's absence. Although the show is about Norman, Norma is brought many different story arcs together. She is every bit as important as Norman is. Even though she is no longer living, Norman constantly perceives her in his mind which makes makes her every bit as relevant as she was in the previous seasons.
As for the events that took place in this episode, I loved the scenes between Norman and the girl from the department store. It is a breath of fresh air in a show so filled with tension. Romero has become a much more interesting and layered character as the show has gone by, and his scenes were all gripping. It was also a relief to see Dylan and Emma in such a good place. I'm unsure how integral Caleb's role will be with them in the final season, but something tells me he is not out of the picture for good. I also loved the final scene that showed Norman alone on a canoe while on the phone with Romero. It really shows the audience how crazy, broken, and lonely Norman has become.
The acting in this episode is good as always. Looking forward to more interaction between Norman and the Department store girl. I'm also really enjoying the direction of Romero's story.
If you've loved this show from day one then you aren't going to find a problem with episode either. 10/10 stars!!