Change Your Image
JoshuaMercott
My Books: https://www.amazon.in/~/e/B07BRPDHKK
My Blog: https://mrmercottreviewer.com/
My IG: https://www.instagram.com/joshuamercott87/
My IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13240611/?ref_=pro_nm_visitcons
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
The Perfect Couple (2024)
Clever Take on Classic Murder-Mysteries
Some murders happen so quickly and during such unlikely occasions that few can blame the cops for taking a while to solve it. One such target floated up following a big-wig wedding to the rich and powerful Winburys.
"The Perfect Couple" didn't live up to its name and that's a good thing. It gradually unfolded the dark and decrepit nature of the wealthy and how their elite connections could help them get away with anything, even murder.
As expected, Nicole Kidman (as Greer Garrison Winbury) looked fantastic and became the suspect of the fatal crime at the heart of this script. She did great work in this role and made the mini-series feel real.
Her husband Liev Schreiber (as Tag Winbury) brought something new to the series. I've rarely seen Schreiber in a role like this. By the time the curtains closed, he became just as memorable as Kidman.
Playing their sons were Billy Howle (as Benji Winbury; the groom), Sam Nivola (as Will Winbury), and Jack Reynor (as Thomas Winbury). Each brought a distinct element of character-driven suspense to the script.
Dakota Fanning (as Abby Winbury), Irina Dubova (as Gosia), Isabelle Adjani (as Isabel Nallet), Adina Porter (as Enid Collins), and Tommy Flanagan (as Broderick Graham) brought notable on-screen intrigue to bear on this dark and deceptive tale.
Eve Hewson (as Amelia Sacks) showcased a wide-range of humanity and empathy. After her best friend (Merritt) was found murdered - death by drowning - she (the bride) soon became the focal point for a lot of people and for a lot of reasons.
Meghann Fahy (as Merritt Monaco) offered a simple yet compelling performance around which much of the plot revolved, even hinged on.
Tackling this tricky lot were Detectives Nikki Henry and Dan Carter, played resp. By Donna Lynne Champlin and Michael Beach. They did amazing work in this story.
"The Perfect Couple" took off in a suspenseful direction right from the get-go, with one murder victim and a crowd of accusations and suspicions to wade through.
Typical tropes aside, the show delivered fine intrigue, clever red herrings, and entwined suspense worth appreciating.
- - - - - - - - -
The Acolyte (2024)
A Force-Redefining Chapter Worth Appreciating - Season 1 Review
Going into this adventure after coming across all the bad press it has apparently gathered, I wanted to see for myself what "The Acolyte" season 1 might have done wrong.
The Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic were, in one of those rare instances, at peace in this story. The setting unfurled at a time preceding the Empire's rise by decades.
As with most such tales, secrets and vengeance played core roles. In season 1 of "The Acolyte", Force-potent individuals were practising in hiding and one such individual harboured burning revenge in their heart.
Thus unfolded yet another chapter in a galaxy far far away. The more I saw, the more I appreciated this series. Before long, I breathed a sigh of gladdening relief at not blindly feeling or believing what some viewers did.
Liberties were taken and licenses were applied in this show. That's what all stories, especially in a franchise this big, need to do to keep flavours fresh. "The Acolyte" did so admirably well.
Noteworthy performances and extraordinary real-life training from the cast complemented a risqué plotline that went to some intriguing places.
One of the most glaring elements in this regard was the possibility for the Force to be used as a positive single-sex impregnation technique by a group of Brendok witches - a probable offshoot of the Nightsisters (aka Witches of Dathomir) from whom came Asajj Ventress (lore link?).
In short, women capable of wielding the Force could give birth without the need for a male. This was in no way a denigration of the male species but rather a reminder of what Nature has proven capable of accomplishing since the dawn of time, namely Parthenogenesis.
In the case of the Force, creative options were applied so the child wouldn't be an exact clone of the mother who birthed them. Also, the witches of Brendok aimed only to use this power for good and not to fuel the Dark Side of the Force.
Mother Aniseya and her covert coven - evocative of the Amazons of Themyscira - showcased intriguing details on this matter. It was a highly sensitive subject and I was glad to see them dedicate an entire episode to it, in the form of an intricate flashback.
'Force-pregnation' was a criminally underrated idea in "Acolyte", one that ended up gathering torches and pitchforks among fans instead of inspiring debate and discussion.
Season 1 also went to some fascinating locations - Ueda, Carlac, Olega, Khofar, Brendok, and Coruscant (of course). To be expected from this franchise, which has been doing that and more for decades now.
Holding this "Star Wars" story together with their impressionable performances were Carrie-Anne Moss (as Master Indara; as nostalgic as she was briefly amazing), Amandla Stenberg (as Osha Aniseya / Mae Aniseya; an impressive twin-act), Lee Jung-jae (as Master Sol; learned English for this role and delivered big-time), Manny Jacinto (as The Stranger / Qimir; extraordinary screen presence with Dark-Anakin vibes), Rebecca Henderson (as Vernestra Rwoh; evocative of past characters), Dafne Keen (as Jecki Lon; simple yet impressive), Charlie Barnett (as Yord Fandar; a Jedi-Knight of note), Jodie Turner-Smith (as Mother Aniseya; a Brendok witch meaningful and empathic), and Margarita Levieva (as Mother Koril; a Brendok witch proud and strong).
They each brought something portentous to bear on the plot, which I have come to believe deserves a second chance; and then some.
The costumes, the music, the characterisation, the vehicles, the androids, the cantinas, the cross-world creatures, the Coruscant politics, the practical effects, the masters and their padawans, the lightsaber battles... Everything felt like classic "Star Wars" but with a relatively fresh take and twist.
The script was meticulously layered to stoke the right sentiments and trigger different emotions. It made me admire what the team did with "The Acolyte".
At the heart of this story was a way to subvert the Force, for good as well as bad. Mae Aniseya's (Osha's twin sister, who survived a terrible attack over sixteen years ago) arc saw her connecting with a Dark-Side wielder, Qimir, who wanted nothing more than to "kill the dream" Jedi always harboured.
Mae's kamikaze aptitude and vengeful desires made her a prime candidate for a future Dark-Force wielder who might grow out of her 'childish' "Attack me!" phase and become a ruthless killer in her own right.
Her hapless twin Osha finding herself in the wrong places at the wrong times added to the intrigue levels in the series. It felt like a matter of time before a giant misunderstanding would erupt, and it did.
These were but a handful of instances in "The Acolyte" that elevated the series' captivation and credibility, within the "Star Wars" universe.
The nuances of this story not only covered the subjugation of women, especially witches who could wield the Force as well as (if not more than) any Jedi. It also covered fable-esque tropes like the many being stronger than the few.
Moreover, this show also contained some of the most impressive Lightsaber fight sequences I've seen in the franchise. There were even moments when I felt I was watching an alternate version of the iconic Duel of the Fates.
All in all, "The Acolyte" season 1 delivered on its promise of adding yet another small but significant chapter to the "Star Wars" saga.
I genuinely enjoyed this series and wish the second season cancellation gets withdrawn so this amazing adventure can continue to explore the many facets of The Force. And don't get me going on that brilliant Yoda finale-shot!
--- --- ---
Special shout-out to Thara Schöön (as Tasi Lowa), Thomas Coombes (as a convict), Dan Milne (as a convict), Leah Brady (as kid-Mae), Lauren Brady (as kid-Osha), Dean-Charles Chapman (as Master Torbin), Joonas Suotamo (as Master Kelnacca; a Wookiee), and David Harewood (as Senator Rayencourt).
Kaos (2024)
An Adequately Intriguing Retelling - Season 1 Review
A diverse multicultural take on classic Greek mythos may not be for everyone. I, for one, only passably enjoyed "Kaos", which I observed was a tad too 'woke' for its own good. But the way they built up that delicious finale was more than worth the watch.
Also, it was intriguing and interesting to see how they went about creatively showcasing some iconic Greek mythological stories and the entities who inspired them.
I had to keep reminding myself that this was, overtly and unashamedly, a modern retelling of classic Greek myth. In this light, season 1 of "Kaos" managed to present a platter of welcome entertainment.
Almost the entire pantheon turned out in all their religiously regal glory, but with a contemporary twist. Modern counterparts of famous and infamous names went on to enrich the cast roster.
Jeff Goldblum (as Zeus) left an impression. He brought his signature line deliveries and casual charm to the series, rendering it fun in an anti-hero kinda way.
The other gods and demi-gods brought their own deific madness to the mix. Enter: Janet McTeer (as Hera), Stephen Dillane (as Prometheus), David Thewlis (as Hades), Rakie Ayola (as Persephone), Cliff Curtis (as Poseidon), Ramon Tikaram (as Charon), Nabhaan Rizwan (as Dionysus), and Debi Mazar (as Medusa).
Killian Scott (as Orpheus), Mat Fraser (as Daedalus), and Joe McGann (as Polyphemus) were neither here nor there but all three were exceptionally characterised.
The mortals - in life as well as the afterlife - unfortunate enough to be caught up in a prophecy as well as Prometheus's plan to bring down Zeus made this larger-than-life retelling feel fascinating.
Outstanding work in this regard from Aurora Perrineau (as Eurydice "Riddy"), Misia Butler (as Caeneus), and Leila Farzad (as Ari).
They also included the Fates and the Furies, rounding up those popular Greek-myth characters and having them put on a brief show.
This story reminded me of what I saw in the 2017-2021 TV series "American Gods". Also, it will help mightily if you brush up on your Greek mythos before watching "Kaos". Otherwise, you won't really grasp the finer points - the whys and the hows.
All in all, the first season of "Kaos" earned mixed sentiments from me, but mostly good ones. I enjoyed the pacing and appreciated the creativity. It also had sufficient dark and subversive elements.
I also couldn't help but feel they should've taken a more bombastic approach, one that involved a lot more action, improved nuance, interlinked feuds, and magic.
Perhaps "Kaos" season 2 may go the distance. Season 1 itself ended on a remarkable note. The finale created a promising setup for dark and daring things to come in the second season of "Kaos".
--- --- ---
Laudable performances from Billie Piper (as Cassandra), Mishaël Lopes Cardozo (as a fan), Michelle Greenidge (one of the Tacitas), Stanley Townsend (as Minos), Richard Sutton (as Terry), Daniel Lawrence Taylor (as Theseus), Shila Ommi (as Pas), Gillian Cally (as Hecuba), Amanda Douge (as Andromache), Liv Spencer (as the Munis umpire), Selina Jones (as Hippolyta II), Slavko Sobin (as Carl Crixus), Daniel Monks (as Nax), Robert Emms (as a desperate father), Rosie Cavaliero (as Prue), Susan Wooldridge (as Agatha), Amanda Hadingue (as Myrina), and Fady Elsayed (as Glaucus / The Minotaur).
Twisters (2024)
Intense Cross-Gen Thrills
I remember watching the original 1996 "Twister" as a kid and wondering why we never get nados here in India. Then I grew up and was grateful we didn't. But that's how much of an impact the movie had on my psyche.
Much of that action-adventure value was carried over into 2024's thrilling remake (of sorts). "Twisters" 2024 saw new blood taking on old roles and giving an altogether nostalgic spin to this classic disaster story.
Playing one of the leads, Kate Carter, was Daisy Edgar-Jones who did remarkable work in this one. Her character 'chased' tornados mainly to shore up her research in meteorology.
Tragic losses saw her taking an indefinite break. She was later called out of retirement and back to Oklahoma where a new team awaited her expertise.
Kate's acting was a nice throwback to 1996's Dr. Jo Harding, who was played by the amazing Helen Hunt. I saw a lot of intriguing parallels, which I genuinely appreciated.
Also, there was some nifty military technology involved as well, adding to the modern appeal of this "Twisters" movie. Much of this was evidenced through Glen Powell's character Tyler.
Powell did captivating work in this story. His performance offered casual homage to Bill Harding (from the 1996 original), who was played by Bill Paxton.
Along with Boone (played by Brandon Perea), Lily (played by Sasha Lane), Dani (played by Katy O'Brian), and Dexter (played by Tunde Adebimpe), he got some rebellious "tornado wrangler" action going in the movie.
Anthony Ramos (as Javier) and David Corenswet (as Scott) brought some much-needed balance. Their roles helped simplify and define a lot of facts and factors in this script.
In real life, tornado-chasers do exist. Their aim is often less about thrill chasing and more about scientific research. They all have meteorological training to help them better understand the storms they're chasing.
These professionals perform fieldwork intended to help people prepare for different kinds of tornados that might be dangerous. A good portion of their work entails finding ways to 'collapse' a nado before it can ruin lives and livelihoods.
It is only after a certain type of storm fully develops do tornadoes even drop into the picture. So the pre-emptive work of storm chasers serves not only as an advance warning tool but also gives them a head start to try and stop a nado from wreaking havoc.
The data collected is not archived away but rather studied and analysed for years to help meteorologists learn more about the evolution of tornadoes.
In my opinion, their work is even more important nowadays because of how much chaos and uncertainty human-induced Climate Change has brought on the scene.
Back to the review... It's interesting to note that yet another brilliant story from the ingenious mind of Michael Crichton has stood the test of time. He and Anne-Marie Martin penned the script for the 1996 movie.
New characters added to the thrill factor this time round. Noteworthy performances from Kiernan Shipka (as Addy), Daryl McCormack (as Jeb), Nik Dodani (as Praveen), Harry Hadden-Paton (as Ben), and Maura Tierney (as Cathy) enriched the script in their own ways.
A good bit of Science and a whole lot of thrill enriched "Twisters" 2024. It somehow felt equally nostalgic and new. I liked what they did with this one. In more than a few scenes, I felt like I was teleported back to my childhood when I first saw this movie on VHS and later on LD.
This is how you chase a cinematic storm! The plot was simple and neat, with no fuss or complication. The action sequences were a make-or-break factor, and they did good by them. Lastly, the country music soundtrack was the cherry on the cake.
Though I can't be entirely sure if all the Science in "Twisters" 2024 was on point, the movie nevertheless managed to deliver outstanding cross-gen entertainment with a weather-research twist.
Borderlands (2024)
Dishonoured the Games
Taking creative liberties - the dreaded 'poetic license', as it's also called - is welcome. Hollywood has done right by that on more than a few occasions. But they certainly took an enormous gamble - one that veritably failed - when they chose to tweak a fan-favourite video game franchise whose characters, world-building, and lore still have an active fandom. And with Borderlands 4 announced (TBA 2025), the franchise itself is flying strong.
You might find this movie entertaining if you've never played the games or ever heard of "Borderlands" before. But, having played the games myself, and having admired their brilliant dystopian bounty-hunter madness, what I saw in the 2024 movie adaptation "Borderlands" made me feel they dishonoured the games, and everything they've come to mean in the hearts of fans.
From casting outstanding actors and actresses in "Borderlands" roles that didn't quite suit them, to writing a script that didn't convey even a fraction of the gravitas the games so admirably established, the "Borderlands" movie proved to be a mish-mash-mess of storytelling gone wrong.
Jack Black is undoubtedly a stellar artist. But even he can't compete with the fan-loved Claptrap whose original voice-actor, David Eddings, has been imprinted in our auditory memories.
Then there was the inimitable Cate Blanchett who gave yet another brilliant performance, proving her versatility and star-power. However, she didn't at all fit the Lilith we as gamers have come to appreciate. A 'great acting, odd casting' moment, this one.
Jamie Lee Curtis, another powerhouse performer, was funny and sassy - loved her to tears. Alas, she too felt like a contrived character who did not fill the right shoes, in her case those of Tannis.
Kevin Hart (as Roland) and Edgar Ramírez (as Atlas) inspired mixed sentiments in me. The former was not at all like the original and the latter was a corporation made into a person. The 'not just right' pattern seemed to have been well-entrenched thus far. Besides, the celebrities who played these characters often overlapped the characters themselves.
This can be said of Blanchett, Curtis, and Black as well. Personally, only Ariana Greenblatt (as Tiny Tina) came close to fitting the bill, in as much as it could be done among such a motley crew of misfits who quite literally didn't fit their characters, who are still fresh in fans' hearts. However, knowing just how insane game-Tina is, Greenblatt's acting felt conservative in comparison.
After having seen the movie, and though I hit play mainly to see what all the hate-fuss was about, and so I could maybe find a sliver of light to redeem this hotpot of bad decisions, I found myself at a loss for words and thoughts.
A good portion of the action-choreo was amazing, to be fair. The performances, though mis-cast, were great. Costumes and music were exemplary as well. Some of the world-building on Pandora (not "Avatar") was captivating. But at the end of the day, the story wasn't as compelling as I'd anticipated it to be.
The absence of Maya and Mordecai, and the gender-bent version of General Knoxx were just three of the glaring omissions in this first-ever movie adaptation. Maybe they were supposed to show up in sequels? I don't think I want to know anymore.
As I stated before, you might find this movie entertaining if you've never played the games or ever heard of "Borderlands" before.
"Borderlands" 2024 is a fine example of how NOT to do adaptations, especially when you're adapting one of the most acclaimed video game franchises whose legacy goes back to 2009 and is still going well into 2025, and beyond.
The outstanding Eli Roth can do, and has done, much better. This movie barely contained enough material, not like in the games where the content was more extensive and interconnected. They should've retitled the movie to "Borderlands Lite".
The phrase 'leave well enough alone' should have been on a memo somewhere in the writers' department at Lionsgate. As is the fate of most memos, this one too failed to reach its intended audience.
--- --- ---
Notable work from Janina Gavankar (as Knoxx), Benjamin Byron Davis (as Marcus), Florian Munteanu (as Krieg), Gina Gershon (as Moxxi), Bobby Lee (as Larry), and Haley Bennett (as Lilith's mother).
Le règne animal (2023)
A Riveting Tale Rife With Metaphors
Humans mutating into animal hybrids felt like a topic that's been done to death. My favourite version of this idea took wing in the "Animorphs" novels by K. A. Applegate.
However, "The Animal Kingdom" gave this familiar story a different kind of heart and humour.
It showcased a father-son plotline, with the son in question experiencing physical changes of the beastly kind. Subtext and human nature blended beautifully into a story that was equally entertaining and engaging.
Romain Duris as François Marindaze (the father) and Paul Kircher as Émile Marindaze (the son) were great to watch. Their interactions were natural and heartfelt.
Special shout-out to the 'bird man' Fix (played by Tom Mercier).
Many of us have wondered what life would be like if we were literally part animal. Growing up, some of us have even play-acted those moments with classmates.
"The Animal Kingdom" took things up several notches and delivered a story that called to mind tales like "Sweet Tooth" (2021 series) and "The Island of Dr. Moreau" (1996 movie).
This French-language movie contained a wealth of metaphors. It was also subtly satirical, especially where society was concerned. The movie's magical realism only enhanced its message without sacrificing entertainment value.
A little madness here and a little meaning there made "The Animal Kingdom" run like an interesting take on the state of the world and the almost predictable manner in which humans react to the unknown.
May December (2023)
Simple But Unforgettable
In what felt like too long a time, here was a movie that captured great acting while featuring acting itself. One of the leads gave us a peek into how actors portray everyday people, starting with spending time with them and their family to research her role.
Natalie Portman portrayed the Hollywood-type Elizabeth Berry looking to learn whatever she needed about Julianne Moore's Gracie Atherton to justifiably portray her in an upcoming production. Both gave memorable performances that distinctly enriched each other's roles.
Gracie being a married woman and a mother should've made this movie a feel-good one, but soon thrills, scandals, secrets, and forbidden desires took centre stage.
Though those words might indicate the whole affair was overly familiar, great scripting, smart direction, and excellent acting made "May December" feel fresh and fascinating in contrast.
Special shout-out to Charles Melton who played Gracie's husband Joe Yoo in this script. He gave an interestingly nuanced performance, in relation to some of the other roles I've seen him in. All the other artists did great work as well.
This movie was further proof that the social boundaries we seem to think are set in stone are actually just lines made of water that can dry up on a hot summer's day.
Gracie was a married woman when she'd indulged a romance with a much younger guy - Joe was a minor at the time. The 'pet shop romance', as it came to be called, ruined their lives for a while, more so when Gracie (in her 30s) had to have Joe's baby behind bars.
This was the main story Elizabeth was tasked with re-enacting on screen. She wanted to tell this "complex and human" chapter as truthfully as she could.
The victimized family was justifiably nervous, because Hollywood studios are known to prioritize commercialism and excess over truth and fact.
One by one, odd circumstances and strange feelings came to light, making this movie anything but ordinary. It was also deeply empathic, despite the sensitive subject matter.
"May December" was beyond engrossing and delivered a complex story in simple ways that will linger in memory for a while to come.
The Umbrella Academy: End of the Beginning (2024)
A Little Fun, A Little Sloppy - Season 4 Review
The last season put on an adequate show, with enough entertainment to keep me glued till the finale. "The Umbrella Academy" S04 was rich in misadventure-value as it attempted to tie up most loose ends with a Hargreeves-ian flourish.
Speaking of, the superpowered Hargreeves family rose to the occasion and continued to captivate. Colm Feore (as Reginald Hargreeves; the patriarch) was as brilliant as he was annoying. His alternative version, at any rate.
The children he adopted with the full intention of training them into becoming super-abled agents delivered fine and funny performances too.
Hats off to Tom Hopper (as Luther Hargreeves), Robert Sheehan (as Klaus Hargreeves), David Castañeda (as Diego Hargreeves), Elliot Page (as Viktor Hargreeves), Emmy Raver-Lampman (as Allison Hargreeves), Justin H. Min (as Ben Hargreeves), Ritu Arya (as Lila Pitts), and Aidan Gallagher (as Number Five).
Megan Mullally (as Dr. Jean Thibodeau) and Nick Offerman (as Dr. Gene Thibodeau) were two of the best things that happened to this show. Their complementary performances enriched the final season to no end (inside-pun unintended).
Support-acting should never be underestimated. Proving this were amazing talents like David Cross (as Sy Grossman), Millie Davis (as Claire Hargreeves), Liisa Repo-Martell (as Abigail Hargreeves), George Tchortov (as Quinn), and James Wallis (as Gus).
The Dark Horse comics by Gabriel Bá and Gerard Way originally inspired this series. I still feel the comics hold their own. The series didn't quite capture the essence of what I found therein.
So much of this season's yin-yang-matter-antimatter style tropes revolved around Ben and a mysterious girl named Jennifer (played by Victoria Sawal). I wish they explored this arc more, but they could only do so much in six episodes anyway.
This limitation created a strange sensation in the final season of "The Umbrella Academy", one in which the fate of multiple worlds hinged on a romantic cliché instead of sci-fi complexity.
Also, The "Resident Evil" style entity the two lovebirds later became did not feel quite as compelling as I'd have liked it to be.
Aside from a few awkward scenes, a handful of contrived ones, and a small bundle of 'but why tho' moments, season 4 of "The Umbrella Academy" was an entertaining ride into the mechanics of oblivion.
I wish they found a way to do more with less, but they managed to make season 4 fun enough to watch once before bidding adieu to an intense and intriguing storyline.
Longlegs (2024)
Bizarre Brilliance!
This detective story took a cliché out of various chapters, but somehow made it work to a horrifyingly brilliant degree. "Longlegs" also captured some of the intensity involved in detective work, especially cases that deal with occult murders.
Nicolas Cage continues to captivate. He has become reputed for making some average films but also some amazing ones, and Longlegs (real name: Dale Cobble) deserves a place among his top-10 career-best character performances.
His unrecognizable prosthetic makeup, signature line deliveries, and distinctly different tonality (for this role) made him come across as someone (or something) genuinely creepy and unnerving.
Maika Monroe (as FBI Agent Lee Harker) made an airtight case for her character, especially in some of the more shocking sequences where her professional expertise battled with her human misgivings, not to forget her almost-psychic instincts.
Kiernan Shipka (as Carrie Anne Camera) gave a riveting, albeit brief, performance. I liked some of Shipka's supernatural roles in the past, but this one took the proverbial cake. She showcased her versatility as an actress through this character.
Blair Underwood (as Agent Carter) brought a no-nonsense, almost nostalgic, approach to his. I enjoyed his straightforward screen presence, which lent admirable contrast to Lee Harker's more nuanced weirdness.
Unravelling in the 90s - and with a nostalgic cinematography plate and palette, to boot - "Longlegs" contained more than a few chills, and that was without any direct focus on a fantasy-based monster.
The darkness and depravity of the human soul - powerfully exemplified by Nic Cage - made this movie a trick and a treat rolled into one. His silent Satanic spree spread across three decades and involved coded pagan symbology that stumped the FBI.
The creepy part was that Longlegs didn't directly commit any of the murders but somehow 'compelled' the fathers in different families to butcher their own loved ones, as influenced by a magically-infused doll.
Therein lay the occult angle in the story, one that Agent Lee Harker pursued in the hopes of getting to the rotten truth at the heart of this script, which played its cards close to its chest and let interpretation determine what people learned from this story.
There were some noteworthy "Silence of the Lambs" undertones that - like I mentioned earlier - somehow enhanced the storytelling value in "Longlegs" despite it being a tad clichéd.
Setting quite the benchmark for horror filmmaking, "Longlegs" has certainly earned its hype and acclaim so far. This movie has everything needed to become a cult-classic and Halloween staple, and may remain fresh a decade or so from now.
--- --- ---
Notable performances from Dakota Daulby (as Agent Fisk), Michelle Choi-Lee (as Agent Browning), Shafin Karim (as a doctor), and Alicia Witt (as Ruth Harker; Lee's mum).
The Beast Within (2024)
Rural Werewolf Story with Human Bite
A classic werewolf story with a surprising depth of empathy defined what I discovered in "The Beast Within". Except for a few contrived sequences, the story left a mark.
More than just focusing on trendy transformations, the movie showcased the plight of a werewolven human living in hiding. The script also admirably balanced bestial tendencies with distinctly human natures.
Kit Harington (as Noah Avery; Willow's dad) gave a criminally underrated performance in this one. He was menacing at times and compelling at others.
I liked how he played a father with abusive tendencies struggling with his supernatural curse, which he somehow made to seem natural. I was also pleasantly surprised at how well he made his character feel relatable, despite the obvious wolfish perils.
Caoilinn Springall (as Willow Avery) struggled to come to terms with her character's condition, something she cleverly highlighted in even the smallest of scene-moments.
Her angst, trepidation, and nearness to falling off the edge of credibility added up to a riveting performance that did justice to the finale hint.
James Cosmo (as Waylon; Willow's granddad) had an expected screen presence, which held a quiet intensity I've come to like in his acting.
Ashleigh Cummings (as Imogen Avery; Willow's mum) elevated the overall script with her conflicted performance.
Her marriage to a wolf-man certainly had more downs than ups. It was genuinely intriguing to watch how she went about holding her family together, through thick-fur and thin-truth.
Though the actual werewolven transition was barely shown, the few times they did - body-suit practical effects - made the process seem truly terrifying. They did not glamourize that life, and it made the script noteworthy.
Often did I think to myself, here was a story that emphasised how common people grappled with an uncommon curse. Instead of the tale revolving exclusively around the werewolf, the script captured the humanity behind their misunderstandable life.
White lies mingled into furry revelations as "The Beast Within" picked up in earnest. Before long, it became a riveting, oftentimes chilling, depiction of one of the most compelling werewolf movies I've seen in years.
Starve Acre (2023)
Folklore Fantasy meets Summoning Suspense
Folk-horror has its moments, and this one had a good bit of those. "Starve Acre" took a couple and their only son, placed them in an isolated North-England setting, and dropped them into an invisible terror fest that was palpable enough to chill the nerves.
There were no overt jump-scares or unwanted fear-factor elements, just an artful blend of psychological thrills, folklore fantasy, and supernatural summoning suspense.
This, more than anything else, set "Starve Acre" apart as a slow but stunning film, enriched by remarkable performances.
Andrew Michael Hurley's novel (published, 2019) was the source material for this inordinately creepy story.
Between Matt Smith (as Richard) and Morfydd Clark (as Juliette), the story gathered a village-chills vibe that took an age-old English folk tale (fictional) and gave it a bone-chilling spin.
I loved the natural reactions to the unnatural that both Smith and Clark brought to their roles. Moreover, the atmospheric nature of "Starve Acre" contained a wealth of horrific possibilities.
The enigmatic - perhaps spectral, or a sort of wood sprite? - Jack Grey character seemed to be working 'behind the veil' to influence Richard and Juliette's son.
How everything connected to the child Owen (played notably well by Arthur Shaw) further enriched this fearful folk story, which gave off some "Pet Sematary" vibes.
Things took a dark turn after the kid died of inexplicable causes, leading the mother Juliette to unwittingly court an occultist.
The proverbial brown stuff soon hit the fan, leaving Richard at his wit's end, especially after he discovered that the property he'd inherited could potentially bring the dead back to life.
Both parents grieved in their own ways and gradually surrendered - heart, mind, body, and soul - to the rural superstition at the core of this plot.
This lent the "Starve Acre" movie adaptation all the sinister subtext needed to make it a classic-gothic folk-horror film for the ages.
--- --- ---
Admirable and neat performances from Sean Gilder (as Gordon; the neighbour), Roger Barclay (as Dr. Monk), Erin Richards (as Harrie; Juliette's sister), and Melanie Kilburn (as Mrs. Forde; an occultist).
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
Casually Chilling
Humanity counterbalanced with eldritch horror set a dual tone in "A Quiet Place: Day One". As its name suggests, the story rewound to ground-zero when the super-swift alien entities drawn to the tiniest sounds originally came on the scene and triggered a near-extinction event for all humankind.
Playing a cancer patient with little motivation to see out the rest of her days, Lupita Nyong'o (as Samira) was as compelling as she was emotive. I loved the soft-subtle arc with which she started and waxed into silent terror as the tale progressed. Nyong'o made this movie feel more human and relatable.
Special shout-out to the exceptionally well-trained emotional support cat, Frodo, that she had with her. They were played by two different real-life kitties named Schnitzel and Nico.
Joseph Quinn (as Eric) took a random character and made him memorable, relatable, and vulnerable. His contribution remains under-rated. I liked how casually yet skilfully he elevated several portions of this story. His eyes didn't just speak, they performed.
The "Quiet Place" franchise is known for bringing together disparate characters who then go on to do interesting things together as they attempt to survive.
In "Day One", that trope and theme carried over in earnest and delivered a chilling story that reminded me just how close to the cliff-edge our species really is, in a lot of ways.
Noteworthy performances from Alex Wolff (as Reuben; the cancer care coordinator) made "A Quiet Place: Day One" feel extra-meaningful.
All in all, it wasn't too original a script. But I remembered how this was essentially an origin story. That made the misadventure feel a bit more intriguing.
The creature design continued to captivate. They showed a lot more of these off-world beasts and I liked how it enriched the fear-factor in "A Quiet Place: Day One".
The creatures came from Space, ferried within meteors. They had all the bits and bobs of flesh-based entities. However, with some contrived sequences and the almost anti-biological way in which these distinctly bio-evolved entities behaved, "A Quiet Place: Day One" felt at times mundane, like a 'been there seen that' kind of story.
Don't feel let down by the predominantly human-centric angle in this script, though. I found it empathic and engaging to see a cancer patient (Nyong'o's Samira) trying to find some semblance of normality, especially after her entire worldview was shattered.
On a related note, a scared and lonely stranger (Joseph's Eric) found courage as he strove to protect Samira, even helping her find the meds she needed and discovering a means to help her realize that pizza dream before the end.
These stand-apart elements in "A Quiet Place: Day One" lent the movie a casual yet captivating vibe that I unexpectedly enjoyed. Unexpectedly, because I went in expecting to see a lot more monster action.
The real winner in this movie, come to think of it, was the sound effects. Ironically, in a tale where even the smallest sound could alert the creatures and get a person killed, the layered sound effects wrapped "Day One" in mystery and created jittery chills.
On a special note, the finale boasted astounding simplicity which highlighted the message at the heart of this plot: it is worth being human even for a moment, even if it kills us.
The Boys: Season Four Finale (2024)
Hugely Entertaining /w a World of WTF Moments! - Season 4 Review
Election madness, the Boys being the Boys, and not to forget some elevating girl power all added up to a powerful penultimate season of "The Boys".
With so much on the line for these characters, and with just one final season left to go, it was only expected the showrunners give fans one hell of a ride, and they did.
The subversive nature of this show continued to maintain a remarkable balance. What with a good bit of disgust value (pardon the odd word combo) and gore, "The Boys" continued to entertain in its fourth season.
Compared to the earlier episodes, though, Antony Starr brought an extra-magnificent touch to Homelander in Season 4 "The Boys". He played being a father and a psychotic to such intense and intriguing effect that it was hard not to equally like and despise the man. Starr's performance was certainly extraordinary this season.
Karl Urban as Billy Butcher did not disappoint in his own right. Stuck between justice and vengeance, he felt like so many of us trying to balance the scales in an unfair world. Add some Vought-found superpowers to the mix and the way he went about using them, Butcher proved that old Ingersoll quote: "If you want to find out what a man is to the bottom, give him power..."
Keeping the anti-hero-super-hero wagon rolling were Jack Quaid (as Hughie Campbell), Erin Moriarty (as Starlight / Annie January), Chace Crawford (as The Deep / Kevin Moskowitz), Jessie T. Usher (as A-Train / Reggie Franklin), Tomer Capone (as Frenchie), Laz Alonso (as Martin Milk), and Karen Fukuhara (as Kimiko Miyashiro).
Some of the most captivating moments this season came from Simon Pegg (as Hugh Campbell, Sr.; Hughie's dad), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (as Joe Kessler; a late CIA agent and figment of Butcher's twisted mind), Tilda Swinton (as Ambrosius; the octopus; voiceover), Claudia Doumit (as Victoria Neuman; President-elect and a closeted superhero), Nathan Mitchell (as Black Noir II; a replacement superhero), Susan Heyward (as Sister Sage; a brainiac superhero), and Giancarlo Esposito (as Stan Edgar; the incarcerated former head of Vought).
The kids Cameron Crovetti (as Ryan; Homelander's son) and Olivia Morandin (as Zoe Neuman; Victoria's daughter) both brought some shockers to bear this season, lending the "The Boys" additional amazing sequences worth watching.
Crazy coups, not-so-shocking assassination attempts, political intrigue, misogyny, toxic masculinity, and immorality galore swam alongside budding romances, blooming friendships, explicit exposures, and a nation gone to heck.
"The Boys" season 4 delivered big-time on all the hype it created pre-release. I wanted to wait to binge-watch all the episodes this season. They captivated to no end, presented a world of wtf moments, and shocked me with a mother-of-all-cliffhangers finale.
Season 4 of "The Boys" has left me wondering when the last season will arrive and why-oh-why it is the last one at all.
--- --- ---
Laudable moments from Colby Minifie (as Ashley Barrett), Laila Robins (as Grace Mallory), Jim Beaver (as Robert Singer; U. S. Secretary of Defence), Valorie Curry (as Firecracker; an online truthteller), Will Ferrell (as Coach Brink; cameo), Rosemarie DeWitt (as Daphne Campbell; Hughie's estranged mother), Rob Benedict (as Splinter; a superhero), Jordana Lajoie (as Cherie; Frenchie's friend), Murray Furrow (as Martin; part of the team behind Homelander's creation), Nancy Lenehan (as Barbara; part of the team behind Homelander's creation), Omid Abtahi (as Dr. Sameer Shah; a former Vought R&D doctor), and Dan Mousseau (as Webweaver; a superhero).
Poker Face (2023)
Roaring-Good Fun! - Season 1 Review
Murders rolled into mysteries and flowing into uncertainties... "Poker Face" Season 1 contained these and more. The show was a surprisingly captivating take on the power of lie detection with a touch of dark humour thrown in.
By the end of the first season, I couldn't help but admire how exceptionally well-crafted this series turned out to be.
Fulfilling triple-roles as director, writer, and lead, Natasha Lyonne shone as Charlie Cale. She played the cocktail waitress at the Frost Casino, where her dear friend was later assassinated for witnessing underage porn-proof on an oil tycoon's laptop.
The enigmatic detection power Cale wielded - to win casino games - wasn't supernatural, per se, but a Sherlock-ian sense of auditory inference that was exquisitely sharp and extremely rare.
I loved the way Lyonne delivered her lines and made Charlie Cale feel compelling, comedic, and empathic. Her mystery-ability didn't go unnoticed, in fact a certain Sterling Frost, Jr. Aimed to harness it, thereby dragging her into a dangerous circle of power players.
Adrien Brody as Sterling Frost, Jr. Was magnificent. I have always adored Brody for his nuanced performances and he did amazing work in "Poker Face" as well. His portrayal of a causally ruthless something-to-prove casino heir was riveting to watch.
"Poker Face" wasn't just set in one place. Ever since Charlie Cale went on the run, she ended up applying her gifts in random places during her escape. This was what made the series truly stand out and feel in the moment.
Great work from Benjamin Bratt (as Cliff Legrand; the hotel-casino security chief), Dascha Polanco (as Natalie Hill; housekeeping staff), Colton Ryan (as Jed; a mechanic), Hong Chau (as Marge; a trucker), Lil Rel Howery (as Taffy Boyle; a beef entrepreneur), Larry Brown (as George Boyle; a beef entrepreneur), Danielle Macdonald (as Mandy Boyle; a beef entrepreneur), Chloë Sevigny (as Ruby Ruin; a band lead singer), Nicholas Cirillo (as Gavin; a potential musician), Judith Light (as Irene Smothers; a senior-home member and 70s rebel), S. Epatha Merkerson (as Joyce Harris; a senior-home member and 70s rebel), Nick Nolte (as Arthur Liptin; an animator and filmmaker), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (as Trey Mendez; a wealthy parolee), David Castañeda (as Jimmy; a motel desk clerk), Stephanie Hsu (as Morty; a gas station acquaintance), Clea DuVall (as Emily Cale; Charlie's sister), Simon Helberg (as Luca Clark; an undercover FBI agent), and Ron Perlman (as Sterling Frost, Sr.l; the ruthless casino owner and big-bad of the show).
Solving murders on the go became both fun-funny and super-captivating as season 1 of "Poker Face" unfurled. I couldn't quite tell what would happen next. More than a few sequences made me frown with suspicion, applaud with shock, and sit on the edge of my seat in anticipation.
What I truly wasn't ready for was the sheer simplicity of this script. "Poker Face" season 1 delivered some fine chills, thrills, and frills without stepping into complex murder-mystery territory. I can't wait to see what they've got lined up in season 2 "Poker Face".
--- --- ---
Special shout-out to Eddie Gorodetsky (as Kazimir Caine; an oil tycoon), Noah Segan (as Sheriff Parker), Jeremy Lawrence (as John-O; a crooked acquaintance), Brandon Micheal Hall (as Damian; an ex-Marine), Megan Suri (as Sara; a store clerk), Colton Ryan (as Jed; a stalker), John Ratzenberger (as Abe; a mechanic), Vic Browder (as a trucker), Dylan Frederick (as Beto; a cook), Nancy Lemenager (as Doctor Woolson), Shane Paul McGhie (as Austin / Hanky T. Pickins; an RJ), John Darnielle (as Al; a band musician), G. K. Umeh (as Eskie; a band musician), Chuck Cooper as (Deuteronomy; a band driver), K Callan (as Betty; a senior-home coordinator), Jana Bernard (as younger Irene; 70s flashback), Trina LaFargue (as younger Joyce; 70s flashback), Reed Birney (as Gabriel; a senior-home member and 70s rebel), Darius Fraser (as Billy; a senior-home nurse), Steven Randazzo (as Gino the Bull; a witness-protectee), Audrey Corsa (as Rebecca; a stage actress), Charles Melton (as Davis McDowell; a Formula racer), Tim Blake Nelson (as Keith Owens; a Formula racer), Jasmine Aiyana Garvin (as Katy Owens; a young racer), Angel Desai (as Jean McDowell; a race-mom), Cherry Jones (as Laura; an animator and businesswoman), Luis Guzmán (as Raoul; a film footage archivist), Dan Chariton (as a gas station clerk), and Rhea Perlman (as Beatrix Hasp; a Mafia member; voiceover only).
MaXXXine (2024)
Simple yet intense, Mia Goth Carries!
Innocence lost soon became the theme of this tragic tale which also contained a good bit of truth and subtext. "MaXXXine" not only cut to the root of the problem plaguing show business but it also went to some dark places that made the story feel rooted and compelling.
As writer, director, and editor, Ti West did an outstanding job with this one. It felt like a wake-up call and entertainment wagon rolled into one neat package set in the nostalgic 80s.
Mia Goth (as Maxine Minx) was praiseworthy, to say the least. Her nuanced performance and poignant implosions lent great value to her character's arc and made Maxine's story feel profoundly truthful.
The script took the sleazy and made it sensational, with an adequate helping of circumstantial victimhood and real-life truths thrown in. This more than anything else took what seemed to be a predictable story and gave it a relevant twist.
Pornography and murder both played their cards in "MaXXXine" 2024, which only exemplified producer and actress Mia Goth's penchant for bold performances, as evidenced by her work in earlier movies like "Pearl" (2022), "X" (2022), and "Infinity Pool" (2023).
Speaking of which, this story carried the interlinked arc of the character who starred in both "Pearl" (2022) and "X" (2022). The girl who later survived Pearl's murder attempts in the latter film was now trying to make a name for herself in "MaXXXine" (2024).
In this movie, after having become a porn star, Maxine Minx (formerly Maxine Miller) was getting closer to realizing her dream of becoming a serious actress, starting with a 'scream queen' role in a new horror movie. But her past trauma didn't quite leave her soul. It all set a fascinating multi-layered tone in this script.
I liked what the famed singer Halsey brought to this movie in which she played a dancer named Tabby Martin. Halsey's acting and screen presence - brief though they were - came across as memorable.
Kevin Bacon (as John Labat; a private eye), Michelle Monaghan (as Detective Williams), Bobby Cannavale (as Detective Torres), Giancarlo Esposito (as Teddy Night, Esq.; Maxine's agent), Lily Collins (as Molly Bennett; a scream-queen actress), and Elizabeth Debicki (as Elizabeth Bender; a respected director) all contributed a good dose of intrigue and captivation.
As for the murder angle, a killer known simply as The Night Stalker was prowling for beautiful victims. He remained a good source of mystery throughout the movie. They peeled back those layers quite nicely and showcased his character in a sinister light.
Reminder: Richard Ramirez was the real-life Night Stalker who robbed and raped at leisure in California in the 80s. His dark persona found an indirect reflection in 2024's "MaXXXine". I was glad they mentioned him as the sicko he was and didn't go for an unnecessary 'woke' angle that might've ended up glamourizing the monster.
I especially enjoyed the 80s-style twist where they revealed the actual killer in this movie to be Ernest Miller - played exceptionally well by Simon Prast. It was a clichéd decision but one that aligned with the theme and setting of this script. Maxine's own abusive father had what was coming to him - a biblical reckoning, of sorts.
In this 'movie within a movie', Maxine's stalker seemed to know an awful lot about her dark past, which soon threatened her bright future in Hollywood. The tale gradually whittled down to a 'final girl' face-off between father and daughter, which was thoroughly worth the wait.
Granted, "MaXXXine" had a predictable plot and simplistic flow. But that took little away from the inherent captivation of its 80s-era storyline and the outstanding performances that carried the entire show, especially and emphatically Mia Goth.
--- --- ---
Notable performance from Charley Rowan McCain (as kid Maxine Miller), Moses Sumney (as Leon; a video store employee), and Sophie Thatcher (as an FX artist).
House of the Dragon (2022)
Intense Intrigue & Draconian Delights - Season 2 Review
Dragons, the looming threat of war, seething political unrest, and two queen-mothers who were willing to do anything to ensure their version of justice was written into history defined season 2 of "House of the Dragon".
I'm unashamedly #TeamBlack and this review covers everything that took place in season 2, starting with an emphasis on that fiery-sweet opening theme which hit all the right notes.
And the dark and twisted 'Blood and Cheese' sequence, which the books covered in relatively more gruesome detail.
Right from the get-go, the story picked up where things left off. The fire-breathing elephant in the room was the draconian death of Rhaenyra's son by Aemond Targaryen, which dragged her onto the war path; in earnest this time.
Emma D'Arcy (as Rhaenyra Targaryen) was a force of nature this season and she delivered in every way that mattered, evoking Daenerys ( "Game of Thrones") vibes.
Just as outstanding was Olivia Cooke (as Alicent Hightower) whose exterior vulnerability hid a will of steel and a fox-like cunning that made this season beautifully intriguing. Near the end, her humanity and motherhood took on new meaning.
Matt Smith (as Daemon Targaryen) stole almost every scene in which he featured and became the cynosure of season 2 "House of the Dragon". Plenty of twists and turns revolved around his character as well, further enriching this fiery second season, especially in the finale episode when loyalty and sensibility bade him bend the knee.
Tom Glynn-Carney (as Aegon II Targaryen), Ewan Mitchell (as Aemond Targaryen), and Harry Collett (as Jacaerys Velaryon) had remarkable screen presences. They were every bit as important to the plot progression as the others.
Eve Best (as Rhaenys Targaryen) and Steve Toussaint (as Corlys Velaryon) gave natural and compelling performances. Their line-deliveries were admirable, not to forget the well of empathy woven around their respective characters.
Rhys Ifans (as Otto Hightower) and Matthew Needham (as Larys Strong) were as complex as they were exceptional. I loved everything they brought to this season.
Sonoya Mizuno (as Mysaria, aka 'The White Worm') and Fabien Frankel (as Criston Cole) continued to serve suspense and cunning this season. They were fascinating and frustrating in diverse measure.
Each dragon was its own pièce de résistance...
Syrax - bonded to Rhaenyra Targaryen
Caraxes - bonded to Daemon Targaryen
Tyraxes - bonded to Joffrey Velaryon
Vermax - bonded to Jacaerys Velaryon
Moondancer - bonded to Baela Targaryen
Sunfyre - deceased; bonded to Aegon II Targaryen
Dreamfyre - later bonded to Helaena Targaryen
Vermithor - later bonded to Hugh Hammer
Silverwing - later bonded to Ulf
Seasmoke - later bonded to Addam of Hull
Sheepstealer - later bonded to Rhaena Targaryen
Vhagar - aka 'Queen of Dragons', bonded to Aemond Targaryen
Arrax - deceased; was bonded to the late Lucerys Velaryon
Grey Ghost - ?
Cannibal - ?
Tessarion - ?
Meleys - aka 'The Red Queen' (rest in peace), bonded to Rhaenys Targaryen (rest in power)
From ruthless strategies to daring Dragon fights, the second season of "House of the Dragon" contained that and more. Iconic book-to-show moments like the face-off between Erryk and Arryk Cargyll added to the engagement value.
Subterfuge and infiltration on one side, full-on battles and uncertain squabbles on the other... Not to forget one of the biggest misunderstandings of all - that of Alicent towards the late Viserys' words on his deathbed about The Song of Ice and Fire...
It changed everything and it meant Rhaenyra was the rightful heir and that Alicent had mistakenly assumed her son was chosen to rule. But by then, the wheels of war were already turning and the pieces on the board, moving to engage.
This season delivered a good and proper meal for fans to devour and savour, in no particular order. It portrayed the beginning of the bloody Dance of the Dragons, along with the chaos, corruption, death, and disaster which defined that extensive era in G. R. R. Martin's "Fire & Blood" novels showcasing the gruesome history of the Targaryens.
Moreover, the characters sometimes speaking High Valyrian made the story feel rooted in its setting and theme.
Also, the simple yet poignant ways in which the second season took off made it feel cinematic, in more ways than one. Remarkable twists and heart-wrenching moments sat comfortably alongside intense and bloody battles and stratagems.
The battle at Rook's Rest saw some insane moments, including the brave death of Rhaenys Targaryen. The shocking fratricide-regicide instigated by Aemond against the 'idiot king' Aegon added to the thrill value.
With the possibility of relying on 'diluted' Targaryen blood to hopefully earn the approval of the few unbonded dragons, the story later took on a dark and intriguing flair. If successful, it could level the playing field against the humongous and deadly Vhagar's firepower.
The penultimate episode delivered thrills and chills to match what came in the finale. Season 2 of "House of the Dragon" certainly wasn't letting fans off the hook. I found so many profound moments this season, even during the 'slower' sequences of the show.
Even the post-episode inside looks and the longer BTS footage for each episode enriched this season and gave me an oceanic understanding of just how much dedication and detail went into crafting this adaptation.
"House of the Dragon" season 2 proved to be superior to its predecessor, which itself was a brilliant follow-up to the iconic "Game of Thrones" series (2011-2019) - all the brainchild of the one and only George R. R. Martin.
The open-ended (not anticlimactic, mind you) cliffhanger finish only added flames to an already roaring fire of a season, which I believe checked off all the right boxes and delivered a stellar story superbly told.
This team deserves all the appreciation and support it needs, especially for what they have planned for Season 3 "House of the Dragon" when the HotD fandom is going to be plunged into the greatest literary war ever written.
--- --- ---
Praiseworthy, notable, and provocative performances from Tom Taylor (as Lord Cregan Stark), Abubakar Salim (as Alyn of Hull), Phia Saban (as Helaena Targaryen), Jefferson Hall (as Tyland Lannister), Kurt Egyiawan (as Maester Orwyle), Kieran Bew (as Hugh Hammer), Elliott Tittensor (as Erryk Cargyll), Luke Tittensor (as Arryk Cargyll), Mark Stobbart (as Cheese), Sam C. Wilson (as Blood), Phoebe Campbell (as Rhaena Targaryen), Simon Russell Beale (as Simon Strong), Gayle Rankin (as Alys Rivers), Freddie Fox (as Gwayne Hightower), Tom Bennett (as Ulf), Milly Alcock (as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen; special cameo), Archie Barnes (as Oscar Tully), Jamie Kenna (as Alfred Broome), Amanda Collin (as Jeyne Arryn), Bethany Antonia (as Baela Targaryen), Anthony Flanagan (as Steffon Darklyn), Ellora Torchia (as Kat), Clinton Liberty (as Addam of Hull), and Abigail Thorn (as Sharako Lohar).
Hair-makeup and costume design were aces. Art direction and set decoration were stellar. Stunts and VFX were extraordinary. Editing and sound effects were engaging. Musical scoring was exemplary. Cinematography was superb. Screenplay was outstanding. Direction was admirable.
Based on the book "Fire & Blood" by George R. R. Martin (also series co-creator, co-writer, and consultant)
House of the Dragon: The Queen Who Ever Was (2024)
Intense Intrigue & Draconian Delights - Season 2 Review
Dragons, the looming threat of war, seething political unrest, and two queen-mothers who were willing to do anything to ensure their version of justice was written into history defined season 2 of "House of the Dragon".
I'm unashamedly #TeamBlack and this review covers everything that took place in season 2, starting with an emphasis on that fiery-sweet opening theme which hit all the right notes.
And the dark and twisted 'Blood and Cheese' sequence, which the books covered in relatively more gruesome detail.
Right from the get-go, the story picked up where things left off. The fire-breathing elephant in the room was the draconian death of Rhaenyra's son by Aemond Targaryen, which dragged her onto the war path; in earnest this time.
Emma D'Arcy (as Rhaenyra Targaryen) was a force of nature this season and she delivered in every way that mattered, evoking Daenerys ( "Game of Thrones") vibes.
Just as outstanding was Olivia Cooke (as Alicent Hightower) whose exterior vulnerability hid a will of steel and a fox-like cunning that made this season beautifully intriguing. Near the end, her humanity and motherhood took on new meaning.
Matt Smith (as Daemon Targaryen) stole almost every scene in which he featured and became the cynosure of season 2 "House of the Dragon". Plenty of twists and turns revolved around his character as well, further enriching this fiery second season, especially in the finale episode when loyalty and sensibility bade him bend the knee.
Tom Glynn-Carney (as Aegon II Targaryen), Ewan Mitchell (as Aemond Targaryen), and Harry Collett (as Jacaerys Velaryon) had remarkable screen presences. They were every bit as important to the plot progression as the others.
Eve Best (as Rhaenys Targaryen) and Steve Toussaint (as Corlys Velaryon) gave natural and compelling performances. Their line-deliveries were admirable, not to forget the well of empathy woven around their respective characters.
Rhys Ifans (as Otto Hightower) and Matthew Needham (as Larys Strong) were as complex as they were exceptional. I loved everything they brought to this season.
Sonoya Mizuno (as Mysaria, aka 'The White Worm') and Fabien Frankel (as Criston Cole) continued to serve suspense and cunning this season. They were fascinating and frustrating in diverse measure.
Each dragon was its own pièce de résistance...
Syrax - bonded to Rhaenyra Targaryen
Caraxes - bonded to Daemon Targaryen
Tyraxes - bonded to Joffrey Velaryon
Vermax - bonded to Jacaerys Velaryon
Moondancer - bonded to Baela Targaryen
Sunfyre - deceased; bonded to Aegon II Targaryen
Dreamfyre - later bonded to Helaena Targaryen
Vermithor - later bonded to Hugh Hammer
Silverwing - later bonded to Ulf
Seasmoke - later bonded to Addam of Hull
Sheepstealer - later bonded to Rhaena Targaryen
Vhagar - aka 'Queen of Dragons', bonded to Aemond Targaryen
Arrax - deceased; was bonded to the late Lucerys Velaryon
Grey Ghost - ?
Cannibal - ?
Tessarion - ?
Meleys - aka 'The Red Queen' (rest in peace), bonded to Rhaenys Targaryen (rest in power)
From ruthless strategies to daring Dragon fights, the second season of "House of the Dragon" contained that and more. Iconic book-to-show moments like the face-off between Erryk and Arryk Cargyll added to the engagement value.
Subterfuge and infiltration on one side, full-on battles and uncertain squabbles on the other... Not to forget one of the biggest misunderstandings of all - that of Alicent towards the late Viserys' words on his deathbed about The Song of Ice and Fire...
It changed everything and it meant Rhaenyra was the rightful heir and that Alicent had mistakenly assumed her son was chosen to rule. But by then, the wheels of war were already turning and the pieces on the board, moving to engage.
This season delivered a good and proper meal for fans to devour and savour, in no particular order. It portrayed the beginning of the bloody Dance of the Dragons, along with the chaos, corruption, death, and disaster which defined that extensive era in G. R. R. Martin's "Fire & Blood" novels showcasing the gruesome history of the Targaryens.
Moreover, the characters sometimes speaking High Valyrian made the story feel rooted in its setting and theme.
Also, the simple yet poignant ways in which the second season took off made it feel cinematic, in more ways than one. Remarkable twists and heart-wrenching moments sat comfortably alongside intense and bloody battles and stratagems.
The battle at Rook's Rest saw some insane moments, including the brave death of Rhaenys Targaryen. The shocking fratricide-regicide instigated by Aemond against the 'idiot king' Aegon added to the thrill value.
With the possibility of relying on 'diluted' Targaryen blood to hopefully earn the approval of the few unbonded dragons, the story later took on a dark and intriguing flair. If successful, it could level the playing field against the humongous and deadly Vhagar's firepower.
The penultimate episode delivered thrills and chills to match what came in the finale. Season 2 of "House of the Dragon" certainly wasn't letting fans off the hook. I found so many profound moments this season, even during the 'slower' sequences of the show.
Even the post-episode inside looks and the longer BTS footage for each episode enriched this season and gave me an oceanic understanding of just how much dedication and detail went into crafting this adaptation.
"House of the Dragon" season 2 proved to be superior to its predecessor, which itself was a brilliant follow-up to the iconic "Game of Thrones" series (2011-2019) - all the brainchild of the one and only George R. R. Martin.
The open-ended (not anticlimactic, mind you) cliffhanger finish only added flames to an already roaring fire of a season, which I believe checked off all the right boxes and delivered a stellar story superbly told.
This team deserves all the appreciation and support it needs, especially for what they have planned for Season 3 "House of the Dragon" when the HotD fandom is going to be plunged into the greatest literary war ever written.
--- --- ---
Praiseworthy, notable, and provocative performances from Tom Taylor (as Lord Cregan Stark), Abubakar Salim (as Alyn of Hull), Phia Saban (as Helaena Targaryen), Jefferson Hall (as Tyland Lannister), Kurt Egyiawan (as Maester Orwyle), Kieran Bew (as Hugh Hammer), Elliott Tittensor (as Erryk Cargyll), Luke Tittensor (as Arryk Cargyll), Mark Stobbart (as Cheese), Sam C. Wilson (as Blood), Phoebe Campbell (as Rhaena Targaryen), Simon Russell Beale (as Simon Strong), Gayle Rankin (as Alys Rivers), Freddie Fox (as Gwayne Hightower), Tom Bennett (as Ulf), Milly Alcock (as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen; special cameo), Archie Barnes (as Oscar Tully), Jamie Kenna (as Alfred Broome), Amanda Collin (as Jeyne Arryn), Bethany Antonia (as Baela Targaryen), Anthony Flanagan (as Steffon Darklyn), Ellora Torchia (as Kat), Clinton Liberty (as Addam of Hull), and Abigail Thorn (as Sharako Lohar).
Hair-makeup and costume design were aces. Art direction and set decoration were stellar. Stunts and VFX were extraordinary. Editing and sound effects were engaging. Musical scoring was exemplary. Cinematography was superb. Screenplay was outstanding. Direction was admirable.
Based on the book "Fire & Blood" by George R. R. Martin (also series co-creator, co-writer, and consultant)
Firebrand (2023)
Hit Every Mark!
Adapting historical fiction may seem easy on paper, but "Firebrand" reminded me of just how big a challenge that really is.
Elizabeth Fremantle's novel was already a rave when it was published way back in 2012. This movie seemed to have done justice to the book, which I enthusiastically added to my reading list as soon as the end credits started to roll.
"Firebrand" went beyond just an empowered feminist story. It was one of human survival, particularly for women.
Lest we forget, Katherine Parr was just the latest (the sixth, to be precise) in a line of wives who were done away for the whimsical or political satisfaction of the king they married, the notorious Henry VIII.
Played masterfully by Alicia Vikander, Katherine Parr redefined what it means to be a woman, not just in her era but even today. Vikander's nuanced expressions and quiet intensity created a singular heat that was more than appreciable.
Jude Law was stellar as Henry VIII. I have always enjoyed his performances, so to watch him play this legendary brute who served his own passions more than his people was a treat beyond words.
Riveting and regaling performances from Erin Doherty (as Anne Askew; the reformist), Simon Russell Beale (as Stephen Gardiner; the bishop), Eddie Marsan (as Edward Seymour; Katherine's relative), Sam Riley (as Thomas Seymour; Katherine's relative), Patsy Ferran (as Princess Mary; royal non-heir), and Junia Rees (as Princess Elizabeth I; the one and the same) further enriched this script.
"Firebrand" was a stellar study on the cancer of abuse, and how it silently thrives in an atmosphere of silence. It evoked a world of sentiments and hit every cinematic mark needed to make it a testament to fine filmmaking.
Just as importantly, "Firebrand" gave voice to a major truth: how the suffering of some capable women can create a foundation on which other capable women can later stand tall and strong. It went on to extol the influence mothers have on their daughters, even those not related by blood.
What Katherine Parr (1512-1548) believed and survived during the latter years of Henry VIII later defined the 45-year reign of her ward, the one and only Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603). In this lay the most profound message of all in "Firebrand".
--- --- ---
Notable and admirable moments from Patrick Buckley (as Prince Edward; the male heir), Amr Waked (as Dr. Mulay Al Farabi; the royal medic), and Jason Baughan (as Will Summers; the court fool).
Wildcat (2023)
Simplicity, Elevated!
A fascinating take on an author's book-to-film adaptation, "Wildcat" felt equally relevant and artistic. It conveyed a depth of emotion without making it seem too obvious. The subtlety worked wonders for its script, especially for its characters.
Giving Flannery O'Connor a bookish charm and quiet gravitas, Maya Hawke did exceptional work in this role. She had a certain aura about her that I can't quite explain - perhaps an auric link to the fact that her parents are the immensely talented Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman.
Maya also roleplayed various fictional characters in different sequences of the movie. On a major note, Ethan Hawke wrote and directed "Wildcat" 2023.
In case you're wondering, Flannery O'Connor (1925-1964) is an actual person. This American novelist and short-story writer was renowned for her work, which was typically set in the rural American South. Her writing bottled poignant elements like isolation and spirituality. "Wildcat" is based on Flannery's short stories and is set in 1950s New York.
Laura Linney was a force of nature. She gave distinct and nuanced performances as multiple fictional characters in Flannery's mind, including the 'real life' Regina (Flannery's mum). Comparing Linney's "Wildcat" characters to the roles in which I've previously seen her made her multi-performances in this movie feel just as weighty.
Cooper Hoffman (as Manley Pointer) brought amazing contrast value to the mix. His presence was further enriched by the fact that he's the son of the late-great Philip Seymour Hoffman.
A handful of high-profile artists lent their own moments to this movie. They delivered noteworthy, albeit brief, performances that highlighted the essence of this script, which revolved around the writer Flannery O'Connor's penchant for eclectic but truthful storytelling.
Attraction and repression (just enough of both) were notable tropes in "Wildcat". Such tropes tied in well with how novelists often live and do things vicariously through their characters.
Flannery O'Connor was a remarkable writer who faced various struggles and uncertainties head on, all the way until she passed away from Lupus. It genuinely felt nice to see her story being told in "Wildcat".
--- --- ---
Remarkable performances from Philip Ettinger (as Robert "Cal" Lowell), Levon Hawke (as Obadiah Elihue; a fictional character), Vincent D'Onofrio (as a fictional character), Alessandro Nivola (as a publishing editor), Steve Zahn (as a fictional character), Christine Dye (as Duchess; Regina's sister), and Rafael Casal (as O. E. Parker; a fictional character).
Young Woman and the Sea (2024)
Extraordinary In More Ways Than One
Based on the historic real-life accomplishment of one Trudy Ederle, "Young Woman and the Sea" captured a core chapter in her life, way back in 1926 New York, when she became the first-ever woman to swim the English Channel to France.
Playing that iconic woman was no small feat, but Daisy Ridley did an excellent job of it.
The story was adapted from the book "Young Woman and the Sea: How Trudy Ederle Conquered the English Channel and Inspired the World" by Glenn Stout. I loved how they showcased her childhood survival of WWI and how she later grew up to become a young woman with an impossible (almost) dream.
This movie proved to be one of those classic tales that don't quite get old. The endurance swimmer at the heart of the plot achieved things that were not only thought implausible but were actively discouraged for women of that era to do, namely swimming.
Great performances from Olive Abercrombie (as kid-Trudy),Tilda Cobham-Hervey (as Meg Ederle; the sister), Kim Bodnia (as Henry Ederle; the father), Jeanette Hain (as Gertrude Ederle; the mother), Glenn Fleshler (as James Sullivan; a swimming tourney sponsor), Sian Clifford (as Charlotte Epstein; the girls' team coach), Christopher Eccleston (as Jabez Wolffe; the Olympics girls' team coach), and Stephen Graham (as Bill Burgess; master swimmer, later Trudy's coach and mentor) further enriched this movie.
Trudy hailing from a German family added to the tension in the plot. Not everything was A-okay between the Americans and German refugees who'd settled in New York after the war.
So much of what she experienced - the ebbs and tides, wins and losses - was proof that one's will doesn't necessarily obey the body and the body doesn't necessarily align with one's will.
"Young Woman and the Sea" was a reminder that one person can indeed change the course of history, as Trudy Ederle did when she made it possible for the words 'women in sports' to be taken seriously.
Vikings: Valhalla: Destinies (2024)
Intricate Multi-Journey Thrills - Season 3 Review
Seven years later - story timeline, that is - and our favourite Vikings are back. Fresh challenges and new threats abounded this season, which was sadly the final one in this amazing "Vikings" series spinoff.
The three historical figures at the heart of this story - and who have, in turn, captured fans' hearts - were Leif Eriksson, Harald Sigurdsson, and Freydís Eiríksdóttir.
Sam Corlett, Leo Suter, and Frida Gustavsson (respectively) brought these characters to life, and left quite the impression while doing so. I loved their performances and overall screen presence, more so during this final chapter in their storied journey.
Laura Berlin (as Emma of Normandy), Bradley Freegard (as King Canute), David Oakes (as Earl Godwin), and Pollyanna McIntosh (as Queen Ælfgifu) brought remarkable performances to the season, making their scenes intense and regaling.
Clever strategies on a par with what the Vikings were known for played a pivotal part this season. All the artists even spoke in distinct accents to further establish roots and origins.
A siege between the Saracens and Byzantines, with Varangian/Viking assistance, and political tension and intrigue between Rome and England elevated season 3 of "Vikings: Valhalla" and lent it profound historical-recreation value.
Many a duplicitous event occurred in Norway and England during previous seasons, but the net was thrown much wider in "Vikings: Valhalla" season 3. Rome, Constantinople, Kattegat, Denmark, London, Normandy, Jomsborg, Sicily, Greece, and Greenland were locations of note in this regard.
Most importantly, the actual historical connection that the Vikings were first to discover North America played out through a certain cartographic mystery. On that note, Leif Eriksson's search for knowledge, truth, and belonging - not to forget, his "Oppenheimer" moment - made this season feel truly special.
His contribution was a remarkable contrast to Harald Sigurdsson's ambitions, which were aligned with his longtime goals to accrue enough wealth and influence to reclaim his rightful throne in Norway.
Freydís Eiríksdóttir's heart-wrenching and fated twists added to the intrigue and conflict-value this season. Her journey intricately showcased how brief the lifespan of hope and happiness is.
Unforeseen deaths, treacherous murders, and multi-character journey arcs added to the amazement and value of "Vikings: Valhalla" season 3.
The finale left plenty worth anticipating in a potential season 4 of "Vikings: Valhalla", but alas that will never be. Nevertheless, this last season delivered a 'just right' mix of everything fans of this franchise would've liked to see happen.
--- --- ---
Memorable and laudable performances from Eleanor McLynn (as Dorn), Florian Munteanu (as George Maniakes), Nikolai Kinski (as Emperor Romanos), Leander Vyvey (as Stigg), Paul Ward (as The Pope), Cosimo Fusco (as the Cardinal), Kayode Akinyemi (as Kaysan), Taylor James (as Batu), Christian Vit (as The Saracen Emir), Ahd Tamimi (as the Saracen General), Set Sjöstrand (as Magnus Olafsson), Jakob Femerling Andersen (as Svein), Pyry Kähkönen (as Harald Harefoot), Amalia Holm (as Hrefna), Ely Solan (as William), Henry Proctor (as Alfred), Cal O'Driscoll (as Edward), Jack Hickey (as Richard of Normandy), Henessi Schmidt (as Gytha), Sofya Lebedeva (as Empress Zoe), Sónia Balacó (as Tamar), Peter Claffey (as Dunstan), Marcin Dorocinski (as Yaroslav), Goran Visnjic (as Erik the Red), and Najib Oudghiri (as Calinicus).
The Bikeriders (2023)
Rebellious Way-of-Life Showcase
Based on a true story of a group of motorbike riders in the American Midwest, "The Bikeriders" 2024 went on to capture their lives from the perspective of a photographer who journeyed with them (on and off) from 1965-1973.
Adapted from Danny Lyon's book (published, 1997) after the same name, "The Bikeriders" bottled a rare masculinity that deserved to be appreciated in this day and age. It was complex yet bold, heartfelt yet mysterious.
Each of its core characters - part of The Vandals - ensured this outcome, weaving a story worth emulating and cherishing. I went in without knowing what to expect and ended up sitting through a reasonably captivating story, rife with possibility and truth.
Austin Butler (as Benjamin "Benny" Cross) gave a memorable performance. He was as charming as he was reckless, and ended up reminding me of the James Dean era of Old Hollywood.
Tom Hardy (as Johnny) was outstanding in every frame he featured. The man possessed a je ne sais quoi that made me eager to know what he was thinking and what he was going to do next.
Playing the original photographer Danny Lyon himself was Mike Faist, who did remarkable work bringing the real-life man to life (albeit briefly) in this movie adaptation.
Jodie Comer (as Kathy) held her own in this veritable boys-club of a movie. She played Benny's girlfriend, and later his wife. Their arc was especially worth watching, owing in large part to how rooted it all felt.
Toby Wallace (as The Kid) brought some serious 'West Side Story' vibes to the whole script. He was young and ambitious, in the biker-gang sense.
It was interesting to see how miserable his life was and how neatly his desire for freedom and escape tied in with his passion for biking, which also happened to make him desperate and reckless.
Living in the moment was a major trope that elevated several scenes in "The Bikeriders" 2024 movie. Vintage vibes à la Marlon Brando and gang-buddy friendships defined this script, which was good, though not great.
"The Bikeriders" also contained all-too-human stupidity, testosterone toxicity, and rival wars, which could've been explored in more detail. Perhaps the original book only had so much to go on without riding into speculation.
At the end of the day, brotherhood prevailed - in as much as it could, given the circumstances. This set "The Bikeriders" apart as a movie which wasn't just based on actual people and their experiences but was also a story that will call to the souls of millions of men all over the world.
--- --- ---
Notable performances from Michael Abbott Jr. (as David), Boyd Holbrook (as Cal), Michael Shannon (as Zipco), Mierka Girten (as The Kid's mom), Paul Dillon (as The Kid's dad), Norman Reedus (as Funny Sonny), and Emory Cohen (as Cockroach).
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Slow-n-Simple, but Allegorical
The poignant moment of Caesar's death with a fast-forward through several generations heralded the start of this extraordinary sequel. "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" gave character-credit where it was due and went on to introduce new names - both ape and human alike.
Dark times were upon the denizens of this future world where, apparently, a manufactured virus once saw humans intellectually degraded and apes evolved.
In this light, the scenes and sequences featuring how the dominant apes enslaved human beings, used tools, domesticated other animals (horses and eagles), and chased after power all held profound meaning and subtext value.
Questioning our past is fast-becoming one of the most sought-after ways of thinking. People are no longer satisfied with letting state-sponsored news outlets tell them what to think.
This idea was emulated in 2024's "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes", particularly through Noa, voiced and mo-capped by Owen Teague. The artist lent the character a pivotal presence and outstanding empathy.
As Nova/Mae, Freya Allan gave a distinct performance, one that contrasted those of the apes. As a human with her higher faculties still intact, she briefly became a symbol of truth and hope. But she later gave vent to a more deceptive and desperate side, which made me see her as a half-villain (of sorts) in "Kingdom".
Giving Proximus Caesar a power-hungry aura, Kevin Durand was equally corrupt, curious, cruel, and controlling in "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" 2024. His work elevated this story and made the motives of the protagonists feel compelling and worth rooting for.
Proximus Caesar was one of those bad guys we all hate to like but end up doing so anyway. He was not downright villainous at all. This trait soon proved to be an outstanding creative decision for his character.
His human aide Trevathan was played notably by William H. Macy. The man's personal no-nonsense motives for serving the self-made ape-king Caesar added to the credibility of this plotline.
"Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" bloomed into a classic underdog - under-ape, rather - story. It contained numerous memorable elements. Granted, it was an altogether slow-paced story, but one intended to carefully showcase the way things were in a future gone to the apes.
The way some apes came together to spread evil while others joined forces, even with human outcasts, to ensure good made "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" 2024 highly relevant, and particularly allegorical.
The finale set the stage for a human and ape reconnection. The people living inside bunkers, whom Mae had been secretly aiding, held promise. The next "Planet of the Apes" movie could be faster-paced and capture some of the harsher conflicts that originally began this amazing franchise.
--- --- ---
Special shout-out to Travis Jeffery (as Anaya; Noa's friend), Lydia Peckham (as Soona; Noa's friend), Sara Wiseman (as Dar; Noa's mother), Neil Sandilands (as Koro; Noa's father, aka Master of Birds), Eka Darville (as Sylva; Caesar's gorilla enforcer), and Peter Macon (as Raka; Noa's mentor, the wise Orangutan).
Shinobi no Ie: House of Ninjas (2024)
Well-Crafted Shinobi Suspense - Season 1 Review
A fusion of storytelling techniques, family drama, political intrigue, and assassinations merged with classic Ninjutsu in what soon became one of the most suspenseful and gripping action series I've seen in recent months.
"House of Ninjas" season 1 took a deep-dive into an obscure corner of power-politics. The way ninjas were used on a national and global scale made them out to be mercenaries with incredible skill, hired only to kill.
However, in the first season of "House of Ninjas", they showcased the humanity behind some of the people who wielded this deadly ninja martial art.
Kento Kaku (as Tawara Haru) proved to be a revelation. His nuanced performance and empathic interactions enriched the show and lent it a character-driven air, which set a high standard for the rest of the story.
The Tawara family brought their own distinct elements to the tale, enriching and elevating it in memorable ways.
In this regard, Yôsuke Eguchi (as Souichi, the father), Tae Kimura (as Yoko, the mother), Aju Makita (as Nagi, the little sister), Tenta Banka (as Riku, the kid-brother), and Nobuko Miyamoto (as Taki, the grandmother) were equally disarming and intriguing.
Kengo Kôra (as Gaku; the deceased brother) gave noteworthy flashback-performances. His later return was not only unforeseen but also bursting with intrigue and contrast value.
This family of ninjas once plied their carefully hidden trade, but had decided to put the past behind them and pursue a so-called normal life. Only their littlest, Riku, had no clue what the family really did for a living; but he found out later.
Their secret skills were summoned to the fore once more. The lore about the Tawara family line going back to the legendary shinobi Hattori Hanzo added to the amazement. The 'inside' distinction between the words 'ninja' and 'shinobi' lent another layer of meaning to the plot.
With each family member doing their own thing, it became a matter of time before fate decided to bring them all back into the ninja fold following a series of dangerous events that demanded their involvement.
"House of Ninjas" season 1 soon bloomed into a storytelling feast defined by martial-arts-meets-family-drama tropes.
Apparently, rogue 'shinobis' (aka ninja assassins) from the Fuma Kotaru clan were on the prowl again, and their actions were not in line with the ninja code - if they ever were, to begin with. This clan was a longtime rival of the Hattori, which the Tawara family were part of.
The story in season 1 "House of Ninjas" went so far as to include a Bureau of Ninja Management featuring Taguchi Tomorowo (as Hamashima Jin), Tokio Emoto (as Oki Masamitsu), and Shimada Kyusaku (as Kuze Kosaku). They gave some memorable performances.
Moreover, the idea that ninjas weren't merely trained killers but soldiers who defended Japan from the shadows made this series gain a special sensibility.
Everything that Riho Yoshioka (as Karen Ito; the investigative journalist) brought to the script further enhanced its credibility as an ancient story set in modern times.
Yamada Takayuki (as Tsujioka Yosuke, aka Fuma Kotaru the 19th) played a charismatic cultist to amazing effect. He was a pivotal piece in this series, and I liked what they did with his character. The way so many loose ends led to him added to the captivation in this story.
His dream of ushering in a 'solar eclipse' that would see Fuma agents occupying the highest seats of power in Japan lent his cause a deadly gravitas.
Though S01 contained a few awkward and cringey moments, the show itself has all the makings of a hit franchise, if the showrunners can manage to make things worse - in the scripting sense of the word - for its core characters.
It was a tad rushed near the end, but no matter, the series still captivated. They left plenty of room to explore a second season, if not more. Special note on the broken, yet budding, romance between Haru and Karen.
From Gaku becoming the 20th Fuma Kotaru, to the concept of a domination-driven Demon Gate event, and more, this show has rolled itself a vast storytelling field on which to play.
With "House of Ninjas" season 1, Netflix has gained another promising series that is worth developing and expanding in the months to come. I say months, because that multi-cliffhanger ending demands early satisfaction.
--- --- ---
Remarkable performances from Iwasaki Udai (as Nozaki Ippei; Haru's colleague), Kido Taisei (as Kyotani Kohei; Nagi's love-interest), Naka Bambi (as Sakurai Ayame; a Fuma recruiter and agent), Pierre Taki (as Omi Zensuke; a detective), Kawai Aoba as Mori Mayuko; a detective), Shiraishi Kayoko (as Mochizuki; grandma Taki's librarian friend), Konno Hiroki (as Matsuura Arata; a corrupt corporate), Imai Takafumi (as Beppu Kunihiko; a BNM agent), and Tsutsui Mariko (as Mukai Toko; President-elect of Tokyo).
Interview with the Vampire: And That's the End of It. There's Nothing Else (2024)
Tragic & Empathic - Season 2 Review
Following the brief fallout with Claudia, the interview-shenanigans with Daniel Molloy, and the betrayal against Lestat de Lioncourt, season 2 of "Interview with the Vampire" picked up Louis de Pointe du Lac's story in dire earnest.
Containing more than its fair share of amazing scenes, chilling moments, and amusing turns, this season was a veritable feast of storytelling, one that emulated the original bestsellers by iconic writer Anne Rice.
It was nice to know that her son Christopher Rice played key roles in developing this series and its associated scripts, helping keep them in line with his mother's brilliant tales.
Delainey Hayles was the new casting choice for Claudia, who was previously played by Bailey Bass. Be that as it may, Hayles did great work enlivening this pivotal character in "Interview with the Vampire" season two.
Needless to say, Sam Reid (as Lestat de Lioncourt) and Jacob Anderson (as Louis de Pointe du Lac) were outstanding in their respective roles. This time round, they had a lot of beef to slice, especially considering the murderous betrayal that took place in season 1.
The time spent by Louis and Claudia in war-torn Europe searching for other vampires like themselves bloomed with intrigue, promise, and not a small amount of dejection. The follow-up sequences in post-war Paris added to the allure.
Diana Gheorghian's performance as the old-world vampire Daciana was excellent, though brief. She made the plot feel compelling and Claudia's struggles, worth it.
Assad Zaman (as Armand) was the centre of focus this season. He delivered a multivarious performance that was equally sad and hopeful.
So many of his secrets and motives came to light in season 2 of "Interview with the Vampire", connection meaningfully with the doings of both Lestat and Louis.
The return of Lestat was something I didn't see coming, though. I suspected it, but the show cleverly distracted me with the poignant tales of Louis, Armand, and Claudia that I failed to perk up at the possibility of Lestat's dramatic return. It was well done, all in all.
Ben Daniels (as Santiago), Roxane Duran (as Madeleine), Eric Bogosian (as Daniel Molloy), Luke Brandon Field (as younger Daniel Molloy) further enriched this season with regaling performances and distinct character-motives.
The Order of the Talamasca also made an indirect entry this season. I'm sure the team will connect them to the upcoming spinoff series (TBA, late 2025). Anne Rice's "Immortal Universe" certainly feels immortal.
From old flashbacks to futuristic ones, this series lived up to its core theme on multiple levels. The second season unfurled character after character, each of whom contributed excellence to the dark and tragic tale at the heart of "Interview with the Vampire".
The finale delivered intense thrills and dramatic moments, which aligned with my expectations for how this season deserved to close. That Armand twist was something I should've seen coming a mile away, but failed to. It took the story into dangerous new territory.
Now all that's left is to await season 3 "Interview with the Vampire" in which Anne Rice's fictional secret society, the Talamasca, will be bringing their own distinct darkness to the plot.
"The Queen of the Damned" (1988) is a novel also penned by Anne Rice. It's the third one in her "The Vampire Chronicles" and was adapted into the cult-classic 2002 movie after the same name.
Why am I mentioning that at the end of this review? Lestat's reveal of his maker being Akasha, that's why! It has added fire in fan-hearts and made us eagerly anticipate the third season of "Interview with the Vampire".
--- --- ---
Exemplary and noteworthy performances from Stephanie Hayes (as Emilia), Blake Ritson (as Morgan Ward), Ed Birch (as Pierre Roget), Sinead Phelps (as Annika Rooman), Justin Kirk (as Raglan James), Damian Odess-Gillett (as Jean-Paul Sartre; the historic personality), Bobbie Lee Jr. (as Crispin the Crime Dawg), and David Costabile (as Leonard Michael).