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Fabbricante di lacrime (2024)
Potential for depth but hindered by bad execution
I didn't read the book so I don't know if it's a good adaptation but as a movie it's.. mediocre. A shallow drama.
First though, let me just praise the leads. They really sell the chemistry for their characters. The longing and all that. Bonus that both are handsome people.
Now for the bad. The plot... while I was interested in the premise as I thought it had potential for depth it only gave me something shallow. They didn't give time for the trauma of their past to take root so it hits different. Would've been so much better if they really dug into the abuse, mental health issues, ptsd etc but everything got glossed over even during the scenes it's highlighted.
While I liked the base chemistry of the actors the actual romance between the them is non existent. They never built it up so it's just there. Very weak foundation is just not good. Because why should I care about these character's love for each other?
The most atrocious is the pacing... there's very bizarre cuts of time that forces you to fill it in yourself because they jumped over it so you're noticably missing chunks of scenes.
Shout out too for that bad insert of Olivia's song that was so out of place and the cringe acting for some of the actors.
Anyway overall this reminds me a lot of Royalteen... which to both would have been better as a limited series of sort to really delve into the characters' struggles, why they act they way they do, so you can actually empathize with them while the romance is a B-plot to create that slow burn. But alas this wasn't it.
Warning: Some brief nudity, attempted rape.
3 Body Problem (2024)
Try until episode 5 to know if this is for you
Let me just start with clarifying that I have not read the books so I don't know if it's a good adaptation but as a show it is intriguing. While I have issues with some characters feeling lacking and the way they did things had me left wanting more tension overall there's a curiousity in me to know more.
Now to me Episode 1-3 felt like an introduction... long one but I guess they needed that setup. It can get a bit dull even though some scenes had me wide eyed. Episode 4 is the start of the hook and episode 5 reels you in... so if you're thinking about the show I suggest to push through til episode 5 and if you didn't like what it wants to show then drop it.
Shout out to those who made the title sequence because I love it. Also showing some love to my favorite characters: Liam Cunningham as Thomas Wade,
Sea Shimooka as Sophon, and Marlo Kelly as Tatiana!
Warning: Gore, nudity.
Damsel (2024)
'Ready or not' but with a dragon
Just from the trailer you could tell there's nothing innovative some would say they called the ending of the show and I'd have to agree. It's a female lead with castles, pretty dresses, and a dragon. A badass princess is always appealing. Plot is thin and simple. It's like riding a rollercoaster you rode before, you already know the bumps and twists but it still gets your heart racing.
I like Millie's acting here. She carries the scene even alone. Though I do lament that there's not enough scenes with the side characters to establish more from them. I did tear up in one scene but perhaps that's me being easily pulled by emotional goodbyes.
The highlight to me, aside for Millie, was the dragon. The Dragon was perfection. The visuals were great I didn't have any trouble seeing anything even during dark moment. The ending was both satisfying yet lacking...like I wanted more? There's some wonky moments but yeah overall it's actually a fun watch. It's no masterpiece, doubt it'll win any awards but it's a damn good show to relax to if you want something kickass.
Warning: There's fair amounts of gruesome wounds.
The Brothers Sun (2024)
Bruce is the realest
I went into this show for Michelle Yeoh. I stayed for the Sun family. I had read some reviews in between so I was prepared to dislike Bruce but surprisingly I could understand him. He's basically the odd man out and he's barely surviving but one thing to note here is the central theme of "Protecting your family". He is real with how he reacts because who wouldn't? Honestly I would've been more annoying especially if my family is just determined to shelter me so what else can you do but focus on your life? He's dopey but makes it up with his determination to protect his family. As Michelle said about her son. He's not weak he's just a good person.
We get one pov from Charles the older brother, the experienced one vs the sheltered younger brother and they both clash. I like that dynamic of like big guy with the small guy trope. Where in the big guy isn't only a badass but also a big softie and the small guy isn't there to be protected but can kick ass too. Add to that family bonding. I loved the development between them made me wish to also have an older brother. I honestly feel so bad for Charles. His character is by far my favorite and hopefully if this gets renewed we get to see more development of his "real" personality.
The show is a mix of action comedy. It doesn't really take itself that seriously. I do wish the action has little bit more... bite? It also got slow early on but picks up again come episode 5. Overall a good binge, nothing too heavy. Just some light family action drama.
Pokemon konsheruju (2023)
Pokemon slice of life I've been wanting for forever
I've played the game since I was a child and it has a special place in my heart. This show honestly hits the spot I've been missing. I've always wanted to live in Pokemon world (of course that's impossible) so I was hoping for a game that's like an Animal Crossing/Harvest moon type for Pokemon but alas... so this show fulfills it. It's heartwarming slice of life. I even cried. It's like it healed something in me.
Rating it a 9 because it's too short. Would've wanted more to really flesh out the characters and the scenes more. But other than that I have no issues. It's so fun to see the models. I keep pausing just to admire the work. I wish they'd release merchandise for this. I want a miniature setup in my room.
Yu yu hakusho (2023)
The fight scenes carried hard
The plot may be thin and felt so rushed up but the fights to me is just a fun ride. Great watch just for those action sequences. Kudos to the choreographer and the camera angles because they produced something so fluid and I can actually see how they "danced".
As for the story. When I heard that it would just be 5 episodes I didn't think it could do any good but I did try to keep hope up and well the plot line needs more work but I'm pleasantly surprised to find the whole thing watchable. They don't dig in deep but it's still easy to keep up. I do lament the lack of time to get to know more of some of the leads though.
The VFX bordering on uncanny is doable. I like the color gradient they chose. There wasn't any point where I went "TOO DARK" because I can actually see. They didn't hide the VFX under darkness and you know what. Kudos.
Warning: Bright flashing lights sequence in ep 1. Also had plenty of blood if you're queasy on that.
Family Switch (2023)
Heartwarming, sugary, and cheesy family film
I didn't plan to watch this but I was having a very bad day so you know why not. It's great. Easy to watch. It's unbelievably cheesy. There's some moments where I did pause and I was questioning the process but you know overall it's a good silly heartwarming sugar filled family Christmas movie.
I love the nods they inserted in the dialogue. I thought the acting was good. I especially liked Wyatt as his dad. They delivered the comedy pretty well which was similar to the typical humor for these types of films. Nothing too over the top but out there. I laughed. I even cried during the more serious moments.
Special mention for them adding in bloopers! I missed seeing those and took me back watching films when I was younger.
Nowhere (2023)
Clicked for background noise but stayed to watch til end
I wasn't expecting much from this film just something to make noise while I do other things but I got pulled in by the actress Anna Castillo. I ended up being entertained and even shed a tear.
Is it totally realistic? No lol, then again I never expected it to be with such a premise but it gave me a good thrill which is probably the aim for movies like these. There's also this heartwarming element watching a mother push to survive for her baby. It may have been predictable but the ride towards it was rocky enough to not be boring.
We're outsiders so it's easier to nitpick what she should be doing so a good point for me with these type of films as well is for the main character not to be doing too many stupid things just to create some tension and they didn't do that a lot here. She had her moments for sure but her real schemes delivered well. Plus she's not being annoying and overly dramatic to sell the point. I'd believe someone in that situation will do what she did.
Overall a good survival thriller drama. Don't expect it to be realistic just watch it for what it is. A mother's love journey getting drowned in a silly premise.
Love at First Sight (2023)
Predictably clear cut yet still heartwarming
There's no sort of twist in here you just go with the flow where you know the ending goal will be. The journey is what makes it good. It's simple, direct, and wholesome. No wishy washy drama. It has a quiet tone to it. It's like looking at a fire while huddled in your blanket and drinking your cocoa for the thousand time.
I was touched by a certain part of the plot since I can very much relate to it and I thought it was done quite well. The acting is believable. The song helped move it along.
The main characters are nice and sweet. Their lines were heavily dosed on cheesiness partnered with good chemistry and overall everything just screamed wholesome and fluffy...which really that's all I ask for when I'm strapped in my cheesy rom com mood.
One Piece (2023)
A fever dream One Piece but still very One Piece in its core
Warnings: Blood here and there, one nudity scene but nothing full frontal, self harm
For the nonfans of One Piece or anime:
The source material is goofy and not truly based on any Earth history. The show leans into it so expect some hokey ridiculous looks. Costumes will have ranges of modern looks to 18th century etc. Some characters might even give you uncanny valley because of the absurdity. Think like The Mask, Scooby-Doo LA, Lazy Town, or Series of Unfortunate Events.
The fights aren't grounded but more akin to Wuxia or Wirefu. If you've watched shows like Kung Fu Hustle, Shaolin Soccer, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, RRR, or Shang Chi then that's similar to it. You get humans jumping really high. Running on walls in a 90 degree angle. Spinning mid air etc. Basically don't think of the rules of Earth physics.
Don't be fooled by what you just see however, the story and themes gets serious too. One Piece tackles themes like oppression, slavery, racism, family loss etc...It's one of the best world building story that's 25 years in the making. And the show takes advantage of that benefit of hindsight.
Overall it's an uplifting yet dramatic story in an inventive world that runs towards optimism. Luffy (Inaki Godoy) is a force of nature. He affects and inspires people around him. The Strawhat crew- I do not exaggerate when I say- is one of the best Found Family there is.
If you like absurdism fantasy action adventure do check this out!
For the fans and my general review:
"Stop counting only those things you have lost! What is gone, is gone. So ask yourself this. What is there that still remains to you?" --Oda
One has to remember this show is not a recreation. It's an adaptation. There's also no such thing as 1-1 adaptation. Game of Thrones had changes. Harry Potter had changes. Lord of the Rings had changes. But these became loved because they succeeded in translating the heart of the story and essense of the characters. As a fellow fan for over 10 years...I believe One Piece Live Action did it too even with all the changes. The Manga and Anime will always be with us and now we just have additional content through the live action. I'd say it's about 70% faithful to how the manga progresses? Like if you remove what they added and just compare the core of the plotlines it'll be similar.
Anyway, I followed the live action news, got into the production perspective and I'm happy that these people are in love with One Piece even more than I am. Their decision not to ground too much in reality is so refreshing. I'm so tired of live action adaptations always looking so gray and gritty!! Realistic but not grounded by realism is what we need!! That's how you lose magic when you limit yourself in always keeping it "real". Embrace the absurd and goofy. Look at it with a child-like wonder filter. Get into that Romantic adventure. Take in the corny and cheesy stuff.
Overall this show is far from perfect. I'd say as an adaptation it's about 7.5/10 but I'm rating it a 9 because I enjoyed it for what it is and it greatly entertained me as a show. There's plenty I can nitpick from especially since they didn't include some scenes that I personally love but I can forgive the negatives over the many positives it has. This show is truly one made by fans and you can feel that from the costumes, the world, the characters...down to the easter eggs they sprinkled in. I truly enjoyed it as a whole. It's like a fever dream One Piece but still very One Piece in its core.
Nimona (2023)
Simple yet Impactful
I never read the graphic novel of this so I don't know if it's faithful but as it is I love it.
The art style is kinda fun. It's simple but the characters still pop. Voice acting is great especially Chloe Moretz as Nimona. Wonderfully voiced!
The message and vibe of this show reminds me of Sea Beast as they also tackle prejudice though I feel that Nimona hit harder. The movie made me cry hard because it hit home especially on how perception of others towards you is hard to change especially if you are different. Add to that how time and the people who are prejudiced can control the narrative of history. Who is right? Who is wrong? Unless you were there the facts you know now is a tale told by those who won. There's always many sides of a story.
I feel sorry for the villain with how they cannot get past their prejudice. But it's in good contrast to the other characters. Blind devotion isn't always the answer.
Anyway. This is a simple story, predictable perhaps, but it's still heartfelt and impactful. And you will love Nimona herself. 10/10 recommended!
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Lacking magic but doable adaptation
The film suffers the same as Beauty & the Beast and Lion King... they focused too much on realism that the magic just didn't hit right. Like the film is average. They're all fine overall but there's just something lacking. IF you loved BB and LK you're likely to like this movie too.
To me it's just not how when you watch the originals for the first time and your eyes are wowed though the visuals for Little Mermaid are alright tbh. The stills definitely did not do it justice! They did give good color but bordering gloomy though it's not as dark so you can see the details and such. I liked the CGI for Sebastian and Scuttle but I'm used to uncanny CGI so I understand some people's reactions to it.
Perhaps it's the grounded expressions? Jessica who played Vanessa was top with it. She had these great facial expressions that really gave the emotions. It was bordering like the cartoon tbh. Meanwhile the rest of the cast didn't do much, Halle was lacking in that department but especially with Eric.. he just looked sad all the time lmao. However, I found magic in the Cinderella adaptation which was also grounded so perhaps it's not that. Maybe it's the costumes? It was sad to see Ariel only wearing 2 outfits and not one of them was the "wow princess royal dress". It was giving similar to that limp yellow dress of Belle. Where's the sparkle? Where's the wow? Perhaps it's the color grading? It's not as saturated since they did keep it "real" which isn't all bad...I did miss Ariel's red hair especially with Ursula calling her red... I don't understand why she had the muted ginger hair? She's a mermaid! Her sister has bright pink hair why couldn't she have unmistakable red?
Halle's singing is the best of the movie. I'd say. She sounds like Ariel. And even if her acting isn't the best she does give this innocence and vibe that's very Ariel especially for the Part of Your World. That scene was just chef's kiss.
As for the love I don't know what others are saying about chemistry because I didn't see that with Jonah and Halle. They came across as friends to me. As for the changes in the story, they did fine. They gave some lift to the plot which is good. Gave some more depth to the characters. So yeah had it's ups and downs like all movies but overall not bad, but also not something I personally would rewatch.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)
THE CONFESSION SCENE OUTSOLD.
I love the Bridgerton series so here I am with the spin-off. Can I just say, I find it funny to see a disclaimer: "It's not a history lesson. It's fiction based on a fact." because soooo many people will likely look into this series and assume it's a documentary of the real Queen Charlotte then get mad because of it. No, it's not real, sorry to disappoint.
Anyway. It's arranged marriage to genuine lovers trope which I am a sucker for. To me the leads have great chemistry. India Ria Amarteifio really embodied the adult Queen. She's headstrong and will speak her mind. Meanwhile Corey Mylchreest is adorable. I love their banters together.
There's also snippets of the other characters which is great. Arsema Thomas as young Lady Danbury and Sam Clemmett as young Brimsley are just perfect castings. You'd learn more of their stories so watching them in the main show gives them more depth now.
The show itself is light hearted but with heavy notes. It's not as laid back and upbeat as the main show but it's overall a fun watch and doesn't take itself THAT serious. I may have shed some tear here and there.
I recommend it to Bridgerton fans or "historical/period drama" aesthetic show fans. LET ME TELL YOU THE CONFESSION SCENE is right up there with the main show... dare I say even better?? Because here they're married so it feels more like a mature accepting love, til death do us part type of vibe compared to the other two. Binge worthy.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always (2023)
Love letter to Trini Kwan (Thuy Trang)
One can say nostalgia bait.. and yes it is but this film being branded as a simple Power Rangers reunion is actually written for Trini. Her character is the base for the emotions in this story and they did this justice. Kinda wish there was more tribute for Jason aka Tommy but I guess it was too late to incorporate the actor's death into the story, would've been a huge reshoot.
Is this campy, cheesy, not really great acting, with laughable CGI and awkward fight sequences of them just standing around while waiting for speeches to finish? Yes..
BUT IS THIS POWER RANGERS?? YES. 1000% YES.
Sure they could've done something like the 2017 movie with better effects and different "vibe" but I wouldn't have this 30th anniversary reunion special any other way. Fans of MMPR will have a fun time with this. The last 15 minutes was the best glorious moments for my childhood spirit.
Chupa (2023)
Didn't quite hit right but it's fun kid's movie
This has like a mix of E. T. and Water Horse but mostly on the premise not much on the heart. It was a bit too short so everything went by quickly so you didn't get to really bond with the whole child meets monster and become friends things. I was like "That was it?"
The Chupa is cute even with the feral cat hyena like design. They met roughly in the middle of the film so really there's not enough time to do much else. I think there was a bit too much of the bad guy sequences, which didn't really need to be that long since they didn't add to anything. They're just typical greedy villains so each screen time they got there wasn't anything new to add other than "We need to find Chupacabra". Hollow villains basically.
The movie's message is meant to be conveying: (As said by Cuarón, the "core message of" Chupa is "the importance of family, particularly in a character who was looking for his roots."). They did insert the characters being together but to me it felt lacking since they didn't dive deeper on what this child supposedly is looking to connect to his roots so he's not really opening up. Then when the main family moment happened it was fast then the next scene it was back to the bad guy sequence up to climax. So even with the usual child and monster friend goodbye scene it didn't really feel sorrowful because you didn't really see them bond together. They just poof close buds.
I would've rated this 5.5 but opted for 5. Chupa being cute isn't enough for me. They had a good message but they let that plot go. Where was the actual connection to his roots? The kids might like it because again, cute cuddly monster. But yeah the show feels dated with the acting and the awkward sequences.
Beef (2023)
Beefed up dramedy
This is a great watch especially for the average adult. It just hits you different. It makes it somehow relatable, at least to me it did.
The comedy is serious gets you with the scenes and not one off jokes or like slapstick (which isn't bad but depends on people, I prefer mine like this). Not light hearted. This show gets dark. I felt like I started questioning myself watching this. The drama pairs well with it too. Since the 'gravity' of their life situations just pushes them to do not so smart choices that lead to absurd moments. You don't know what happens next.
As for the characters they make you feel both sorry for them the longer you watch as the layers of why they act the way they do makes more sense but also you know their actions aren't exactly something applaudable. It makes it feel real since they're not hollow but complex. They're broken people just wanting to live.
It somehow feels like Everything Everywhere All at Once with the existential crisis and chaos of relationships except this one isn't fantasy. But anyway I highly recommend. There's some lull in the early half but it gets wilder as you go so I suggest to continue watching. It's worth it.
It's a resolved open ending, not a cliffhanger so if you're worrying on that part. Warning there's some blood and brief nudity.
Unstable (2023)
If you like the 1st episode then you'd like the whole of it
I was planning to just play this as background noise but found myself tuning in. It's not a HAHAHA type of comedy nor slapstick. It's more serious set up with characters who are unserious, chaotic, unhinged, and campy. The whole bit is just dry dead pan and sarcastic humor. You'd laugh because it's ridiculous and somehow true too.
Reminds me of IT Crowd mixed with Big Bang Theory and Park & Rec. I found the characters fit the cast so it felt natural especially Rob Lowe's character who's an eccentric narcissist. The overall banter exchange is also fun to watch.
There's some little serious sweet moments but it's overall just unserious. Just watch the 1st episode and if you like it then you'd like the whole bit because it keeps a constant vibe. It follows a thin storyline but aside from that is episodic.
The Night Agent (2023)
Never read the novel review:
I didn't know this was based on a novel by Matthew Quirk starting it so I wouldn't know if this was a great adaptation.
I liked it still. Not perfect by any means. It's your typical political thriller drama with twists and turns. Nothing new, you can say maybe cliche too certainly not something to win awards with but if you're into that genre I'd say give it a go? It was a surprisingly smooth ride. Kinda exciting. Had some good tension and action. Nothing too over the top. The characters didn't pop out as overly annoying or too gary/mary sue type. There's several povs that they focus on aside from Peter and Rose that I thought connected well so it doesn't feel too one sided.
I like Peter and Rose. Rose I thought was going to be damsel in distress but thank god she's not. She earns her weight. Peter giving Owen vibes from The Recruit (another Netflix show starring Noah Centineo). Let's just say he can do his job well but sometimes you question some of his more hinky choices haha though perhaps less charming compared to Owen. The actor feels more like Gerard Butler movies saving his country type guy. My favorite characters are Dale and Ellen. I love unhinged characters. The other characters are good they have more going for them that just one off tropes.
The vibe of the show I'd say is more similar to Bodyguard (the one starring Richard Madden). It's not as playful as The Recruit was. Anyway overall I thought it was a good watch!
Faraway (2023)
A slow paced journey
It's a mature woman's discovery of her maternal ties and herself. It feels somewhat like a mix of Mamma Mia 2 and Eat Pray Love?
Kinda sweet, feel good movie. Nothing outstanding or ground breaking to be honest but overall I think is a good watch if you're looking for something "quiet". There's not a lot that happens here that's like exciting or wild but it's a good closed story.
My favorite is the scenery and the vibes. It just feels like I also want to venture into a country home near a beach and spend my time looking at the sunsets.
FYI: There's some sequences of nudity nothing too sexual.
MH370: The Plane That Disappeared (2023)
Theory documentary
The plane hasn't been found so really there's no closure in this show. This documentary presents three theories that circulated as to what happened. How many there are who knows. Not too in-depth but good enough if you're into that. But if you're looking for answers more than questions then no this isn't it. You'd end up asking and questioning after watching.
IF you're new to the MH370 news I think this documentary is a good place as any to start. They went about some of the families and the news reports so you do get the important information.
Overall nothing of significant substance. I rated it 6 because it was easy to watch. Wish they added more of the families to focus on honoring their loved ones but perhaps they declined to participate.
Warning: some flashing effects in their editing.
My Dad the Bounty Hunter (2023)
Great for family but the kids are annoying
The art design here is amazing. The texture of the hair? Masterpiece. The story as is could've been a movie honestly as most of the 10 episode 80% of them the kids are just being brats while the dad gets exasperated and yet the feeling of consequence doesn't show itself until the later episodes. Pretty standard tbh.
It's an overall good family friendly drama that focuses on the dad and kids. The dad loves his kids. The kids lover their father. They just have a lack of communication due to the nature of the dad being a bounty hunter as per title. Happy ending with a hook for possible 2nd season.
IF you hate watching kids do their own thing without regard for consequence and act like they know what they're doing because nothing "bad" truly happens then this show isn't for you.
Lockwood & Co. (2023)
Didn't read the books review:
Came in blind to this show. I only knew it was some sort of supernatural mystery thriller with ghosts.
For a YA show, the characters here aren't as "annoying"? Well they still feel like teenagers to me with their "End justifies the means" way of taking action. Just enough recklessness that you question what the f they are doing. Especially from Lockwood. But somehow it's not overbearing? They still do the "Not talking to each other until the plot requires it" trope but I feel it was addressed and utilized in the show quite well. The characters do have some backstory to them not extensive but you can see different personalities pop up. Anthony reminded me of Five from Umbrella Academy, George reminded me of Simon from Shadow Hunters, and Lucy reminded me of Wednesday but without the love for morbidity.
For the World building... We don't get introduced into it like usual where in it's a montage of someone's monologue in the 1st episode. It's honestly sparse of that which I really like. We get some scenes here and there with terms they use in their world but not all of it is given any descriptive meaning but it was easy to immerse myself in it. From context clues it wasn't hard to match what they meant. It just felt natural.
For the plot delivery, I liked it. It had good action sequences. CGI is believable. The sets were creepy af paired with tense music. I was honestly expecting something more like a Hardy Boys-Nancy Drew-Scooby Doo type... they did give the vibe of it but it was more like Ghostbusters lol. The mystery solving isn't complex, it's not like Glass Onion with clues etc, fairly straight forward but it's still a good supernatural thriller so I think it's more like Wednesday but with a more serious tone?
Overall, I don't know how it is as an adaptation but I thought it was fun and a good series to watch. Ending is sort of a cliffhanger as they did finish the "major plot line of the current season" but ended with an opening to another plotline. I really liked the bantering of the trio as they felt natural though it felt a bit rushed with how chummy they were already by ep 2. Bonus points because there's no unnecessary sex scenes in it like some YA shows... I'm looking forward to watching the plot unravel more. Here's to hoping for a 2nd season.
Cook at All Costs (2022)
Chopped but Auction mode and no pantry
I love all types of cooking competition shows.. (Faves: GBBO, Sugar Rush, Nailed It, Chopped, Masterchef, etc etc) so I am also here for this series.
This show takes the "bidding mystery boxes" and just cemented it as its foundation. Simple yet fun. The contestants get to bid from $ to $$$ to ???. Then additional ingredients are sent out which they can live bid on and it can get funny coz a simple potato or tomato will reach for a lot.
The vibe sometimes feel extra competitive when they're in a bidding war so there's some good tension. The dishes aren't crazy since the ingredient sets they get have some sort of coherence (well except for the surprise box lol) but they do make it better especially with no pantry. It does make me salivate while watching.
The host is great. He feels natural with his banters. He doesn't feel over the top or scripted like in some shows. No need for added gimik.
If they get more season I wish they'd add another judge. Nothing against 1 judge but I feel having 2 or 3 make it better for judging. But as long as they keep the blind tasting I guess I'm all good either way.
Troll (2022)
Should've just focused on the Troll, the humans were a letdown
Watching this I thought it's just going to be your average monster action movie... and you know what? It is. So yeah it delivered that big monster itch.
Here's the thing however...is that the human aspect of this movie is not it. They're too campy and not in a good way. Just one dimensional. You got those authority figures who are stupid and one minded. The underdog main character who stomps on authority because they're brave that way who clearly knows more but isn't being listened to...etc. The set-up is just too obvious that any emotional deviation doesn't feel right because it's done in a shallow way.
The Troll had some backstory depth going for it but alas it's put on the backburner because this is ultimately a humans win movie. They wasted that plot and just went with the typical "Monster bad, must kill".
Would rate it 5.5 but rounding it up coz I like their depiction of the Troll. But anyway overall it's a good enough monster flick. The CGI is believable. Action wise, it's not as destructive and packed as like Pacific Rim for example, pretty tame tbh. Good for a weekend watch.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
Always have space for feel good movies
I make it a habit to watch these generic Christmas romance "hallmark" like movies every year. I just lap it up. It's the perfect movie to just sit bundled up in a blanket while drinking hot cocoa.
These types of show defo has their audience lmao so if you're one looking for an unpredictable, new, unique, outside the formula type of movie this ain't it. This is the movie that is like a neighbor you grew up with. You know them. Their actions are generic and predictable but that's what makes it good is because of the familiarity. You know it's light hearted and will give you warm fuzzies. There won't be any plot twists that's going to ruin the happy mood. It's just all positive.