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paul-zito
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The Dragon Prince (2018)
Big oof on season 4, still love 1-3
Really loved seasons 1-3, fully invested in just about all characters and storylines. I'm not sure what happened to season 4 though, something in the writers room I suspect. So many scenes that felt underdeveloped and contributing not much of anything to the story or character dev. The dialogue felt super forced and at times weirdly delivered. Characters made multiple decisions and behaved in ways that seemed out of character but serviced obvious plot structure. I felt like any time I finally got invested again, the next scene pulled me right out of it.
If I had to pick one specific critique, I really wasn't wild about basically just hitting reset on Callum and Rayla's relationship. There's such a good dynamic between the two that blossoms and delivers a satisfying relational arc in seasons 1-3. But instead of developing their relationship, they're basically just not together again and fumbling around each awkwardly. Not to mention its super abrupt to end a season with them finally being together and start the next with them estranged. Yes I read the comic but it still felt that way and you shouldn't need to switch mediums for your show to make sense imo. Ultimately it felt like the writers didn't know where to take them so we're just doing the awkward tension thing again. Really unsatisfying to feel like you're just going through the same arc again with a slightly different premise.
In summary I guess id say the writing felt like it went from being kid friendly to kid targeted. Just a lot less depth in plot, story, and character. And a rehash of prior season's tension. Def disappointed.
Captain Marvel (2019)
It's Fine. But that's about as good as it gets
My goal was to go in with an open mind and try to ignore any drama surrounding the movie. Is this a good superhero film with interesting characters and a story to tell? That's the real question that matters me.
In terms of characters, Captain Marvel doesn't really experience much growth. She's more or less the same person at the beginning of the film as she is at the end. Obviously at the end she has her powers fully realized and is on the "right side" now, but her as a character... basically the same. Any interesting character development or depth is giving to a few side characters, which helps but that's no where near enough to be engaging.
The story. The story can be broken up into two broad parts: her origin and "the war", which we learn is less of a war and more of a cleansing. The struggle between Kree and Skrulls has some solid twists and turns. I genuinely enjoyed it. Having said that, they are based on twists, which typically does not age well. Once you know what the twist is those diminishing returns kick in fast. The other part, her origin, is extremely bland. The circumstances around it with Dr. Lawson are interesting but the way she actually obtains her powers are incredibly boring. She gets hit with a blast. Now she has powers. That's literally it. Additionally when she fully realizes her strength and breaks out of her mind prison, she just sort of does it and there's no real explanation as to how. It felt like the movie wanted me to just go "oh it's cuz she's strong. Will power!" What does she overcome to make that happen exactly? I honestly struggle to come up with anything that doesn't get political.
Is it a good superhero movie? I mean it checks the basic boxes but it adds nothing innovative or interesting to a VERY crowded field of well established MCU IP's. The bar has been set very high and I'm surprised they didn't try to take a bigger swing. All and all it's an experience you don't really NEED to have. If you want to be fully caught up for End Game like I do, then go see it.