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leviathan-1922
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Bridgerton (2020)
Amazing Chemistry Between the Two Leads in Season 2
"Bridgerton" Season 1 was not my favourite, but I was very impressed with Season 2. "Bridgerton" Season 2 shifts focus from Daphne to the man of the house, Anthony. I really appreciate that the writers chose to focus on Anthony because he becomes much more likeable once he takes centre stage. We understand why he acts the way he does regarding love. Most of it is rooted in his grief from losing his father 10 years before. Anthony was forced to become a man much too early.
We are introduced to Kate Sharma, a "spinster" who also lets her familial duties come before her own wishes. Like Anthony, she is stubborn, loyal, and family-oriented. Queen Charlotte names Kate's sister, Edwina, the social season's "diamond," to which Anthony takes an interest in courting. Throughout the season and in his own words, it is clear Anthony does not wish to marry for love because of his "family first" mindset. However, that may just be an excuse to mask the true real reason behind his refusal to marry for love - his fear of loss.
Kate and Anthony's longing gazes and moments alone display their immense chemistry. I do not think I've seen such an abundance of on-screen chemistry between two characters other than Kate and Anthony. When the two are alone, the orchestral crescendo matches the rising sexual tension between them. The serious and dramatic tension is accompanied by cute and funny moments, such as the pall-mall scene. A good romance will have both. Additionally, there is chemistry between the entire cast. You can tell they like one another, which really shows that chemistry transports on and off the screen. This season is a "slow burn," which seems quite a different approach from the previous season. The slow buildup of "enemies to lovers" archetype, while a cliche, is entertaining yet.
Sometimes, period dramas can get boring, but I did not need to fast-forward any scenes in Season 2. Cinematography, acting, and screenplay are 10/10. I am heavily anticipating Season 3, which will place Colin and Penelope's romance to the forefront.
Swamp Thing (2019)
Underrated DC Show With Gothic Elements and Beautiful Swamp Scenery
"Swamp Thing" is a heavily underrated gem that features one of DC's most misunderstood heroes, Swamp Thing. I am unsure why it was cancelled besides an unfortunate lack of popularity. It features an enjoyable cast and an intricate storyline. People think DC has bad films and shows, but they're just dwelling on the failures of "Batman v. Superman" and "Wonder Woman 2." This show provides an origin story for Alec Holland's Swamp Thing. The cinematography and filming location is beautiful. Many folks believe the swamps are ugly, but they are quite beautiful. I love the gothic elements of the show: quaint town, supernatural elements, horror, mystery, and romance. If there was another season, I would have enjoyed seeing the relationship between Swamp Thing and Abby and the future conflict between Swamp Thing and Floronic Man (Jason Woodrue). Perhaps, they could add Poison Ivy to make things more fun!
The obvious message of the show is that we should respect nature and leave it be. It also explores humanity and what makes us human. It's really unfortunate that the series was cancelled.
Big Sky (2020)
Great Crime Drama With Lovable Cast
"Big Sky" tells the story of ex-cop Jenny Hoyt and private investigator Cassie Dewell who both try to solve crimes in Montana. Season 1 starts with a simple plot line of crazed Ronald Pergman transporting kidnapped women to dirty State Trooper Rick Legarski's trafficking business. Season 2 gets more complex as Jenny and Cassie try to unravel a drug cartel syndicate running in Montana and Canada. Season 3 features a mystery of a missing backpacker situation that leads into a bigger and more complex situation. This season may be the most complex, but it is arguably the best season. New Sheriff Beau Arlen, played by well-loved Jensen Ackles, arrives to step in for Sheriff Tubb at the end of Season 2 and becomes permanently Sheriff. Most folks probably watch it because of Jensen. I began watching this show in the middle of Season 1 and I love it even more now. My only criticism of Season 3 is that it jumps around with too many characters taking centre point. I wish it would have focused more on Jenny and Beau's relationship, or Jenny and Cassie's relationship. I believe there was too much focus placed on the antagonists.
While "Big Sky" is definitely your average crime drama show, the talented cast and beautiful scenery make it worthwhile. Season 3 is probably the most interesting storyline and features a lovable cast.
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous (2020)
Incredible Animated Jurassic Story - Not Exclusively For Kids !
The first thing I must mention is that "Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous" is not exclusively a show for young children. I am 23 and I love the show! It tells the story of 6 teenagers who are stranded on Isla Nublar during the fall of Jurassic World in 2015. The show crosses paths with some major canonical "Jurassic World" moments, but it creatively tells its own original story. While the idea of being trapped and isolated on an island without any grown-ups to help is quite frightening, the show manages to keep the tone as light-hearted as possible. I love that this show portrays a different side of the films. It centres around young people fighting for survival against the dinosaurs who eventually realise that their true enemy is the harmful corporations trying to make a profit at the expense of living creatures. The show keeps fan service to maintain happy endings. My favourite characters were Yaz, Sammy, and Ben. I loved all of the teenagers, but those 3 had the best character development and personality. I give this show 10/10 because of the adventure aspect. I am often drawn towards shows and films that make me feel as though I'm also on the adventure. "Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous" did exactly that. I was sad after the last episode! I hope the creators make another season or series that aligns with "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" or "Dominion". In general, I hope the "Jurassic Park/World" franchise doesn't end because I love all things dinosaur-related.
After Ever Happy (2022)
Films That Send the Wrong Message to Young Women
Alright, I could write a book about why these films are not good. However, I'll attempt to be concise. The "After" film series continues to show why Hardin gets worse and worse the longer he's with Tessa. Yes, in After Ever Happy, Hardin attended therapy sessions. However, you cannot get back together with an ex merely 5 months later and expect everything to be better. They should not get back together even after Hardin's therapy because the foundation of their entire relationship is based upon lies and lack of trust. It's not the lack of love. It's Hardin's heavy emotional abuse and Tessa's low emotional intelligence that causes this relationship to suffer. They broke up (several times) for a reason. Tessa tolerates and enables Hardin's behaviour. Hardin is an emotional abuser who often gaslights Tessa's ambitions and needs. He craves control over Tessa. He is also incredibly impulsive and violent. He can't have one conversation without exploding in rage. For goodness sake, he committed arson on his mum's house on her wedding day !! And then Tessa was the getaway car ! Yes, I would be incredibly angry with my mum if I found her with another man on her wedding night ... But that does not justify arson ! Bloody hell.
These films do not teach a good lesson to young women. The lesson: "It's a woman's job to fix a man." Absolutely not. Wrong. The lesson would be taught if Tessa leaves Hardin for good. But she doesn't. She never means it when she tells Hardin that she's "done" going back and forth. She always returns to him. Every time. Unfortunately, many young and naive women stay with toxic and/or abusive men because they believe that their love can eventually fix everything.
Another reason Hardin is horrible is because he treats Tessa as if she is his object. He is incredibly controlling. He makes power plays and manipulative moves, such as showing up at her restaurant in NYC so that she MUST talk to him. She's at work, so she's forced to serve his table ! Also, remember in the beginning of this film when she confidently goes to find him at some drug house after a fight? Do you recall that he refuses to leave with her? But as SOON as Hardin's buddy puts his arm around Tessa, Hardin gets angry. Once he loses control over her, the bomb is lit. These examples are evidence that he doesn't trust Tessa. And Tessa doesn't trust him, either. What is a relationship without trust?! Trust travels both ways. Additionally, a relationship is supposed to make both partners better people. You're supposed to grow with your partner, but Tessa and Hardin spiral downward together. Tessa may not be naive and "innocent" anymore, but Hardin is still impulsive, moody, and violent throughout all 4 films. He still lies. He lies about his reason for being in New York City, which was to publish a book he wrote about her. I'd be so angry if my ex made a profit off of our story without asking me first.
The filmmaking and cinematography were not bad. But the story this film attempts to tell is giving the wrong message. Why another film is in development is beyond my comprehension.
Damien (2016)
Psychological and Dark Modern Take on the Classic Film, "The Omen"
Damien" is one of my favourite series. I do not understand all the negative reviews from critics and average viewers combined! Bradley James' acting ability is what prompted me to watch this show. Plus, I am a fan of the psychological suspense and horror genre. James portrays Damien so well. If you watched "The Omen," you'll remember that Damien was a dark-haired, pale, skinny boy with piercing eyes that gazed into your soul. Though this show portrays Damien as blonde, handsome, and muscular, the original child Damien from the original film came to life in this version of the story of a grown-up Damien. Bradley James is *that* talented of an actor.
The show is not politically or religiously correct, unafraid to bring to life the damning and terrifying entity in Christianity, "The Beast." If you are a Christian, you must watch it with a grain of salt. You mustn't take it too seriously. I am a Christian, and initially, the show sort of brought out the reality of Hell and Judgement Day. I was not sure it was quite up my alley to continue watching. However, after the pilot, I watched the show without taking the religious aspects too seriously and ended up enjoying it very much.
The Liberator (2020)
Well-Done War Drama Series - Try Not to Judge the Animation
"The Liberator" is a war drama miniseries that tells the story of the U. S. Army 157th regiment E Company during World War II. It is primarily animated, but filming was a mix of live action and animation, probably due to budget constraints. It takes a good 20 minutes to become accustomed to the animation, but it is very well-done. The filmmakers make a huge effort to ensure the animation resembles the actors. Sometimes, you forget there is animation at all!
The story of "The Liberator" follows the 157th's 500-day combat trek through Italy, France, and Germany. The E Company is composed of white Americans, Mexican-Americans, and Native Americans, who could not mingle back home, but are put together into a single regiment during the war. Their brotherhood is shown to overcome racial barriers that remain back in America.
Bradley James' acting ability is incredible. I know him from "Merlin" and "Damien." You forget he is actually British because his American accent is astoundingly portrayed. If you've seen him in other shows, you know he is a talented actor because he really makes you buy into the character. You forget it is all acting.
Although it is told from an American standpoint, the last episode does its best to show that even American soldiers could commit violent and unforgivable acts. The show depicts that war changes everyone, and sometimes, not for the better. The animation does not take away the emphasis on the atrocities of war, in my opinion.
I highly recommend this short series if you like to watch war dramas that focus on brotherhood, sacrifice, and the harshness of war.
A Fabled Holiday (2022)
Unique, Feel-Good Halliday Film (No pun intended, lol)
"A Fabled Holiday" is an adorable story about two people, Talia and Anderson, who reunite after nearly 30 years apart. They grew up as best friends until Talia moved away. In the present, Talia owns a bookstore of her own but dreams of becoming a professional author. Anderson is a doctor, but his career has taken an emotional toll on his well being due to recently losing a patient in a procedure.
Without delving into the details too deeply, Talia, Anderson, Diane and Keith (a couple struggling to keep their marriage), and Charles (a lonely widower) all "coincidentally" arrive at the Gingerbread Inn in a town called Wunderbrook. The town and its townspeople are meant to lift the spirits of all these individuals for the holidays. Gradually, Talia makes connections to her experiences in this town to an old classic book she read in her childhood with Anderson and her dad.
One major thing I really enjoyed was the film's inclusion of more main characters in addition to our two leads. The magical town storyline was unique from many Hallmark films. The film's theme not only included romance. It also included various lessons, such as the importance of being with loved ones during the holidays and working through conflict head-on. I enjoyed watching Ryan Peavey and Brooke D'Prsay, as they had wonderful chemistry.
Overall, this cute Hallmark film will lift your spirits. Watch it with your loved ones while sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace. Great job, Hallmark !
Medici (2016)
Medici to the End !
"Medici" may not have been 100% historically accurate, but it is a realistic dramatisation of a powerful Florentine family during the height of the Renaissance period. My favourite seasons were 2 and 3. My favourite characters were Giuliano and Clarice. Giuliano, despite his seemingly careless manner, is loyal to his brother Lorenzo to the death. Clarice tries her best to be more than just a wife and mother. She wants to demonstrate her ability to counsel Lorenzo on political or religious matters. Her death near the end of Season 3 was really tragic. She believed in Lorenzo, but died knowing that their young daughter was to be sent off to marry Pope Innocent's son. Despite this, I really like the way women were portrayed in this show, especially in Season 3. Clarice does her best to insert herself into family political and economic matters. My favourite portrayal of women was the character Caterina Sforza. She is Riario's wife, and successfully involves herself into political matters, eventually setting up her own husband's assassination. Riario treated Caterina with disrespect (common for women in this time), but Caterina eventually uses her wits to outsmart him.
Additionally, the show wonderfully portrayed the toxicity of the interwoven aspects of politics, religion, wealth, and commerce. Though the Medici are the "heroes" of this show, we must understand that the story is told from their perspective. Of course, the Medicis will be the heroes of their own story. They only did what was best for Florence, which in their case, what was best for the Medici was best for Florence. Lorenzo claims that he did everything, including agreeing to send off his very young daughter to marry the pope's son, "for his family." In response to this, Clarice says "A family built on what? Lies, corruption, what else Lorenzo?" In this scene, we reflect on Lorenzo's changed demeanour after Giuliano's death. He is willing to do anything to "protect" the status of his family, which includes bribing cardinals in Rome to make the desired cardinal pope. He sends off his son, Giovanni, to become a cardinal, hoping Giovanni will become pope someday. This combination of family loyalty and politics was a blessing and a curse for the Medici. I truly enjoyed this series. Cheers.
365 Days: This Day (2022)
Finally the Female Gaze and Emotional Intimacy !
My initial thought after watching this film was: "This was directed primarily by a woman." It was so much better than the first ! Why this one has the lowest ratings is beyond my comprehension. The "music video" cinematography is perhaps the weakest aspect. There was probably only a page of dialogue for all characters combined, lol. However, the film almost completely rids of the male gaze and toxic masculinity undertones. You can tell this film was primarily directed by a woman. The camera shots on Laura's pleasure were clear. It focuses on her experience, not Massimo's. There wasn't a single BJ scene ! Also, it shows a bit more chemistry between Laura and Massimo. She is laughing and smiling with him. We even get a small, but significant smile from Massimo. Additionally, it shows Laura and her friend Olga having fun at fancy restaurants and clubs ! This is good ! The writers finally realised that women like buildup and emotional intimacy.
Nacho brings some more conflict and plot to the film. However, he's not a bad guy at all. He is more emotional than Massimo. Which is why I am #TeamNacho. His name may be ridiculous, but he is gentle and compassionate, unlike Massimo.
Besides the excessive use of music and the cheesy film archetypes (love triangle, evil twin, etc.), this film was decent. I was not uncomfortable in any of the scenes. My rating was 5/10 because it is not a quality film in a general sense. You cannot take it seriously. It was entertaining, not rape-y, and showed more emotional buildup than its unfortunate predecessor.
365 dni (2020)
Unromantic and Unearned
"365 Days" portrays the "Beauty and the Beast" archetype in the worst, most rape-y way possible ! Massimo kidnaps Laura. The worst scene was when he ties her up in his hotel bedroom, touching and licking her without her consent. This made me uncomfortable. And then, all of the sudden, she falls of his yacht and initiates sex after he saves her?! The entire relationship was unearned. There was no chemistry or buildup. Within a matter of minutes, it shifted from Laura's complete disgust towards Massimo to her being in love with him. Therefore, it glorifies and romanticises Stockholm Syndrome and sexual assault. Additionally, the film had a strong male gaze. Massimo's pleasure was emphasised more than Laura's. We have thorough scenes to depict this, including the scene on the aeroplane with the flight attendent, showing Massimo forcing a woman to please him. Again, that goes back to the rape-y-ness of the film! It twists our idea of consent into something toxic. The historically "no means no" mindset is incredibly harmful. "Well, that flight attendant didn't say no, or scream for help" is not a good way to think about consent. She was clearly uncomfortable ! I could continue on and on about this ...
Another negative thing about the film was the lack of emotion and vulnerability in Massimo. The only emotion Massimo portrayed was anger. Men can be vulnerable, but throughout the film, it only shows Massimo's anger. For some reason, men think women only like the brooding, angry, and "tough" attitudes in men. However, I am a woman, and I do not think that is attractive in real life... I like when men can be vulnerable! When men express happiness and sadness, it shows character.
For this to have been even remotely acceptable, they needed to flesh out the chemistry and emotional intimacy between Laura and Massimo before their first consensual sexual encounter. Show scenes of Massimo gradually becoming less like a "beast" and more finding the "beauty" in romance, compassion, and love. There was none of this.
Overall, the film had a toxic way of storytelling, from glorifying Stockholm Syndrome and sexual assault to only focusing on the male gaze. I hope the next film will be better. We need a woman to clean this up! At least the scenery was beautiful.
Sex/Life (2021)
Dramatisation of a Real Life Issue - Midlife (Sex Life) Crisis
I truly fail to understand all the bad reviews! I watched this show with my best friend and we loved it! I understand, potentially, that perhaps this show rides a bit on the "glorifying toxic relationships" road. However, it portrays a real issue that many women in their midlife experience. The issue is: "Can you have it all?" Can you be wealthy, have a loving husband with a high-paying job, live in a beautiful home in the suburbs, care for adorable children, while also having spontaneous adventures and a fulfilling sex life ? That is the question that this show tries to answer. Many who encounter the show may just roll their eyes and think "Ugh, this is just another sex show for unsatisfied single women to indulge in their fantasies." But it is so much more than that!
I also think it was interesting that they wrote Cooper and Brad both as wealthy men. I think the writers wanted to ensure that they controlled for money because many of us would have chosen the wealthy partner. They wrote both men as wealthy to ensure that the main focus of the show answered the "Can you have it all?" question. Perhaps if Brad or Cooper were poor or middle class, she would have stayed with the wealthier man. Idk ...
Anywho, the show makes the audience think about marriage more seriously. We need to consider that we may not be able to have it all. We may think that our partner can provide us with everything we need. "We don't need anyone else, just the love of our life!" The show is trying to tell us that our partner cannot fulfil all of our needs. We need other people and other things in our lives to make up for the part that our partner may not be able to fulfil. It's the 80-20 rule, a rule that says your partner can provide 80% of your needs and wants, but you must find the remaining 20% elsewhere.
Finally, in the season 1 finale, we are led to believe that Billie has found 100% in Cooper. She is seemingly happy and satisfied. However, at the very end, she runs back to Brad! We did not expect this, but it answers the show's question. Billie could not have it all.
Thanks for reading.
Portrait de la jeune fille en feu (2019)
Beautiful and Emotional French Period Film With Amazing Chemistry Between the Two Leads
"Portrait of a Lady on Fire" is one of the best films I've ever seen. The film was all about the "fleeting" moments and emotions of falling in love. You could tell both characters were falling in love by the way they gazed at each other. It sort of reminded me of my own experience of falling in love with someone. It is not a typical romance film because it only focused on the beginning stages of a romance - the "euphoric" stages of a relationship. In a way, the time that Marianne and Héloïse spent together was a euphoria within itself. A good 5-6 days of quality time without anyone telling them what to do is surely euphoric, especially for this time period.
Although this film did have a few archetypes of a typical lesbian romance film, it stood out to me because of its immense focus on the interactions between Marianne and Héloïse. Many of these lesbian romance films show a bad husband/boyfriend figure, while in this film, it barely had men in it. The male figure (Héloïse's soon-to-be husband) wasn't even shown - just mentioned a few times. We didn't even know his name. I believe this was done to emphasise the focus on the romance between her and Marianne. It focused on them alone instead of the overarching patriarchy that seems to be in every other lesbian romance film. There obviously is a patriarchy, but it is not the main focus of the film. You also become hooked to Marianne and Héloïse, interested in their every move. You want to learn more about their respective backstories.
The film is slow-paced, but intriguing at every minute. The acting was outstanding because the actresses had exhilarating on-screen chemistry. You could tell because you so badly wanted them to be together in the end. They have a great understanding of each other. It's more than just a script that tells you they're falling in love. It's movement, gaze, expression, and passion. I found it interesting that there wasn't any orchestra music score behind certain scenes. You could clearly hear the sounds of walking across the floorboard, the waves crashing on the rocks, and the deep breathing each time Marianne and Héloïse got close to each other. The photography and scenery was beautiful and bright. The cinematography and angles of the characters' faces and movements were in-depth and not objectifying at all. Even though the film is set in the 18th century, it very much felt modern, as if the director was trying to show that the complexity of this forbidden romance story is still very much a reality today. It's more than a story about falling in love. It's also about the memory of a person whom you fell in love with.
Although Marianne and Héloïse did not end up together, you could tell in the final scene that their love for each other will prevail and last. Even if they couldn't be together, they could remember each other forever. Marianne has an image of Héloïse through various drawings and the final painting. Heloise has the memory of Marianne on page 28 in her book. I watched this film so many times. I highly recommend it if you want something that stands out.
Matching Hearts (2020)
Taylor Cole + Ryan Paevey = Perfect Match
I know Hallmark movies are supposed to be cheesy and unrealistic, but I loved this film regardless! Taylor Cole and Ryan Paevey have an immense amount of on-screen chemistry together. The way their characters interact and gaze at each other is hard proof. The story was light-hearted and family-friendly. The setting was adorable and made the story even more romantic. Also the dogs are adorable! I would recommend this to everyone. I hope to see more Taylor Cole and Ryan Paevey films!