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joeymckaywright
Reviews
Ojing-eo geim (2021)
A Small dip at on point, but nerve wracking all the way through
The hype for this series is real. With incredible acting, and interesting dynamics and twists, I was on the edge of my seat almost all the time. The juxtaposition of children's games with horrifying themes was a great choice, and the overall design was top notch, especially the set design and costume design. Not only was it good looking it was memorable.
Lee Jung-jae's performance was top notch, as was the majority of the performance from all main and supporting characters. The only exception here is the VIP's who were unbearably bad. I'm not sure if it was the dialogue or something, but they were just bad in general. There was also one particular plot point that was a little too obvious from the beginning, but no spoilers.
It was all around one of the best shows I've seen. Great writing, acting, design, characters, cinematography, twisty plots, and more.
Production/Cinematography: 5/5
Acting/Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Soundtrack: 4.5/5.
Moon Knight (2022)
Sour ending, but still good overall
For the most part, this series felt like Wandavision- a breath of fresh air. With an interesting concept, exciting cinematography done through the medium of mirrors, great effects, and an awesome depiction of one of my favorite heroes, I really liked this series.
The end was rough though. Over the last 3 episodes, small aspects of the production started to drop in quality, mostly through CGI, but the plot held on. The 5th episode was amazing, and I was excited to watch the last episode, but the last episode was a train wreck.
The pacing was god awful. Nothing left a lasting impression on me, and it felt like they were rushing to tell a story, but the credits rolled at 35 minutes (with about 8 more minutes of credits mind you). It was a bummer, cause most of the series felt meticulously crafted and thought out.
But there were still good things from the series as a whole. I loved Oscar Isaacs in this. His split between the two characters of Marc and Stephen was so convincing, and Ethan Hawke was a compelling bad guy. I really like the majority of this show
Marvel, you have a bad habit of half-assing your endings, and I respectfully ask you to stop being so stupid.
Studio C (2012)
Good family comedy, lots of good fun
This is a real solid comedy show, and it's one that pretty much anyone can sit down and watch. Lots of funny sketches, the later seasons get a bit rough though. But still solid.
The Cuphead Show! (2022)
It has a lot of potential
I love the old cartoons like Betty Boops Snow White because they have such a creepy feel to them. Cup head has always felt similar. But unfortunately, only a couple of the episodes in this show really we're good. Any of the ones with the devil were great, and the graveyard one was awesome. But the rest were just carbon copies of the game. Eh.
The Legend of Vox Machina (2022)
Rough start, great finish
The first half of the show felt so rushed. The pacing was awful, the development was iffy, and I was a little sad. But the second half was incredible. I'm not just saying that as a fan of Critical Role. I'm saying that as a fan of fantasy and animation. The last half was amazing television. The fights were amazing, the animation top tier, the story perfect. Can't wait to see more.
The Revenant (2015)
A survival experience with some flaws
Revenant Review
Production/Cinematography: 3.5/5
Acting/Characters: 4/5
Plot/Story: 3.5/5
Iñárritu's The Revenant is all it's said to be. Visceral, brutal, intense, and shocking. Hugh Glass' story is one I had never heard before, and to me it is a story that rival's Ernest Shackleton's. With the help of Jack Fisk as production designer and Emmanuel Lubezki as cinematographer, the story is brought to life through the performances of Hardy, DiCaprio, and Poulter.
Lubezki's cinematography is unique for me. Often seen through the movie to be more picture-like, it also lends itself to a more gritty feel through handheld filming. This movie is full of great shots showcasing the land around, which lay the setting very well. The designs of set, costume, and more from Fisk do the same.
Hardy and DiCaprio both had incredible performances. Hardy, in my opinion should have won the Oscar, not just cause of his stellar acting, but because his characterization consistently pushed the story forward, while Glass' part of the story, while intense, was a little on dimensional. Hardy also benefited from the support that Poulter gave as Bridget.
Where The Revenant disappointed me was the CGI of the bear attack. I was just expecting better after hearing about it all these years. Combined with some uncanny CGI (at times) and handheld filming that gave whiplash, I wasn't able to focus on what was actually happening to Glass. Maybe that was the goal, to instill some incomprehensible shock in the audience. Instead, it felt like a let down.
There were also writing issues. First, the movie was just too long. This is proof that beautiful cinematography can't always carry a movie if it's not storyboarded and edited well. Glass' adventure, while intense, intriguing, and exciting, became grueling for the audience to watch, not just for Glass. The 2nd act of the movie was dull compared to the 1st and 3rd acts.
Overall, Iñárritu's work is applaudable, but far from perfect. It's a movie I would watch again, but could have been near perfect with some more condensed plot and concise writing.
The Legend of Vox Machina: The Terror of Tal'Dorei - Part 2 (2022)
This is it
The fight scenes were amazing. The plot was much more solid. The animation Was solid. Character design is off the chart. The hype is worth it. I can't wait to see more.
The Legend of Vox Machina: The Terror of Tal'Dorei - Part 1 (2022)
A great start
A very good start. I am looking forward to what comes. It felt they were trying to do a lot of exposition, but it didn't fall flat. Had some great jokes, the animation is simple but detailed, and I'm excited to see what comes.
Primal (2019)
A gripping story with one main flaw
This show is amazing. The art is incredible, and there is great characters and everything. My only issue is this: There was no establishment of anything magical or supernatural or indication of it. Then in the 3rd episode it just kinda appears out of nowhere, and I think that was a pretty serious break in the world. But overall an amazing serious and totally worth the watch. Can't wait for season 2.
Primal: Rage of the Ape-Men (2019)
The main plot is still good
The main plot is still good and I am still invested in the characters, but I am a little bothered that the show is becoming more and more mystical and supernatural when there was no indication of magic in the world in the first two episodes.
Primal: A Cold Death (2019)
Mostly good
For the most part it was a good episode, and the old mammoth character was a great design. I was just a little skeptical of how the mammoths found Spear and Fang after that snowstorm.
Primal: Spear and Fang (2019)
Stunning visual storytelling
A beautiful story of loss only told with non verbal sound, music, and animation. The simple animation conceals within it a complexity that deepens the meaning of the show. The music pushes the story along, and the art brings it to life. Amazing episode.
Star Wars: Visions: Tatooine Rhapsody (2021)
Not the best episodein the world, but endearing
It was a fun anime episode, reminiscent of some of the other works studio Colorido has done. Cheesy for sure.