Reviews

A really strong start to a show that I had low expectation of.

The trailers for the show felt poor and I was particularly worried that the Boys brand was being taken in a direction I wouldn't be a fan of. But with Amazon consistently producing the best superhero content in the tv space with Invincible and the Boys, I should have had more faith in them.

Where the Boys was a play on the Justice League/The Avengers, Gen V feels like a play on the X-Men and the school for gifted youngsters. I really like how we're shown a different side of the Boys universe and this is a great way to build the world. I'm a fan of the characters and there's a central mystery that has me invested. Also I'm surprised how many powers we see showcased, more so than the Boys, all of which are visually convincing. I find it funny that people are mad at the character which turns into a boy and girl (they don't understand satire).

Finally a solid episode. I haven't been a fan of the Mandalorian in a while; season 2 wasn't great and the first episode of season 3 had me fearing for the worst.

But this episode perfectly captures what Star Wars is to me - adventure. This is just an all round really well realised episode with planets and environments we have never seen, new creatures and species and characters I've always enjoyed.

Grogu is starting to come into his own with the Mandalorian teaching him about the ways of his people and we see that those teachings come into use and have a payoff.

If this season continues to capture that Star Wars magic, it should be a good one.

Hearing beforehand that there was going to be changes regarding Bill had me a little worried. However, in my eyes these were actually important changes that managed to see a side of Bill that we never saw in the games through the exploration of his relationship with Frank. If they did a one to one adaptation from the game I think it'd hurt the show because games and tv are two completely different media. The Bill section of the game was a move from point A to point B mission to get the car battery and that's fine for the game because it's interactive. But we had that play out in the last episode going from the QZ to the capital building and if it were here again the show could potentially become repetitive with the way it presents it's story. So this was a much needed change.

Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett were really great as Bill and Frank. It was interesting to see how Bill started on day one and to see his progression living through the apocalypse. This episode prioritises the drama over the zombies and it's important to realise that in The Last of Us the drama and characters come first. There was also interesting parallels between Joel and Bill that is mentioned towards the end. Overall really strong episode.

As a kid I never really got into the show, but over the years I have appreciated it more and more and rewatching it now has revealed how truly extraordinary it is.

Firstly, the world building is phenomenal. The four nations are distinguished by their elements and each of the nations is distinct, with different appearances and cultures. Also the way each nation lives makes sense, with the air nomad temples in the skies, the water nation in the poles, the earth nation surrounded by walls and the fire nation having progressed more compared to the other nations, like they're in the industrial era. Character traits can also be linked to the qualities of the element they bend, which I find really interesting. The bending of elements is also so well realised with each bending style being based on a different martial art. When we look at great worlds in shows, such as Middle earth and Westeros; all these worlds feel lived in and there is history to draw upon and Avatar does that really well.

The characters are also great. I love all these characters and each have character journeys that come together to satisfying conclusions. The care of these characters is what makes the show stand out to the rest and that care is maintain throughout the show, right to the very end.

The level of maturity is also what amazes me. Heavy themes are explored throughout the show; war is the basis of the show going so far as to show the genocide of a people. Abuse is also explored in the context of a father and son relationship. These themes are handled with care and really well.

Animation and music are both to the highest level, and I love all the voice casting. Action is also really well executed and realised, where there is so much creativity with the bending of the elements so it never becomes stale. I cannot praise the writing enough, and something to mention is that the show is really funny; the comedy lands like all the time which I find really rare today.

Avatar: the last airbender is a show I can't recommend enough to people of all ages. The quality and the depth of the show still blows me away. Manages to become one of my favourite shows, a close second to Breaking Bad.

Whatever your feelings towards season 8 of Game of Thrones, don't victimise this show for the mistakes of another. House of the Dragon is a chance to revive the Game of Thrones IP; not a cash grab or lazy work but everyone behind the scenes is pouring their heart into this project and it is visible on screen. This first season manages to reach the heights of early Game of Thrones - something I thought could not be done.

The hardest thing for House of the Dragon was getting fans back into the world of Westeros to give it another chance. The creators of the show knew it would be an uphill battle from the get-go. The first episode was phenomenal and got me hooked straight away. And episodes seemed to only get better and better, ending on a finale that sets up the war to come beautifully.

The pacing of the show is one of the strongest things about it; no time is wasted, every scene is vital and pushes the story forward with a building momentum. The events of the story happen over a long period of time and something I was worried about was the time jumps, with actors and actresses changing. But everything is handled so well; of course I'm going to miss Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as Rhaenyra and Alicent, but I have so much faith in Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke who have proved themselves these past 5 episode to carry these characters forward.

The main standout of the show is Paddy Considine as Viserys, who is clearly up for an Emmy win. Matt Smith as Daemon was also really great. The acting across the whole cast is great, which helps complement the really well defined characters they each play. The writing and dialogue are all to the highest standard along with the production design, costume design and soundtrack.

I had so much fun with this first season and if the quality of storytelling is maintained for the future seasons, this could truly be great.

The hardest thing for this show from the get go is having to compete with House of the Dragon, which had the head start with a phenomenal two episodes.

This first episode is decent. The promotion of the show was selling the visuals of the show and they definitely don't disappoint. The way Middle-earth is presented visually is amazing, you really see every dollar that was spent on the screen. There are so many different environments presented here, all of them distinct and memorable. Everything feels tangible and lived. The CGI is seamless which is a huge praise. The costumes, production and music is all to the highest standard. All of this adds to make a Middle-earth that still feels like Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings.

The characters aren't that bad either. Everyone feels distinct and different. My only problem is that the Galadriel we know in Lord of the Rings is nothing like this. If she was called something else I would have no problem but the way she is here is going against all we know. I like the half-foots and the way their community is presented, reminding me of the Shire in the beginning of Fellowship.

I hope we get more from these characters, that's all I'm hoping for.

How have Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould done it? Having one of the best shows out there, Breaking Bad, under their belt wasn't enough; they just had to do it again.

Better Call Saul is great all the way through. Obviously, we were all hesitant of a prequel about Saul Goodman who was really interesting in Breaking Bad, but a show about him seemed too much. It was wrong of me to doubt these creators. Not only does this show stand on its own two feet and able to be it's own thing but it also manages to bring more to the table and richen the world of Breaking Bad. This is a prequel used to its advantage where we are introduced to great new characters and some familiar faces; all used to put together a show that it some aspects is an equal to Breaking Bad.

If you somehow haven't watched it, then obviously watch it if you're a Breaking Bad fan or not. Sad to see the end of this show and the world Vince made. It's been a lot of fun.

The Duffer brothers haven't done anything new, but they don't have to. The show brings together elements we have seen before, but what's important is that the show does them well.

The one word that sticks out to me is fun. The show is a lot of fun. Charismatic characters is what sells the show; the cast is strong across the board and the writing helps compliment each of them. The Duffer brothers know how to write fun characters, which are sprinkled across the seasons. The horror element was always something that was to be desired, but I think season 4 has utilised the genre the most.

Visually the show is really strong; the Duffer brother have strong direction behind the camera and I like seeing their style showcased.

There's nothing really major to complain about, only a few nitpicks here and there.

What surprised me was the amount of content and the quality of the content, putting Disney plus to shame.

Rewatching the show has reinforced the greatness of the earlier seasons and pointed out the lack of care that went into the latter seasons.

The bathtub scene with Brienne and Jamie is maybe one the best scenes in the show, next to another in season 3. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is actually phenomenal, revealing a grey area in Jamie Lannister's past and showcasing so much depth to his character. Gives me chills.

We all know how great James Gunn can be, with both his Guardians of the galaxy movies being some of the strongest entries in the MCU. But with Peacemaker this is James Gunn's style cranked to the max, which might not be for the best.

The strongest aspect of the show is easily John Cena; he is fully dedicated to the role of Peacemaker and whenever he's on screen there's always something to appreciate. Peacemaker's relationship with his father is the centre of the show and by the end he has undergone a strong character arc.

The main problem with the show is the writing; the show is trying so hard to be funny and it's borderline unbearable at points. The show does this think where a joke is said and then they beat you to death with that same joke. It's painful to watch at points. Constant references which I just can't stand. Side characters like "dye beard" and Adebayo are unbearable as well (I don't know if it's the performances or the writing that's to blame). Rarely can the show take itself seriously or let a moment breathe. The writing really got on my nerves.

The first episode is somewhat strong and the last episode brings it back up, but that in between was a struggle at points. The show does have its moments in the in between but it's overshadowed by insufferable writing.

The action is great and has energy. James Gunn is a master at choosing appropriate soundtracks and the music here is fitting. The intro is also great.

Maybe the problem is James Gunn's writing doesn't fit a tv show. The central drama and plot is what held me and the show does have a lot of potential. With a tighter script for season 2 there's still hope for Peacemaker.

This is Michael Mando's episode. Phenomenal stuff from him; ranging from tears and genuine heartbreak to pure rage and hatred.

The Jimmy and Kim stuff has me excited and on my toes. Teeming with excitement.

What can I say? I love this show. Easily one of the best shows made in recent times.

A main complaint from people is that there are no likeable characters. That's kinda the point. All of the Roy's are so far gone from the real world, each of them have selfish motivations and step on one another to try and achieve their goals. Kendall even tells Roman that "he isn't a real person". The power dynamics and struggle is what drives the show. However the brilliant thing about this show is that it still manages to make you care about these characters in some way.

Acting is phenomenal across the board. Cinematography, editing, writing and score is all great.

What more can I say? The shows great.

It's everything I hoped for and more. Matt Reeves' Dawn and War of the planet of the Apes are both very well crafted films, but The Batman has solidified his position as the best franchise filmmaker working today.

Rarely are films of this budget made so intricately and with such care. The strongest element of the movie is the filmmaking and style which is phenomenal. Every single frame is gorgeous and deliberate, giving the sense of a clear vision throughout. The movie is edited and paced perfectly. Sound is used so well; the weight of the bat suit can be felt as Batman walks from the shadows. Gotham feels alive and lived in, a city that no matter how hard you scrub and clean will always be dirty. A city submerged in darkness and a never ending rain. I was fully immersed in the movie from beginning to end.

The casting is also great. Robert Pattison has proven himself to be a great actor from "Good Time" and "The Lighthouse"; dare I say he's the best iteration of the Bat. Here Bruce Wayne isn't the playboy, instead his trauma still lingers to the point where he doesn't socialise out of fear of losing people close to him. Bruce Wayne is a natural extension of Batman, but it's all he has. There's even narration, which could easily bring down a scene but it's used so well and puts us in the head of Batman in a way that's not been done before. Robert Pattison's eyes are what make him standout from previous versions of the character, so much weight is felt behind them and every action from him is purposeful. All the supporting cast is great as well; Zoe Kravitz's Catwoman, Paul Dano's Riddler, Jeffery Wright who embodies Jim Gordon and Colin Farrell who disappears into the role of Penguin. Not to forget Andy Serkis' Alfred.

The plot is reminiscent of the work of David Fincher. It's a carefully planned slow burn that's focused on its characters. It defies conventions of superhero movies; it's a small stakes serial killer movie with Batman as the detective and not purely an action movie. Sure there's some actions sprinkled around and those scenes are great, but it's not the focus. This is a take on Batman we haven't seen before and watching the story unfold was such a joy.

My only minor complaint was a tease towards the end that I felt wasn't necessary.

The Batman was a mesmerising experience and showed what a blockbuster can be in the right hands. One of the finest superhero movies I've seen.

A little late to the party and I know this show has been ripped apart for it's last season, which I definitely have problems with. Nevertheless, it amazes me that a show of this caliber was ever made; it's a show that defies all expectation and tropes we are so used to seeing, showing us a truly unique take on a medieval fantasy-like world. This is easily the most popular show out there, changing what a tv show is capable of. There isn't anything like it.

Seasons 1 to 4 are perfect, there's no question about it; seasons 5 and 6 great but having problems. I still enjoyed seasons 7 and 8 because of the characters I'd fallen in love with, each cast member is doing an amazing job and committed to their roles. Jamie Lannister is my favourite character; someone I never imagined caring about in season 1 turned into the most empathetic, complex characters in the show. Season 8 does kinda ruin his character which is such a shame. I couldn't name one bad character in the earlier seasons, they are actually all great. The set design and costume design blew me away; so much effort was put into making this show look great. I can't commend the production team enough.

The show does get progressively worse but I won't lie and say I didn't have a great time with the show and these characters. Dan and Dave did a phenomenal job adapting the books and I wouldn't blame them for the later seasons since they ran out of books to adapt and coming to a satisfying conclusion with so many threads open was an impossible task. In the end this is George's story and was his task to finish the books; he himself is struggling to finish Winds of Winter, and the last book won't be seen in an even longer time. Dan and Dave don't deserve the hate they get; the amount of work and commitment they put in the show each and every season deserves praise. Without them we wouldn't have the highs of the first couple seasons.

Every other aspect of the show remains constantly great throughout - production design, consume design, the score and the acting especially.

The end we have is still somewhat satisfying, definitely rushed but I wouldn't call it bad. It could have been as great as the rest of the show if the writing was better.

I see the problems but goddammit I loved the ride, even if it was a bit bumpy. Breaks my heart that it's all over; the end of an era.

The uncovering of Ymir and her backstory is one of the bleakest things shown in Attack on Titan; it answers a lot of questions that I never even thought about in such an interesting way, never relying on an exposition dump.

Bringing a show with such momentum to a satisfying conclusion is a monumental task and I'm eager to see what will happen.

Not an episode of physical conflict, but one of emotional. The clashing of beliefs of two brothers who look into the past of the one who started it all - their father. I'm still try to wrap my head around the genius of this episode. I can't praise this show enough for how it handles it characters; Zeke and Eren are two fully realised, fleshed out characters who's motivations we sympathise with because we've seen the lives they've lived. Grisha is the root of both of these character's journeys and having them look into his past and into familiar events in a new light was great. Perceptions were challenged, secrets were revealed; I thought I'd seen it all but this show still manages to amaze me.