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sparkythesloth
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The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
Trailer masks Wachowski being egocentric
Look no further for the personal machinations and political views from one half of the duo that brought you The Matrix!
The first 45 minutes of the film allow Wachowski to spin a yarn on how they feel about the Matrix franchise. The movie's later attempt to give the viewer what's happened since Revolutions is a slew of disjointed writing and unfinished narrative.
Suspension of disbelief is hard to form with the lack of subtlety and derivative universe.
The Wheel of Time (2021)
A decent take on the books.
I'm a huge WoT book fan, and while I've already seen a plethora of changes and omissions...I'm still happy to see a rendition on the screen.
So far it's been given a vastly more true tribute than either the Shanara Chronicles or Sword of Truth--both good book series in their own right, but terrible versions put on tv.
Even for my girlfriend (who does not enjoy Jordan's work), she found it an enjoyable show to watch.
Dune (2021)
Elongated Visual Odyssey
I enjoy the extended touch given to House Atreides prior to their arrival on Arrakis. It's a nice update to the 1984 film, although I'd argue many of the performances in that film were stronger.
Some of the CGI / fabricated scenes jar terribly with the actors, but overall beautiful to watch.
Likely the main bane of the films extended length is the plethora of visions into the future that do their best to cliff note the rest of the first novel, while uncertain if another movie will be made to cover it.
Does it pace better than the SyFy network mini series? No. And I'd argue Herbert's first book reads more like Beowulf in pacing of which no adaptation to date has rivaled.
Tenet (2020)
Weak plot. Nice special effects.
It's by far the weakest Nolan film to date. Barring the psuedo-science, one may find difficulty with an Irishman playing a convincing Soviet villan--not for the bad accent, but the weak character motivation and fabricated violence.
The protagonist own motivation for protecting the female lead are equally undeveloped and his own performance likely the worst out of the entire cast.
Treat this like a bond film attempting to presume it has a deep, twisted plot believing its own made up science.
Cowboy Bebop (2021)
Hair dye and wigs galore!
The first episode is fun, towards the end of the second you begin to question the direction and by the third episode you know it's gone past the point of redemption.
It's like watching a group of fans in cosplay attempt to make a web series of their favored anime...but with a sad parody becoming the result.
Outside of the credit sequence, the show even lacks the soundtrack appeal of its predecessor.
Even if you've not seen the anime, you're better off watching another campy Sci fi series.
LARPs (2014)
A series to explain role-playing
The episodes are short, the budget is low and the acting is novice. Despite the limitations of an indie endeavor into film, this is the only representation I have seen of role-playing that doesn't focus upon outsider geek domain or attempt a version of immersive comedy. Instead you are presented with ordinary people enjoying a hobby that tests their commitment to each other and their workplace.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
Watch this instead of Prequel Trilogy!
(Solo, optional) -> Clone Wars -> (Rebels, optional) -> Rogue One -> IV: A New Hope -> V: Empire Strikes Back -> VI: Return of the Jedi -> Mandalorian
All other SW visual film and series should be watched at your own risk as it may introduce characters and concepts that break suspension of disbelief.
The Clone Wars series is a perfect substitute for the Prequels and in my opinion gives far better character development for Anakin Skywalker.
Artemis Fowl (2020)
Weakest Children's Action Movie I've ever seen...
What a wasted budget. Perhaps the movie could be cute & comedic if it was animated, but as a live action adaptation it only exemplifies the weakness of this film.
To add to the many dissatisfied reviews:
Pros:
-pretty sets & scenes
Cons:
-weak acting, character breaks (ex: Mulch assumes his native, non gruff voice while being processed for prison, Juliet's name is called out by Holly while fighting troll--although they've never met)
-failed character attributes (Juliet is proclaimed a proficient fighter, but is ignored much of the home invasion and relegated to fleeing and screaming)
-forced diversity (Foaly's literal prancing)
While I did not read the books, this still feels like a horrid mash of material that fails to convey an enjoyable plot. One can have over the top characters, and they can be well done: Pratchett's films and series like The Watch and Hogfather.
Fitting Disney recommends I now watch A Wrinkle in Time.