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gregtrinh
Reviews
Loki: Breaking Brad (2023)
What did I just watch
I have no idea what's going on in this series. The plot seems neglected in favor of disconnected scenes. What's happening? Why are the characters motivated to act in certain ways? Who is everyone? What's this all leading toward? The episode is rather heavy handed at times in demanding that the viewer make an emotional investment, yet without realizing what is at stake this is asking for more than is provided. The chemistry between Hiddleston and Wilson is good and that keeps the scenes flowing. Oddly enough, the script is better written than the storyline itself. Again, what is happening and what is the point in this season? It's not clear and it's not clear why I should care.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 21: The Pirate (2023)
A Return to form for the Mandalorian
Oh, my dear Star Wars fan, you simply must hear about the latest episode of The Mandalorian! It was an absolute triumph, a return to form for a series that had been floundering in tepid storytelling for too long. The action was heart-stopping, the space opera elements were at their most epic, and the tie-ins to the larger Star Wars universe were nothing short of breathtaking.
I cannot begin to express how much I loved this episode. From start to finish, it had me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating what would happen next. The way it seamlessly blended action and character development was masterful, giving us a true glimpse into the motivations and personalities of our favorite characters.
But what really stood out to me was how this episode finally showed us where the series is going. For too long, The Mandalorian has felt like it was treading water, aimlessly wandering from one adventure to the next without any real direction. But this episode changed all of that, giving us a clear sense of purpose and an exciting new destination to look forward to.
And let's not forget about the tie-ins to the larger Star Wars universe. As a die-hard fan, I was practically giddy with excitement at the way this episode wove together elements from across the entire franchise. From subtle nods to classic Star Wars lore to major reveals that sent shockwaves through the fandom, this episode had it all.
In short, if you're a fan of Star Wars, you simply cannot afford to miss this episode of The Mandalorian. It's a true masterpiece of science fiction storytelling, with action, drama, and heart in all the right places. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and prepare to be blown away by the latest adventure of everyone's favorite space cowboy.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Udûn (2022)
Best episode yet!!!
This episode is so good I am rating it twice as highly as the previous one. That's how good it is! That's how great this season is! What a fantastic episode! What a complete masterpiece of epic writing! And what a triumph of production and homage to the memory of JRR Tolkien.
I am not certain we will ever have an episode that surpasses this one - imagine how much better the writing would have to be to exceed 2/10 stars!?
The writers should be celebrated and I expect they will be personally congratulated by the Dark Lord Bizos himself as he contemplates what a billion bucks or so have bought him.
House of the Dragon: Driftmark (2022)
One of the Best
Of all the episodes, of this season so far, and the 8 seasons of GoT combined, this is easily in the top 5.
The first third, at the funeral, was an absolute masterpiece. The editing, camera work, faces and tension. Absolutely remarkable.
The transition from younger princess to older princess has been handled flawlessly as have the motivations and growth arcs of all the characters.
It is fitting that the King has progressed into a minor role, and is unable to contain or control any of the violence or emotions within his extended family. His weakness brought them to this point and there is no recovery.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
A Mixed Bag
Moments of fantastic Sam Raimi combined with hot steaming chunks of woke Disney garbage.
The script is a little slow getting off the ground, and the cameos and cross-overs add very little to the story.
But the final fight brings back great memories of older Sam Raimi flicks - the Army of Darkness and similar movies. Dark humor and comedic horror.
If only Disney could have kept their agenda out of this, it might have been a respectable addition to the Marvel canon. But overall a meh.
Open Range (2003)
Made in the Spirit of Louis L'amour
If you are a Louis L'amour fan you'll love this movie. The story is well told, framed perfectly with a great script and a great cast of actors all around. Only mild swearing, and no profanity or smut. Also a fitting foil to Clint Eastwood's classic "Unforgiven"
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part III (2022)
Good Episode; Writing could be tighter
I thought it was a great episode. This is what I thought the sequels were going to be like - way back in the day. Yes - the writing could be a little better. Shooting the laser gate when a few steps to the right would have been sufficient is a good example of the need to tighten things up. But overall - it's very good. Episode 3 is still more about "Ben" then it is about "Obi-Wan". I'm sure the 6 episodes will present a journey for Obi-Wan. No doubt he'll be the jedi we remember by episode 6.
Moon Knight: Asylum (2022)
Gut wrenching
A great episode and terrific cinema. As other have mentioned, Oscar Isaac knocks this out of the park. But also hard to watch. The emotional level is so strong here. The content, storyline and suffering all to real.
The Expanse: Redoubt (2021)
Endless Space Opera
On the one hand, I feel like I could watch a thousand episodes of this space opera - going nowhere, but in the beauty and the expanse of space and the endless drama between belters, earthers, martians and evolving races past the rings.
On the other hand, there's only two episodes left and the pacing is puzzling. We all remember the tragedy that was season 8 of GoT. In the back of all our minds we see another tragedy unfolding here. Season 6 of The Expanse may not be a let down on the same level, but it's hardly a fitting conclusion or any sort of ending worthy of what the first three seasons of this show promised.
What else is lacking? I miss Alex. The chemistry of the Rocinante is off. Alex isn't doing much this season. Peaches is a good addition and fills some of the void that Alex left, but it isn't enough. I'm less interested in the family drama on the Pella and I miss the tight knit atmosphere on the Roccy.
The show effectively ended last season.
Loki: The Nexus Event (2021)
Episode 3 vs Episode 4
Episode 3 sucked.
Episode 4 was fantastic.
Episode 3 did not have Owen Wilson.
Episode 4 had a lot of Owen Wilson.
There's a pattern here.
More Owen Wilson = Better Episodes
Just give the man his Emmy already.
The Tomorrow War (2021)
Chris Pratt miscast
The movie is mostly mediocre with a few highlights that give off Half Live vibes. Chris Pratt gives a very serious performance with virtually zero humor. His name carries star power and his performance mostly phones it in. He just does it better with dumb humor - whether as Andy Dwyer or Starlord and it's hard to reconcile those great acting turns with this humorless - and depressing - script.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 16: The Rescue (2020)
The last episode was UNBELIEVABLE
45 minutes that easily holds its own with the original Star Wars and may even surpass it
And just a few minutes with Luke Skywalker redeems the entire character from the crap of the most recent trilogy