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Loki (2021)
This show exceeded my expectations in only the worst ways.
If I could give this show zero stars, I would. The characterization made no sense given that this is an established character (one who has almost nothing in common with the version seen in the show); Tom Hiddleston's usually superb acting talents were criminally wasted on this much hammier portrayal. Loki's personality and motivations were both retconned to make him a much duller, less sympathetic villain™ while at the same time, the show did not allow him to appear even slightly menacing at any point. The idea that this same character went toe-to-toe with all six Avengers and nearly won is laughable. When it comes to the other characters, the show attempts, on multiple occasions, to substitute contextless comic book Easter Eggs in place of actual character development. The dialogue throughout the series feels random and stilted. The narrative relies on a tremendous amount of clunky exposition. The humour is cringeworthy and relies almost exclusively on viewers thinking it's funny when the title character (who is strongly other-coded in a number of ways) gets beaten up and humiliated. The fascist time cops are framed as, at best, a necessary evil and, at worst, a genuine force for good. The pacing is awful. Several seemingly important plot points are left forgotten (what happened with all those reset charges in episode 2??). I cannot think of even a single isolated scene in this show that I enjoyed. It was a mess from start to finish and only got worse with every episode. The fact that it's getting a second season is equal parts infuriating and hilarious. Needless to say, I won't be tuning in.
Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of (2015)
Well worth the wait
Interesting, raw, vulnerable. This is not like your typical documentary we see so many artists releasing these days. It is intense. We see the Boys at their best and worst here, and it's impressive how much they elected to share with the world, knowing how exposed to criticism it would make them. This is a true testament to their respect for and faith in their fans. The movie is an insane roller coaster ride of emotions, from joy to regret to explosive anger to immense sorrow. Some parts made me laugh, others made me cry, and still others made me cringe. My feelings were all over the map, and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was enlightening to see where each Boy grew up, how they experienced fame individually, and where it's brought each of them today. My only regret is that the movie wasn't longer, but I very much look forward to seeing the extra footage when they (hopefully) release the DVD in stores eventually. Here's to another 20 years! Great job, Backstreet Boys!