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Ally McBeal: The New Day (2002)
Of course, nobody has anything to say about that episode.
Well obviously I do. What were writers thinking? They introduced us to this case, where a woman lied about her health condition on her job interview, to an employer who was searching for seven plus years associates, and the moronic jurors rewarded her for her deceitful behavior? Being sick or dying doesn't give you the right to hold back informations that might jeopardize your work condition. What a terrible message... And I'm disappointed Raymond didn't stick to that on his closing arguments, that instead sounded like a desperate attempt at emotional blackmail. Seeing Ally being catapulted into adulthood feels weird, too weird even. But it made for comical moments. John left, and thank god for that. That little troll was becoming unbearable... The « we hate Nelle » thing the show has going on now, is getting old as well. It makes the other characters look bad and I'm just counting episodes until Ally decides to move from this toxic environment with Maddy.
Ally McBeal: One Hundred Tears (2002)
Back to the true roots of the show.
Things strayed a lot lately, they got a little too preachy for my taste even. And John Cage's latest heartfelt speeches sounded hollow and completely out on left field. Still no explanation as to where all of those characters went, but maybe I'm overthinking things here... « One Hundred Tears » was an episode closer to the whimsical world of Ally McBeal, I was often drawn to the most. The legal case wasn't about someone suing someone else, because this person made him/her feel discriminated, so I get the confusion. But about another dreamer crossing Ally's path, on her way to settlement. Both share the same dream of flying apparently, and I think it was a cute callback to how the heroine behaved since the pilot episode. The title of the episode is also one to a song used both there and the early years of the show. The musical guests change so much this year, I'm with Ling having a hard time keeping track of those, but this new format eventually grows on you. And on the plus side, more singing. The new dynamic settles with the introduction of Ally's new home and love interest (Jon Bon Jovi) right before her daughter (Hayden Panettiere) bursts into her life. Twelve episodes left...
Ally McBeal: Fear of Flirting (2001)
Jenny's closing argument was spot on.
And all of today's cry babies should learn from it. What is today's feminism? Except the extension of a sheltered and short sighted generation who can't cope with their own inconsistencies? Like I said in my series review, I feel blessed to have grown up in a time where people could argue in a sane and rational manner. And shows that used to air on TV, were an extension of that « existential crisis ». Wether the other person want it or not, these were the true progressive times. Nothing was forced upon anyone and there was still room to second guess what was suggested by the media...
As far as the episode is concerned, it's the first one this season I enjoy. The new male leads are Billy clones, no way around that. One is « boring » Billy (Glenn) and the other is « chauvinistic pig » Billy (Raymond), and once again, at the risk of shocking someone with my complete disagreement, that's what killed the ratings. Viewers clearly did not want a watered down version of the original, and I share the sentiment. That being said, the trial was the highlight of the whole episode and indeed highlighted most of today's issues, which once again showed how ahead of its time « Ally McBeal » could be. So what are you complaining about?
Ally McBeal: Judge Ling (2001)
Long live Claire Otoms.
If it wasn't for some characters, I would flat out hate those early episodes of season 5. After Larry understandably ran for the hills, after Ally embarrassed him in public for centuries to come (and wasted delicious whipped cream for the whole restaurant), the show was back to square one. Last season finale was bittersweet, and the next year the whole story would be reset with brand new characters, all the while leaving others behind, without giving any explanation to their whereabouts. At that point at least, writers didn't. The premiere is so creatively bankrupt, it feels like it wouldn't end, and I'm always surprised to notice it's not a two hours episode each time. The episode that follows however, tried to establish something, and make you care for the new characters, without making them sound too much like clones of the old ones. Liu's departure from the show was the big talk of the season, and it's a good thing she left so early on, because nor her or her character seemed happy to be here anymore. Even Ally's colleagues look like people ready to move on from her « world » now. And not acknowledging Renee's absence, after being here all the time, makes this season even worse than you imagined. No more Vonda Shepard performing live either. Even Ally's psychic abilities couldn't predict that... And Regina Hall? What is she even doing in the show? She was Larry's secretary for god's sake, aren't there any other law firms in Boston? Bless Miss Otoms gastric reflux, it clearly translated how day one fans felt about the final season...
Ally McBeal: Hats Off to Larry (2001)
Goodbye Larry...
This Ally and Larry thing, was dead in the water since the beginning. Who would think a guy who has an ex wife, and a kid with his ex girlfriend, would offer Ally the fairytale ending she's been waiting for? I know offscreen drama was the reason for the Harry character's departure, but even still, the way he was introduced in the show, meant he wasn't there for the long haul. Something in the show died when Billy collapsed in that courtroom. Hate it or not, he was Ally's it. The only one who could love her in spite of her, and his and Georgia's departure, completely changed the course of history, for more or less satisfying results. Aside from Ally and Larry, the only couple that really stood out this season was John and Melanie, but even they weren't clearly endgames. Ling and Richard's relationship got stuck in a rut, and you don't even know if they are really together anymore. That being said, I wished all homophobes would be like Richard Fish. He clearly has his biases about everything, fishisms like he loves to call them, but unlike people who gets offended about everything he says, it never comes from mean spirited bigotry. Mark and Cindy was an interesting couple, but I'm fine with how their fleeting romance ended. Nelle and that flamenco dancer (played by Chayanne) romance plot, was a weird way to cater on another demographic... As good as season 4 is, there's still this unpleasant feeling of having random storylines shoved into the script, for whatever requirements, and I'm still baffled when I see people saying how badly the show aged. On the contrary, it was (for better or worse) very ahead of its time and (like the ruling of the judge showed) realistic with its societal assessments. Great soundtrack as usual. Maybe it's because one of Ally's love interest left, but they once again used one of the best tracks of each official CDS there.
Ally McBeal: Buried Pleasures (1999)
One of my favorite Ally McBeal episodes.
I know it's tacky, and done during the « lesbian kiss on TV » craze. But they handled it cleverly. I've always wondered if Ally was bisexual or at least bi-curious, when the show was airing in 1999, so choosing to address that after she had a steamy affair with a future groom she barely knew, was logical plot wise. To satisfy her curiosity with Ling, was as unexpected as it was rewarding. It brought them closer together, as friends, but also showed what great chemistry the two actresses shared. The way the characters looked at each other at the end of the episode, was anything but innocent... That being said, I'm not disappointed writers never addressed their attraction again. It gives their fleeting moment of intimacy more realism and meaning. On the other hand, the case Billy and Renee were disputing, was once again about women feeling ugly and rejected, and blaming it on other more attractive ones... I loved the back and forth between the two lawyers, when Renee was defending hers and Ally's honor tooth and nail, but I prefer when they eventually put their differences aside and win the trial... I remember thinking the episode where Ally was fighting for her right to wear short skirts in court, was ridiculous. But in this particular case (and others before it) I can't help but root for the defendant, for not turning their « battle » into a political outcry. Even Renee's closing arguments, was simply about some women being more charismatic than others, and the way they dress has nothing to do with it... The part with Nelle and John was funny, but clearly showed how mismatched they can be. Season 3 was off to a great start, and I even think (Billy's death aside) it's the kookiest the show ever was. But it is also the year two cast members decided to leave, and the awkwardness shows each time you rewatch those episodes.
Ally McBeal: Being There (1998)
I love the show, but this episode was a joke.
Renée is very troubled, which is funny because she keeps taunting Ally about her mentally unstable behavior. She should've had her license revoked for teasing a man like that, almost sexually harassing him, and going kung fu fighter on him, because what? He didn't see her mixed signals (and predatory attitude) were triggered by a childhood trauma?... That other user who talked about attempting rape needs to see a shrink asap. I am sick and tired of crazy people blowing everything out of proportion, and justifying their unhinged behavior by blaming it on others. But in Ally McBeal's case, and other shows of that era, it wasn't something to be celebrated. Ally's reality check to her near the end, was so spot on and saved the episode for me. This and the humor and musical bits were a delight. But Cage's closing argument and the sentencing were a big let down, because if the roles were reversed, the man would have indeed had his career ruined, and the bad reputation that goes with it.
Grotesquerie (2024)
I think I know where they're going, and I'm not liking it.
In fact I wish it were Lois dreaming the whole thing, after she gets stabbed by the nun. But I'm sure it's not, and that the cult of men is behind the killings. Which would be ridiculous. Ryan Murphy seems to be haunted by his work on America Horror Story lately, so much so that all his newest creations are mare variations of the world he envisioned for the AHS series. Juste like Ratched before it, Grotesquerie can be seen as part of it, and you can't tell it getting a second season either, because the story is pretty much done with at that point as well. The lead actress's choice is its biggest mystery though. Niecy Nash is not bad, she just wasn't the best choice for the show. I thought her comedic aura could be bothersome for the eerie and heavy atmosphere it was going for, and that her dramatic timing's a bit off near the end. But maybe the bad writing had something to do with it too... Apart from a couple of supporting roles, I didn't dislike the other cast members. I was even nicely surprised by some of them, which thankfully helped elevate Nash's awkward demeanor. Unfortunately, the more you get into the episodes, the messier the story gets. And all the thought provoking stuffs are like water off a duck's back... It's very similar to « Ratched » in that sense, and I'm pretty sure it will meet the same fate.
Maybe Murphy should stick to make sense of the whole AHS seasons, instead of dispersing himself like that.
Pretty Little Liars: Pilot (2010)
Back when the series had a promising future ahead.
Re-watching the pilot episode after fourteen years, brought me back to that excitement I felt, when I couldn't know how terrible it would get. And even then, the show showed signs of weaknesses. The episode felt rushed, characters weren't fleshed out hard enough, and seemed to be there just for the sake of drama. The casting was good though, and I love spotting all the actors I used to know, and grew to love all these years. But the weirdest thing is, everything about the show (and the pilot episode) was good, except « A ». Counting out how convoluted this plot got over the seasons, it seems that it was too simplistic to keep viewers invested all this time. Without having so few characters keeping so many (more or less interesting) secrets... And looking back, it is frustrating to know creators couldn't foresee how tiresome it would get, and more importantly, how « resuscitating » Alison would destroy everything the first episode build. It's not a bad first episode per se, it's a decent introduction to the PLL universe even, with good production value and a soundtrack that is close to perfection (and remains unchanged since the first airing). Only a more thoughtful writing would've given the story more depth, and prevent those plot holes I've spotted throughout (and beyond). And the saddest thing is, it made the story look far more exciting and logical than it actually is, with Aria's mysterious return, Hannah and Mona becoming popular, Emily and Spencer's hidden faces and Ali's corpse resurfacing after this one year hiatus. Instead of trying to rush into this Desperate Housewives meets Gossip Girl thing, maybe they should've just taken more time to develop the protagonists, their world, and what made them different from what we've already seen in other (teen) dramas, too. And judging by what I already know, « The Jenna Thing » and what follows simply emphasized that...
NYPD Blue: The Backboard Jungle (1996)
Awful episode. A cringe fest through and through.
I usually enjoy cop shows, but NYPD Blue is not doing it for me. The characters are obnoxious and act unprofessional throughout, the side stories are like they were taken from a daytime soap, and very few of the cases caught my attention so far. But now that I've seen this episode, I can officially say this show is clearly not for me. I've sensed the preachiness all along, but boy, this time they just went for it head on. And what's most ironic, is that they just conveyed the wrong message with it. This episode, alongside others tackling the « racial issues » in American shows, only add grist to the mill of people reluctant to living amongst « different people », if you can't use certain words (in response to someone else's provocative remarks) without causing a public outrage. The failure of western society, right there in front of us. Don't bother.
Oz (1997)
What an incredible show...
I mean, even the bad was good. Even the things I find off-putting in other series, had redeeming qualities there. Of course it still isn't enough for me to give it a 10, or a 9 even, but I've had a great time (re)discovering this show. I was literally immersed in the lives of all the prisoners, who are despicable people, doing awful things to each other, in the confines of a high security prison. So imagine what they would be capable of doing, out there in the « real » world... Well we did see what they were capable of, each time a prisoner was introduced by the narrator, Augustus Hill. And regardless of that, I was taken by their stories, and those characters I didn't like or thought had no redeeming qualities got offed at one point, which I appreciated. Of course there's the big bad, Schillinger, but he was fascinating, both in the way he was written and portrayed onscreen. And the most ironic thing about him, was that he was one of the few inmates who went to prison trying to protect the lives of someone else's. Of course there are other characters I liked like Hill (who was the first of many « inner thoughts » characters in a TV drama), Saïd (even though I hated him at first, and we never actually knew why he got arrested), and the irresistible duo, Busmalis and Rebadow, or the O'Reilly brothers, whose love for each other, was one of the most compelling relationships in the show. There's also Beecher and Keller, who were my « days of our lives » moments between all the killings and violence, and Alvarez, who was probably the only one who truly grew from his experience in Em City. I know that he did awful things, unspeakable things even, but he's still the character whose arc throughout the series felt like a true spiritual journey, which helped him learn his lesson. I was bummed when Glynn was written out and Querns took over, but he also learned his lesson, and left his racial biases behind apparently... I have nothing against the « teachers » but some of them preachiness, political correctness even, really got on my nerves sometimes, because the more they were trying to do « the right thing » the worst it got for everyone involved. And the way dr. Nathan began to have a crush on Ryan O'Reilly, was just too weird (even for me). I also thought the last couple of episodes felt rushed, but for all that, the way the series ended didn't feel unfulfilling. I wished I saw how the relationship between Alvarez and Alonzo developed, only it's clear it wasn't the writers priority. Speaking of which, the writing could get soapy sometimes, but nothing too extreme either. The actors however... I have absolutely nothing bad to say about either of them. They were all outstanding, and those characters that would look cartoonish in other shows (I'm looking at you « Orange Is the New Black »...) were perfectly brought to life by their brilliant performances. I had a pit in the stomach knowing the end was approaching, but like I said, the final was worth it and didn't make me regret anything (except Chris's death maybe). More than twenty years later, the verdict is clear: as entertainment as « Oz » was, the questions it raised throughout the episodes, still remain and nothing has really changed since. In fact prison was stripped of its deterrent image, and some even take pride in staying there, when it should be the opposite. At least when they do, because opposing to what is described in the series, the law became more lenient depending which background criminals come from. So how would the show look like today? Personally I'm glad it « didn't age well », because it also helped assessing how things went wrong with this particular topic, and society in general. And now that I've seen all the HBO series I wanted, I'm putting this one at the top of my list, and highly recommend it to anyone who's reading my review, hoping it didn't spoil too much for them.
Faking It (2014)
Destroyed by years of woke propaganda on TV.
I used to think that the show was bold and original. And loved it until the end, I was even disappointed when it got cancelled. Only ten years later, I couldn't bring myself to go past the pilot episode, thanks to decades of far left lobbying on TV and cinema. This bludgeoning of biases and closed minded speeches resistant to nuanced opinions, ceased to destroy the appeal these special and unconventional topics, used to justify for me. Today shows like « Faking It » are commonly and the dialogue and humor make you cringe with its lack of vision. They criticize everything that doesn't float their boat and turn into nasty political score settling, simplistic interactions between stereotypical characters you only see in cartoons. I guess they just got the opposite effect of what they wanted.
The Cell (2000)
All style and a lot of substance too.
I remember this movie not being a huge success back in 2000, and seeing it only once on rented DVDS and never again since. Well I just did, and I loved it. Some of the casting choices like Jennifer Lopez and Vince Vaughn can be off putting to some, but they would be wrong brushing off the movie because of that. Not only were they good, but so were their characters. D'Onofrio could look weird as well in the role of the serial killer, considering he's playing a cop in a popular TV show later, but he pulls it off nicely. Now the futuristic device to enter people's subconscious and dream sequences makes the story stand out the most, but the killer's motive also has some originality to it, and the way he is handled by the heroine is perfectly in line with his psyche (not sure what the horse was doing there, though). There are tiny plot holes, like when the cop figures out where the last victim is held captive, but maybe it's just me not paying attention enough... I was personally impressed by the directing sometimes, the movie has a very thorough aesthetic and beautiful costumes. It still remains another psychological thriller amongst all the other psychological thrillers made, but the uniqueness is such that you can still have a good time watching it and probably find new things each time you do. There's also graphic violence, especially one scene in particular, but unlike some current movies, it is done with taste and has a purpose to the main plot. It feels a little blockbusters-ish around the edges too, but nothing too bad. And the soundtrack includes no Jlo tracks...
Wonderfalls (2004)
You can also see it as a mini-series.
So many good shows were canceled after one season back in the day. If I'm not mistaken, Wonderfalls was cancelled the same year North Shore, Tru Calling and Point Pleasant were, which goes to show how inconstant Fox was, and still is by the way. I know another show did the same thing at the same time, but Joan of Arcadia didn't have Wonderfalls unique tone and snappy humor. Both shows were about a young woman who helped people through God's advices, but unlike Joan, these requests manifested in the mouths of animals shaped objects for Jaye, not people. Which made her mission all the more comical and original. The show could also tackle important issues, but never in the dramatic, borderline preachy way JOA did. I like both shows, but Wonderfalls is the one that aged the best I think, and the whole cast is a treat to watch onscreen. Apart from the pilot episode, which I find a little slow to settle, I loved all the episodes, especially the one with Rue McClanahan, which is my favorite of the series. It ends with Jaye getting her (maybe) happy ending with Eric, but I still wished there was at least one more season to carry on the adventures with her. The DVD version didn't change a lot of songs and the ones that were, don't sound too bad. So in that sense, it also has my preference over the other show mentioned earlier. Try to catch it somewhere, it is really worth it and Caroline Dhavernas is great in that role. All her roles actually, but in this one, she gets to show her comedic skills more.
Grey's Anatomy: This One's for the Girls (2024)
Like watching paint dry...
I was curious to check this episode, because someone posted it online, and I wanted to see how the show was doing after all this time. All I can say is, end it. Don't think, just do it, because this isn't Grey's anatomy anymore. It feels like a weird spinoff series with cheap production and old cast members who are still in the show for god knows what... In each of the Teddy/Owen scenes I kept wondering what was the point of having them around. All of the « old » cast members feel ill-timed actually. And after reading some users complaining about the stupid dialogue lately, after the out of left field « feminist » rant midway the episode, I feel their pain... The new interns are still as dull as I left them years ago. I can't think of one I liked or thought had an interesting thing going. Or good medical case to solve. The medical cases in this show became so anecdotal you wonder why it even takes place in a hospital, or if this completely different looking building wasn't moved to LA. The doctors in charge are inexistant and seem to be working at a different place even. And when it comes to the romance and sleeping around, the couples are like watching two cousins kissing. Even gay sex got boring and conventional in « dems anatomy » apparently. And none of the music placements felt inspired. So they think Sophia Bush can save this train wreck? Good luck with that...
I don't know how I went from 1 out of 7 to 0 out of 6. But maybe the website has an explanation for that? I'm kidding, of course they don't. This website is rigged and ran by trolls anyway...
Veronica Mars: Years, Continents, Bloodshed (2019)
How to destroy the Veronica Mars brand for good.
There's only one explanation to how dismal this fourth season is: the creator and everyone else involved in the project, wanted out of said project. And they've succeeded at making it as unpleasant as possible, it was so unwatchable, I was hoping for the show to be put down quickly. And it was, oh how bad it was... First the characters, including our beloved lead (anti) heroine, got obnoxious and cynical in the most pathetic and unfunny way. Or simply boring when they weren't. Their dialogues were trying to be edgy, using foul language in a very obvious and falsely unapologetic manner, and to top it all off, each of the situations they were put through throughout the episodes, were written according to Hollywood's « modern » standards. You know, This far away world where everything and everyone is WOKE, and female characters acting crass all the time, expect to be treated with respect, by male characters who are clearly too stupid to control their urges (violent or otherwise) to get the memo fast enough?... So after episodes of this, bad camerawork (I hate the TV movie format they went with) topped with useless characterizations of fictional people I wouldn't be caught dead hanging out with (and a bunch of random callbacks to the worst season the show's ever had), I had to endure the painfully convoluted and slow investigation of a series of weirdly timed bombings. Obviously, the bomber couldn't be the men hating bartender, because that would be against this revival's crew of talentless writers religion(s)... No, it was actually the hobbit looking guy, I thought since the first episode, would make the perfect cop out for a satisfying and not too problematic conclusion. But at the same time, he got rid of Logan, so he still has my vote. The series ended with Veronica listening to a silly tape of her lost love (wait, didn't she fantasized about Leo, and almost kissed him a couple of episodes ago?) kissing the ground she walks on (during one of his therapy sessions...). Her father finding her replacement in a lovely young lady, who enjoys seeing people getting butchered in front of her (apparently) and the rest of the morale less citizens of Neptune, back to living in this city of more or less acceptable degrees of corruption. Worst spring break ever... By the way, what happened to the chino gang who beheads people for fun? Didn't they also deserve to pay for their crimes? Of course not, they don't own real estates...
Thanksgiving (2023)
Old school slasher of modern times.
This is my kind of slasher. The story is compelling, the characters are well written and the killer's motives make sense. I found he was a little harsh with some, like Yulia (who was also trampled during the Thanksgiving riot), but I think the killer had a grudge against her father too. It's the first time in a long time I got into the death scenes (which brought me back to classics like My Bloody Valentine, I know what you did Last Summer or Valentine) and even found some of them to be suspenseful. I'm so glad of how reminiscent to those post Halloween/Scream slashers this one can be, which is something the genre is missing a lot these days. Granted the gore is tacky, but it's not just gore for the sake of gore, there's tension and the acting is good. Now there's also the weak links like Addison Rae (but her character isn't so central to the story) only this particular ensemble cast worked wonders, and seeing Patrick Dempsey play the killer after we suspected him to be it in Scream 3, was as rewarding as we would've imagined back then. I was a little disappointed by that final jump scare/dream sequence, which I thought would be the killer axing the heroine's boyfriend in half, but I guess the studio preferred this version... The opening scene was crazy and too realistic as well. That's another thing I loved about Thanksgiving, it really captured today's mentalities and poked fun at it in a subtle and relatable way. And after watching all of Roth's movies (including Green Inferno (yikes...), I think this one is my favorite of his and I can't wait for the sequel now.
V (2009)
The ending felt like a slap on the face...
It completely destroyed the little appeal the show had for me. I'm usually not a fan of sci-fi, but I've heard about the original series for ages, and liked the actors, so I settled for this version. All I can say is that it was a so so series, until that terribly written series finale. Didn't creators knew the show wouldn't have a third season, after the mediocre ratings the show got throughout its run on ABC? Or did they do this out of spite to the network? Whichever way you put it, it was a low blow to viewers who've been patient all this time, expecting that a satisfying conclusion would come out of these last few episodes. At one point I even thought it would, when the original series « vilain » tried to dethrone her overzealous daughter and the crowd bowed to her. But they just killed her off, and had the evil daughter exact her plan to colonize earth, with the help of the halfbreed she stole from her parents, who'd just killed her biological father minutes earlier. I won't lie, I was glad Tyler was killed off (because I hated him) but the fact that his mother joined the ultimate anti V force, minutes before the « final bliss » ruined the little satisfaction it brought... And why did the show become so gory all of a sudden? I'm so mad I only give the series one star instead of the average rating, I planned on giving it. That'll teach them for stringing us along like that...
Salem's Lot (2024)
V for vapid, not vampires...
I wished I saw the original version or the 2004 remake with Rob Lowe, even. Instead of this rehashed and terribly written modernization, which is the new trendy word for useless remakes nobody, except the woke fanatics who want to remake everything to suit their own style, even asked for. This one is just as awful, shallow and predictable as the previous modernized versions of old titles we've seen so far. Really, was it a parody of the 1979 original? The script looks as if it was written by a ten year old, the characters are uninteresting and poorly developed, or portrayed even. And the horror is just not there and looks silly most of the time (the monster looked scarier in the TV movies), with a watered down tone you only find in things targeted to kids and teenagers. I even thought I was watching another « Fright Night » remake at one point... Why pick a black kid to play Mark Petrie, instead of the Glick brothers? Why can't Americans stop pushing those stupid agendas in everything they do?! And what was Alfre Woodard doing in this mess? I'm not talking about the other actors, because they were either bad or not utilized enough. I did not even need to know it was made by the same guy who wrote those dreadful IT movies, to know it was. Also, when was the story taking place? Nothing about what was shown onscreen, looked remotely seventies. In fact it could fit to any today's small town setting, where you have hipsters and vegans roaming around, pretending they live in « retro city ». All of this is just so banal and overdone, I wonder if I'll ever enjoy another streaming movie again. Or maybe streaming is just not good at producing stuffs? Either way, I doubt anyone would've paid a movie ticket to see this in cinema, which is the saddest part, because the film was produced by « New Line Cinema ». It's definitely a flop, just as bad as Pet Cemetery prequel and Hellraiser reboot and probably a big disappointment to fans of the novel too.
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993)
The leads chemistry saves the show for me...
I was surprised to hear it was on prime time TV. From the looks of it, I thought this cartoonish tone fitted more a morning show mainly targeted to kids. Even the most ridiculous episodes of the Smallville series had a certain degree of seriousness. Lois and Clark though, is corny and why shows like Charmed became less appealing trying to copy this format... Some might like it, but I've always had a hard time enjoying this show because of it, however since the series was on streaming, I've decided to give it another chance. My conclusion is, season one had the best ensemble cast, season 2 the best episodes (especially during the first half), season 3 is the worst (half of it is barely watchable) and season 4 is the best, because the show was finally bringing interesting goals to the heroes lives and ended the way Superman's story on earth began... Unfortunately, no revival has been made since, and we're still yet to know by whom and why this mysterious baby was sent to The Clark's. Like my title suggests, most of the show's appeal lies in the cast (and guest appearances) and the soft parody of superheroes shows approach it took throughout its run. The writing isn't so great either, but it's just so silly sometimes you don't even mind. It's fluffy, sometimes entertaining and very 90s with those popular TV actors and actresses making their way into some of the episodes. See if you like.
Terrifier (2016)
Obviously not my horror sensation...
But amongst all the dull and self indulgent duds they call horror these days, I find myself more and more intrigued by this franchise. So as I don't do things in order, I've watched part 2 first, and hated it so much, I hesitated a long time before watching part 1. And now that I finally did, I would give it two things: better acting and great tension during some of the key moments. Apart from that, I still thought that the characters acted stupidly throughout and the chase scenes got tedious near the end. Also, I honestly regretted Victoria didn't survive the way all final girls do, but instead was turned into a freak show who takes as much pleasure as Art killing and dismembering people. She really put a fair fight and deserved to come out on top of it. Fortunately for us, we'll have her replacement in the next movies, but the feeling of having an interesting character thrown under a bus for the sake of shock, remains... The gore isn't as heavy handed and shocking as part. 2 as well, which I appreciated more, because it helped make those scenes more believable and be invested in what was shown onscreen. Of course the movie is still a bad exemple on how to make a good slasher movie, with the aforementioned flaws, but at least it's one of the rarest current horror movies that did not make me feel like I was wasting my time watching it. And obviously, the guy who plays Art does a great job portraying it. I think it's a movie everyone (who isn't too squeamish) should watch just to make up their own mind about it and the hype it got over the years.
Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
People who preferred the first movie...
Hated this one, and from where I stand, it's not a guarantee of pertinence. I can't stand the original movie, with its annoying characters and stupid script, it is one of the most overrated horror films in cinema history. « Book of shadows » has more appeal, a story in which events of the first installment are established in a « movie inside a movie » kind of way, which I thought got you into the plot right away. The characters are also far less irritating, because they clearly have issues and it helped sympathize with them and ease into the whodunnit aspect more. The acting wasn't too over the top either, and the way hillbillies were portrayed fitted the narrative. The ending, which I found frustrating when I was seventeen, is in fact very satisfying in a creepy and ironic way. She really got them good... The soundtrack compilation is better than the first movie's as well. It has decent tracks but is missing other bests like « disposable teens », « dirge », « I'm your doggy » and « haunted ». Also, how old are they supposed to be? I always wondered... It's a decent flick, a product of its time but also original enough to be enjoyed years later, without making you cringe like the original and reboot does.
Lost (2004)
The show that redefined « must-see-TV »?
It's my first time watching the whole series, and it took me a month to do so. Back when it was airing on TV, my heart wasn't completely in it, I thought it was boring and I had other things to do, and more pressing shows to watch anyway. So I caught a couple of episodes here and there, and watched most of season 1, 2A and 3 on borrowed DVDS. I won't lie, it's more of a sophisticated nighttime soap than the thought provoking show about the mysteries of life (and death) it wants to be. And I struggled through most of season 4, which is probably my least favorite, and was often bored during the flashbacks in those early seasons episodes. But I stuck around, and I'm glad I did because it isn't as obscure as some (whom I suspect half of them to be Kate & Sawyer shippers, who probably had a stroke watching the series finale) made it out to be... The island is clearly an in-between world LOST in time and space, where the living and the dead can interact, I get that. But I still wished the series showed glimpses of the survivors lives, after they left the island for good... That being said, like most fans apparently, I enjoyed season 5 the most and the fact that the leads became some kind of fallen angels, having unfinished business on « earth » in season 6, before going to the other side, the moment the true hero of the story, Jack, was finally ready to move on (now I understand the striking resemblance between him and his « son »), led to a satisfying conclusion. The series has a very beautiful and logical ending (though a little too similar to the « Sixth Sense » twist?), but I can't say I liked all of it characters either, and was surprised some of them even got to Heaven at the end. But I guess they had their own fan base too... Also, how come everyone could see Jacob at one point, if they weren't dead yet? Maybe they had an explanation for that too, but it probably got lost somewhere when I was trying to follow some of those tedious episodes, that are unfortunately the most off putting trait of the Lost series. All in all it's a decent show, only one that must be watched continuously (and with an open mind) to be enjoyed and understood. Good binge watching everyone.
How to Get Away with Murder: Stay (2020)
Who falls for that third rate sentimentalism?
Oh yeah, Americans do apparently... Where do I start? They've already lost me after the whole incest nonsense, which proved to be pointless in this episode in particular, because Frank could've killed the governor for simply giving the order to murder his estranged mother. Why all the schlock, to have us pity Sam? Even that was for nothing, because he can't be forgiven for things his own wife did... And as far as Annalise winning her trial with that piss poor closing argument, I think writers were simply too busy playing the victim card on her to acknowledge that she was indeed guilty of all charges. On different degrees of course, because it's her little lap dogs who's done the deeds each time. But she was the one who gave the orders, so she alongside the students, should've gone to jail. Or have spent the rest of her life being charged in court. I know she probably wouldn't be the heroine of a show called « How to Get Away with Murder » otherwise, but what does being all those things, have to do with her being an accessory to murder(s)? And why did everyone got on Gabriel's case at one point this season? Each time it gave me an impression of pots calling the kettle black, especially when Olivier accused him of lying and creating drama. Oliver is the most annoying HTGAWM character, and he as well should've been prosecuted for all the things the FBI agent had against him, so him accusing Gabriel of things he does himself on a regular basis, made me despise that little whiny wimp even more. The only sense of justice we'd get out of this final, is seeing some of these awful characters getting shot to death (Frank especially, what a waste of space that guy is...). And others being sent to prison for snitching on each other. But even that wasn't satisfying enough, because it was done in an emotionally manipulative way. And that the overall course of the trial, leading to that particular part of the story, shed a light on the amateurism of all parties involved. To be perfectly honest, I hated the closing scene. The way current shows use last minute flash forwards to end their final episodes with now, is lazy. « Six Feet Under » did it first, and back then it made sense because of its premise, and overall atmosphere. In shows like HTGAWM it simply tells the audience creators were stuck and couldn't find a creative way to please everyone at the same time. But is it really the best way to go, in one in which bad writing made us hate all the characters?
Series ranking: 1, 2, 3, skip the rest, you'll thank me later.
Rachel Getting Married (2008)
The kind of movie that gives me hysterical laughter.
I regret ever liking this movie (youthful mistake I guess...). As far as indie movie goes, it's good. But if you hate indie movies, stay away from this. Bad reviews here are right, it's too self-indulgent and boring, with characters you honestly don't feel sympathy for. Everything in this movie is a joke to me now, the shaky cam, the bad singing and dancing, the outpouring of pathos, the weird facial expressions and overreacted dramatic scenes (the part where Kym's mother punched her always made me laugh, but the one at the hair salon is now my favorite unintentionally funny moment). The wedding in itself, was an ode to globalization of bad taste, which made me hate every second of it. The dishwasher loading contest was also a very weird, random and cringeworthy moment, that was trying to toy with our emotions and failed at it. Frankly, the whole movie did. The only time I got into a « tissue moment » was the part where Rachel was helping Kym dress up. It was sweet, but even that was done in a pretentious way. Watch at your own risk.