Yet another story of the 60s, this time focused on a slice of time in Laurel Canyon. Interesting, but nothing earth-shattering. It was lovely to see how musicians connected, supported, and influenced each other. I'm not entirely certain that the majority of folks are looking back through some SERIOUSLY rose tinted lens, because according to most interviewees it was a lovely and idyllic time for all, until the 70s coke really hit. With the drugs and sleeping around, I can't believe there wasn't more interpersonal drama, but Michelle Williams was the only real focus of that sort of discussion. I'm not buying that it was constant sunshine, roses and creativity.
I really enjoyed this series, and its focus on small town life and politics, gone slightly supernatural. The flawed female lead was a nice break from perfect and perfectly attractive, I really appreciate European shows for the greater diversity for females (not perfect, but much better than the super generic North American leading lady type). The show kept me engaged, and Laurent Capelluto's character provided an interesting counterpoint - he's what prompted me to watch 'Into the Night'.
My only pet peeve is the translation of the title; in French, it means something - an area with no reception, a dead zone. In English, it just ... does not engage. I'm not sure what a better title would have been, likely no one else really cares, but it creates cognitive dissonance when you know the original meaning ;) Petty detail, but still. English title is dull.
Absolutely riveting. Would be interested in reading the short story this is based on 'The Old Axlotl', but would prefer to see where the series takes things first! Full of tension, and worth a watch.
Wow. With such an incredible cast, I had higher expectations. It just felt exploitative and lazy, and as though the script was underwritten. It dragged, and we didn't bother finishing it.
I'm pretty much as white as it gets, so damn it was refreshing to watch a fully Asian cast do their thing. I really dislike musicals, but I felt the musical choices were great for the movie and added an even more specifically Asian dimension (not just, we're making a Westernised movie about an Asian story). There were some throwbacks that reminded me of friend's moms along with some contemporary Western hits. Total bonus - the cinematography was excellent, something I was frankly not expecting in this kind of movie (light rom-com/drama). There were some really gorgeous shots.
While some have noted that the movie is problematic in some ways with regards to representation, I'd love to see more of this kind of immersive, English-language (for the most part) film being made. I'm not a super fan of the overall story, and am usually pretty cynical about the whole 'omg you never told me you're rich! drama ensues, then love conquers most' kind of storyline, but I felt like the movie was fairly solid overall and other aspects kept me engaged (with a bit of cynical eye rolling for good measure).
I'm surprised at the number of positive to almost glowing reviews. While the end is a great twist, I'm not sure it makes up for the rest of the film. Far too long, and the terrible accents were incredibly disappointing and distracting (perhaps, hire an actor that actually speaks the language and can act?!). I never bought Jennifer Lawrence as a spy/ballerina/deadly weapon of the state, it just never felt plausible. With so many incredible movies out, unless you're a die-hard Lawrence fan or Russian-moviephile, don't go out of your way to watch this one.
I really enjoyed this film, but then again, I like a bourgeois, self-important, perma-crisis-impending, overly-introspective with more talking than action piece. The brittle dissatisfaction of most characters and the self observation of even the more unflattering angles are something I enjoy watching unfold on the screen.
This movie made me long for better roles for women. It's part of the new wave of 'imperfect female' roles, ensemble chick flicks that try to be smart and witty. I found it fell short of a Bridesmaids or Pitch Perfect level of smart humour. The plot is familiar and stale, and women, especially these actresses, have so much more to offer! Not terrible, but not what it could be, either.
So, less to do with the original classic, as others have indicated. My viewing mate's verdict? 'Beautiful visuals, but what's with all the Jesus?'. We were expecting it to hew a little more closely to the original film.
If you're not sure, give it some time. By 3 episodes in, I was HOOKED! It's super intelligent, lots that you can miss if you're not paying attention. It riffs on other great shows - the references are killer. The ecosystem they build is recursive; something will feel like a throwaway comment and it will come back much later. Great show for those that love no limits, off the wall, intelligent comedy.
Nope. I found this slow and drama-lite. As if they were trying to be dark and edgy, but it came across as.... trying too hard? I haven't read the books, so it may be Marvel's characterisation that I hate, but Jessica as a 'I can do it all myself, I don't NEED your help!'/but really I'm scared and trying to protect you is BORING. It's predictable and dull, and I struggled to get through it. It's not as dramatic as Daredevil (liked!), though that's not necessarily the point.
If you are familiar with the comic book universe you are entering, you may be more willing to suspend some of your usual watching criteria. For me, as a newbie to the character, there was too much predictability to keep me engaged and I found myself yelling at the screen over unimaginative dialogue and portrayals (jessica jones reads as a stereotypical petulant teen/rebel outsider, with some traumatic backstory that makes her so, and yet people look out for her and come to her rescue when she's really stuck! YAWN. Disappointed, as I loved, loved loved Krystin Ritter in Don't Trust the B - her delivery, sense of timing and portrayal of an absolutely witty and acerbic HORRIBLE person was excellent and engaging. I feel like they could have gone deeper/darker with this, but wanted to appeal to a general audience. Liked Luke, he was decently convincing most of the time, and enjoyed Tennant as Kilgrave. It's an interesting twist for him.
Lush and distinct visual language throughout the film. A study in girls harnessing their youthful power and wielding it fearlessly.
INCREDIBLE book, TERRIBLE film. Ben Affleck was awful in this role, but then, so was everyone.
