A short, well structured cartoon that respectfully deals with topics rarely seen in children's media. Tulip is a refreshingly unique main character and the mystery surrounding the train kept me watching to the end. Can't wait for the next season!
EDIT: Each and every season the show keeps getting better! The last episode of Season 3 had the DARKEST scene I've ever witnessed in a show with a PG rating. My only criticism is that the humor isn't great, but this definitely isn't a comedy anyway. Still highly recommend for any age as the topics it covers are universally relatable.
"The Midnight Gospel" is a weird series. On the one hand, the animation is beautiful, abstract and imaginative. But on the other, the podcast philosophy talks are hard to focus on. I still hear the full conversations, but now and then, it sounds more like noise, and I let the animation carry me. It's an odd yet strangely relaxing series.
Joyful sigh.
“Over the Garden Wall.”
I love animation. The way it bends and threatens to transform into different shapes. The distinct art styles and unique interpretations of reality. It allows us to see things reality won’t let us, either because it’s difficult to see or impossible. I love it all.
It’s the spooky season, and what better way to start it off than by watching a spooky little animated series? A friend o’ mine told me about “Over the Garden Wall” back in 2019. But here in Australia, it wasn’t available on any streaming services at the time. Well, it’s available now, and I’m pleased to say I loved it.
Although it’s not Autumn here in Australia, this show gives you its fair share. Forests, bluebirds, pumpkins. All the strange characters our heroes meet on their journey are as zany as they are weird. It’s a peculiar show, but it feels familiar somehow.
The art style evokes old-timey animation; the 20s. The music, with soothing strings and Gregory’s catchy tunes, just sends me back in time. The eyes and some of the character designs remind me of Cuphead.
If you can watch the series, I highly recommend it. It’s only 10 episodes, and each episode is around 12 minutes long. It plays well episodically (at first, I watched one each day), but it also plays well while bingeing. I know my score doesn’t show it, but I wouldn’t change anything about this series. I adore it.
I have been watching the big bang Theory ever since it first aired. Being an IT student at the time, the uncomfortable social situations and nerdy jokes spoke to me. However, much has changed throughout the seasons, more about that later.
We start out with our four nerdy main characters. There is the recognizable fact of the three people with higher degrees (PHD holding Sheldon, Leonard and Raj) who make fun and feel themselves better than "simple" engineer Howard. There is the desperate search for love coming from both Howard and Raj, and the differentiation between the confident yet single Howard and the timid, uncertain just-as-single Raj. Sheldon is the one who has no sense of what's going on around him, and is only interested in his own world. Leonard is the humble cute guy who manages to get a date from time to time, an inspiration to Howard and Raj, although his on/off fling with Leslie gives us the impression that he isn't really that successful after all.
Then we have the obvious babe, Penny, the complete opposite of our four nerds. She makes something stir in all three of them, but follows the cliché of going out with the "wrong" men, being dumb, and ignoring their advances.
Even though these are all cliche’s, the inside jokes and the disarming clumsiness of the four guys made the first seasons well worth watching. Gradually however, as the show became more popular, the writers started to abandon what once made it so.
With the introduction of Bernadette and Amy the female characters are drastically expanded, but they don't add any real value to the show. Bernadette is the caricature of Howards mother, where as Amy is an attempt to make Sheldon look more human. At the same time, we go from a show with it's own flair to a one-in-a-dozen sitcom. The laughing tape went from being an accessory to being the main engine of the show. The characters became aware they were going to make a pun and started smiling like idiots before they said it, and laughing like people high on weed after someone made it. The longer this series continues, the more painful it becomes to watch. The lines that are supposed to be jokes are simply not funny. The acting and stereotyping are more bearable in a highschool play. And, as stated in another review made before this one, the show changes from laughing with the characters to laughing at the characters. From a nerdy show to a show about nerds.
Conclusion: if you're looking for some nerdy fun, watch the first three or four seasons. After that, it gets the same illness so many American shows suffer from, namely that it becomes a cash cow for the producers and starts a long, painfully slow, continuously prolonged process of dying a silent dead.They never seem to know when to end something great instead of going on to make it something mediocre.
This show has nothing exceptional about it at all. It's pretty lame and cookie cutter. Disappointing.
This show is streets ahead.
This show ruined television for me. Any other show and all I can think is Why am I not watching BoJack instead? It took me about half a season to start enjoying it, but once it hit me, it hit me like a long, hard kick in the urethra. Really, this is the only TV show that regularly brings tears to my eyes. I've become completely obsessed with it.
I want to thank the other commenter who said it picks up after 10 episodes, because I was ready to bail after a few episodes, but I'm glad I stuck around because after the 11th episodes it's almost a different show.
Anime is not my main pastime, I'm more of a movies/tv guy, so when this turned out to be slow and a little bit silly (in comparison to the other stuff I watch) I was ready to ditch it, but the show switches to a different tone and gets a little bit dark in the second act of the story, it gets real and deep, and it was apparent then why people love this little anime, it's real good.
So, I'd advise everybody to stick around a little bit with this gem, you will be rewarded for your patience with a great story that will touch you and move you, because behind all that sci-fi and mystery there's real emotions.... goddamnit just watch it already...
Only three episodes in and it's already my favorite American animated series. Robert Kirkman is a genius. I absolutely LOVED the comic book series. Can't wait to see what subtle changes this has in store. Lets Go!!
Series Review
I'm tired.
Maybe I'm too critical, or perhaps I should give up on the MCU? The MCU fatigue is real this time, and it's getting old. No, this series isn't bad, and neither was WandaVision. But with each new MCU release, the more I'm pushed to the brink. I used to love this franchise, can you believe it? I loved all the movies, and I gave my money to the box office as reluctantly as any other MCU stan. Now, I'm tired. I'm tired of the same old stories, with their important messages, but poor storytelling.
Falcon begins by giving up the shield to the Smithsonian (museum), unknowingly handing the Captain America mantle to Walker. After Walker snaps, he reconsiders his decision. So, he talks to Isaiah Bradley (a black Super Soldier who the government rejected as Captain America), who tells him he won't make it, and becomes Captain America soon after. Was there any revelation here? What did Sam learn? He just went through a training montage, and then he was ready. What a relatable challenge that he went through that I can apply to real life! I just gotta ignore the haters, ya'll!
In some of these movies, the "character arcs" go like this: I want to do this, I face opposition, the opposition turns out to be wrong because..., I'm right, and I win. No one learns anything; all it says is that you're always right, and people who tell you otherwise are wrong. That's an empowering message, but has Marvel's writers stopped to consider that their audience might be the villains instead of the heroes; what if they're the opposition, and they're just wrong, instead of the heroes who are always right?
But this show does a lot I admire; a darker, grittier tone, better action (than some recent stuff), important themes and attempts at character arcs/development. Whew, I'm still tired, though.
As Cosmonaut Marcus writes,
"It was whatever." — Cosmonaut Marcus (https://twitter.com/CosmonautMarcus/status/1385534378239987712)
SCORE: 6/10
Neon Genesis Evangelion is (not) “that anime”… (not) about robots/monsters/etc… (not) an entertainment… it’s more than that—it’s a work of art… Evangelion is about human… human relationship, life… truth.
Do (not) try to understand it… feel it.
Images, sounds (and music), time… sets the moods.
How to watch (the original) Evangelion: “Angel Attack” (1) – “Take care of yourself.” (26) ➝ “He was aware that he was still a child. (New Production Cut)” (21’) – “The Beginning and the End, or ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ (New Production Cut)” (24’) ➝ “Love is destructive.” (25’) + “I need you.” (26’) = The End of Evangelion ➝ “Do you love me?” (25) – “Take care of yourself.” (26) ➝ “Love is destructive.” (25’) + “I need you.” (26’) = The End of Evangelion.
To my father, thank you. To my mother, farewell. And to all the children… Congratulations!
I know most people don't respond well if you say something negative about their favorite show but I can't help it. If you like it I'm glad for you (really) but please allow me my opinion.
I am one of those who doesn't think that this is THE best show ever. It's not even the best sitcom in my opinion. It had its moments but not many. Maybe it isn't fair to judge it 25 years after the fact because that is a long time in TV land and things change. But most of the stuff I dislike has nothing to do with timeframe.
First, why this is called Friends is beyond me. Those are the most dishonest, selfish, egoistic and sometimes even mean group of people I've seen on TV. They constantly try to withhold stuff and most of the comedic situations spawn from that. I don't see where it is funny to go behind your friends backs. There are those moments where there behave like friends should, but those come usually after they screwed up.
Than there is the characters. I've written in some episode's comment that Ross is the most obnoxious character I've ever seen on TV. And I've seen my share. And there is WAY too much of him and Rachel who I also disliked deeply. They pull down every episode they're in which is pretty much every episode. That constant back and forth, the bickering and their pretensious behaviour is so annoying. Joey was funny at first but that wears out fast once you get past 50 episodes. Very one-dimensional. I don't even know what to say about Chandler because he is that bland. Monica went from "I don't care" through "I kinda like her" but ultimately annoying. Phoebe I liked until she, too, got the I-need-to-marry virus. Until that she was honest in that she didn't care what others thought about her and just made her thing. Alltogether there was little character developement in any of them. I couldn't connect with them and was more interested in what guest stars might turn up next.
And what it is anyway with all the girls need to find guys to marry and get babies and the guys needing to score? It is a good thing there wasn't any social media available because with all those gay and trans jokes there would have probably been a lot of heat.
That laughing track is way over the top. It accompanied literally every sentence. It even ruined jokes by starting to early. And what is wrong with building up an emotional moment and going through with it instead of ruining it with a bad joke ?
So, why did I watch, and even complete, it ? It's simple. And I mean that in the true sense of the word. You don't have to pay close attention to the plot, f.e. you don't have to stop it if the phone rings, you can even skip an episode completely. It's like having a radio playing in the background. Sometimes reading the synopsis was as interesting as the actual episode. Let's be honest: continuity, logic and depth of story were not the trademarks of Friends. It is full of holes and errors. But it fitted my daily schedule. I could drop in a couple of episodes here and there. And I punished myself a little bit because I went out and bought the whole series at once. Had I watched the first season first I would stopped there and then.
This is the longest review I've written in a while which shows I thought about this show a lot. I like versitality, it would be boring if every show was the same. That doesn't stop me though from speaking my mind. This is a love or hate kind of show. I don't hate it as such. But there were only just one or two episodes a season I think were more than average. It became better towards the end (either that or I caved) but it was an effort to get through and I am glad I'm done with.
Did NOT expect to enjoy this show as much as I did. Serious emotional punches thrown into what feels like one great dream. Art is astoundingly good, music is great, characters are relatable, plot is amazing, but seriously, did I mention the art?
If you're like me and have been wondering whether or not you should watch Madoka for a while now, trust me: you definitely, undoubtedly should.
Having finally finished my slow burn of this series all I can do is agree with other comments here. This series offers a sense of tranquillity when watching that I have rarely seen anywhere else. You just get absorbed into sometimes dreamlike atmosphere of it all. Each episode is somewhat self-contained and you really never know how it will end. Some end on a happy note, some on a sorrowful one, some are more ambiguous or bitersweet.
The message throughout is very much that Mushi are not malevolent or evil, they are just like forces of nature, and can be harmful or helpful to humans. Each story is more about how people deal with these things, with Ginko travelling around and helping where he can.
With a second season just around the corner all I can really do is repeat other people's recommendations - if you haven't already, watch this series.
Amazing show. Takes the whole concept of "magical girl" shows and throws it out the window. Very dark and emotional concepts thrown into a beautiful looking world with great characters. This is a must watch.
Well, I just finished the series. What do I think?
WandaVision began with a solid start. The whole sitcom format was always engaging, as it paid homage to a genre and era of television I haven't experienced. With these first few episodes, the mystery that follows each strange happening was interesting and had me excited to see the next episode. I wanted to see Wanda deal with her grief and come to terms with her reality.
Darcy Lewis, Jimmy Woo, and Monica Rambeau appeared, and I have to say the show lost some of my interest. Seeing Monica reappear in a post-snap world was exciting, and Jimmy Woo and Darcy Lewis were entertaining as hell! I was still curious about what was going to happen next, but I was a little weary.
Then the last few episodes rolled around. Monica Rambeau suddenly gets powers (for no reason?), Agatha pretends she's all-knowing by spewing exposition, and the show drops Quick Silver, Rambeau, Woo and Darcy to give Wanda and her family more screen time.
Finally, the last episode disappoints. I was so bored watching CGI fights that have no substance underneath them. Vision talking to the other Vision was cool and probably the best thing in the last three episodes. But then we go back to Wanda. She figures out that she's torturing people and finally lets go of her fake reality. But not because she's learnt to deal with her grief but because... uh... I don't know.
She lets go of her fake reality, and this happens,
Monica Rambeau: "They'll never know what you sacrificed for them."
Wanda Maximoff: "I wouldn't change how they see me."
But she sacrificed nothing; she was holding these people hostage, torturing them; she gave up a fantasy for them. Way to go, Wanda! Afterwards, she runs off to a cabin and doesn't have to face any consequences for her villainous actions. Yay!
So I guess the show is about how we're all destined to do terrible things and get away with it?
Overall, WandaVision is a fun time. Although the sitcom stuff had me weary, I preferred it to the answers we got in the last few episodes. Sometimes, the mystery is better than the answer.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 6/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 5.5/10
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The most influential anime of the 90's, and arguably of all time. This anime entirely changed the rules regarding what an animated series could convey and how it could convey it. Virtually every anime released after 1995 draws at least some inspiration from NGE, meaning that the anime industry itself would not be what it is today without the not-so-simple simple tale of a quiet boy named Shinji Ikari.
Don't get put off by the first episodes if you think they're weirdly paced or whatever, this show really relies on getting to know you before you start to really like it which is exactly what it is trying to do. This show is extremely smart and uses a number of visual and audio techniques to manipulate your emotions to what it wants to get across. I don't even like anime shows but this one is pretty great.
An over the top anime that should not be missed, Mob Psycho 100 is based on a simple boy with unlimited psychic powers, yet wanting only a normal life. The animation is fantastic and the story keeps up an action packed pace that keeps you glued to the screen, just like One Punch Man but with a story you get invested in.
It is a rollercoaster ride that you shouldn't miss and Mob Pyscho 100 is just one of those shows that you can't help watching nonstop.
This show is absolutely phenomenal. Rise of the TMNT is similar in tone and execution to the DuckTales 2017 reboot. This takes characters that were relatively flat (don't get me wrong, I loved the 80s run back in the day) but injects so much more life and personality and depth into all of these characters. Their relationship is much more believable that they are all brothers, with Splinter as more of a comical dad figure. The bold creativity reflects in their new different designs: Raphael is a giant snapping turtle, Mikey an ornate box turtle, Donnie is a soft-shelled turtle (which gives him the excuse to create interchangeable tactical shells), while Leo gets the best character overhaul, a red-eared snapper turtle who isn't just the notoriously boring leader and is arguably the funniest character (what!?). In fact, Leonardo isn't even the leader in this, and Rise of the TMNT is could also be considered the rise of Leonardo as a leader. The animation itself is beautifully stylized and has some GREAT action scenes (the best of all TMNT series) they don't rely on trotting out the same villains beyond Shredder and The Foot. It's a creative and lovingly-crafted interpretation of the Ninja Turtles that honors its past but forges ahead on its own path. Oh, and it's actually FUNNY.
Snowpiercer is a train I should never have boarded. Stick to the (excellent) film
A really fun, mostly light-hearted show that wears its influences on its sleeves.
Amazing characters, actually funny jokes, a story I want to see more of, and superb animation at certain points.
Pacing is a bit of a mess in the first season, but hopefully this improves with time.
Edit: So almost halfway through season 2, the pacing has certainly improved much more than I expected it to.
Characters have continued to improve, story is progressing very well, and have I mentioned HOW FUNNY this show is?
Edit 2: Never updated for the end of the second season, but without spoiling anything going into the third season the plot is at a fantastic point.
"If I'm just a normal person and you were beat by me, then what does that make you?"
This has to be my favorite anime of all time, and Mob has to be my favorite character ever. Mob is a boy with incredibly overpowered psychic powers, but he would rather develop himself as a person than rely on his powers for everything. This is the core message of the story, and one I felt like I needed. Mob doesn't want to be defined by an overwhelming strength in one aspect of life, but rather how he is in every facet of reality.
Ranking of Kings is a life lesson!
Not only is it a quite original anime with its particular character design.
The young prince Boji teaches us that no matter how hard the life is, no matter how much people make fun of you, you must always keep smiling and move forward to achieve your goal.
It is not because everyone tells you that it is impossible and that you will never succeed that it will necessarily be the case.
Boji has proven us that if you put enough effort and willpower, nothing is impossible!
This is not the only thing that this series teaches us.
It also discusses the theme of forgiveness and friendship.
After the betrayal of Domas, can and should Boji forgive him?
After all those bad things Miranjo has done and after all those things she has endured, is it really impossible to forgive her?
These are really interesting questions that the anime is dealing with.
This anime is a real jewel, you will not be disappointed to discover it.
If you want see how white people were in 1994, this is the show to watch. Haha.
For all the Slice of Life Genre fans, this is the one you must watch!!!!
Everything here is genuine. Everything here is complicated, mature, dark, and deep. This is the best television series, full stop.
SCORE: 9/10
Initially I thought it was another "Cute Girls doing Cute Things" type of anime but half way through the show I changed my opinion. Both the story and the anime was impressive and really stood out. A lot of things were left unclear so I'm hoping for further seasons to come.
I would definitely recommend everyone to watch this.
