Just to preface this, I thought A Force Awakens was emotionless trash that undermined the entire purpose of the original three films.
Rogue One was the opposite.
The best thing about this movie was the emotional impact. It underlined the sacrifices made to make the original trilogy possible. Some people have called it long, but that helped build up characters that you actually felt for, and who weren't carbon copy ripoffs (cough cough A Force Awakens). The final scenes as the two main characters face their fate, recognizing that it was worth it, gave such a high emotional payoff. Each major death scene actually made you feel something.
The second best thing was K-2SO. Very funny, and much needed comedic (but not goofy) relief.
The CGI for landscapes and the world creation was outstanding. When I see a movie like Star Wars I want to be amazed and see things that I haven't seen done before. I want to be impressed and drawn into new, beautifully crafted worlds. In this respect, the movie just kept delivering over and over.
The cinematography was great during the action sequences. The sequences looked epic, and the violence and sacrifice felt meaningful. The Vader fight sequence was intense.
It also had interesting ties to current events with its commentary on terrorism/rebellion/weapons of mass destruction. By the way, the science genius character realizing that he isn't priceless in developing some major device is fantastic. All of the movies with "only so-and-so can figure this out" are very disappointing.
The moral message of the movie was also very clear and well delivered.
I really enjoyed the movie overall and thought that it was a big step in the right direction. It was adventurous again, it was sometimes shocking, original, and most of all meaningful. A Force Awakens failed on all of those points. It's good to see a franchise movie that's taking a bit more risk than average. AFA was just like the new Star Trek films, shiny bling low-impact action movies that just happen to be set in space. Rogue One pushes far beyond to show the what drives the Rebellion in a world we know and love.
Despite the fact that I really liked the movie, it had some flaws:
- Tarkin face CGI
- Some of the acting in the first half.
- Tarkin face CGI
- Some of the cuts were really weird and the pacing felt off for portions of the first half.
- Tarkin face CGI
- Forest Whittaker just deciding to die instead of trying to escape.
- Tarkin face CGI
- A few unbelievable plot lines (thankfully most were minor). Like Cassian being sent to kill Galen for almost no reason, and then deciding not to for no reason, and then Jyn forgiving him surprisingly easily. How did she even know that he was trying to kill her father?
- Tarkin face CGI
- Does every Star Wars movie need to have a father character die? Why didn't Cass follow orders when he heartlessly killed someone else in his first scene?
- Tarkin face CGI
- Heavy handed political messaging.
- Tarkin face CGI
- Said "hope" too many times.
- Tarkin face CGI
- You can just push Star Destroyers that easily?
- Tarkin face CGI
- The word "Stardust"
- Tarkin face CGI
- Too many random worlds introduced that you don't have the time to get invested in.
- Tarkin face CGI
- Too much awkward fan service.
- Tarkin face CGI
- Darth Vader's voice sounded off.
- Tarkin face CGI
- Some of the dialogue was really terrible.
- Tarkin face CGI
What do you call a movie in which fantastic beasts have 15 minutes of screentime, and a character named Grindelwald commits 1 or 2 crimes? Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald? That’d be weird, right?
Pros:
- JK’s imagination. Even when a movie messes up as much as this one does, it’s still one of the most charming and imaginative universes put to screen.
- Pretty well directed with great performances
- Newt (gets more development here) and Jacob
- Queenie’s storyline (if you pay close attention, I think it all adds up)
- The beasts, who are reduced to tools for Newt here, are a fun and creative addition
- The climax, Grindelwald’s speech and motivation
- Visuals, score and CGI (this was especially improved after the first film)
- Action scenes (opening scene and bookstairs chase)
Cons:
- Incredibly incoherent (they really should’ve scrapped a lot of characters and their storylines, in my opinion: Leta, Nagini, the black wizard, and even Dumbledore, as they don’t contribute a lot to this particular story).
—> Also, a lot of scenes are pointless (like the underwater creature)
- Two characters are still incredibly annoying (in my opinion those are Credence and Tina), although I’m not sure it’s the writing or acting that makes me hate them so much
- The ending feels like bad fan fiction; good twists should have subtle hints, JK should know this above anyone else
- Too much exposition
- A few scenes are underlit, or too dark
- Some continuity errors (and no, I’m not just talking about the one that has already been reported everywhere)
- The CGI on those cat creatures wasn’t that great
4/10
This was great. The first two episodes were exceptional, and so was the finale, just in a different light. It had a proper horror-like feel to it, a level of disturbing, a decent amount of instances that showcased that, as far as seeing is concerned. The story was quite simple but perhaps too much, and easy for one to follow along with, and with a hint of intricacy, I guess? I'm not entirely sure. That could very well have been a different, dormant feeling. There were a few moments that caught my attention but unlike most people, I don't consider them to be a big deal. The only issue I can think of that I had is that it was too short. At least, that's how it felt. Three episodes, all long, yet even then, it still felt short. Progress was barely made and felt nonexistent. Like it was a prologue to something bigger, something more exciting. Disappointment, a strong poison of dislike towards Steven Moffat, whatever, go ahead and feel very differently about this show. I'm expecting a lot of people to do just that. Most people probably have already. That's completely fine. Have at it. Personally, I don't understand it. It all seems pointless and drivel to me. I must be immune to the poison that is disliking someone or something so strongly that anything from that moment of origin onward that has the involvement of that someone or something, is automatically hated. People are too wishful, too particular, and not in a good way. Well, that's too bad. I feel sorry for those infected. Anyway, back on track, this was very entertaining. I liked it very much. Hate it, love it, be disappointed at it, perhaps only regarding certain aspects, that's cool. Go mad with your desires. Just don't go too far.
I loved the first two movies with a passion. This movie addresses how that dream fits into a real life and not just stolen moments between two people who have exceptional connection to each other and a lot of chemistry. It started kind of slow and awkwardly. You get to see the little things that would annoy them about each other. The conversation at the farewell dinner about love somehow diminished the ideal that they followed. All the generations except the old lady believe that the concept of a soulmate was a flawed if not insane one. They saw it as misguided and incomplete and that you should not look to another for completion. They did that and looked guilty in those moments in the movie. What the old lady had with her husband that she was fighting to still remember and preserve in her mind before she forgets it all.....that is what they have and I think secretly hope for.....someone who will love them enough to want to remember them like that. The fighting between them is insane and frustrating. I thought better of the characters the moment when he said "be my friend" and she was ... at point in the conversation it seemed like them. I would think that after all that time that they would have been able to sustain that level of communication even if worse came to worst because of their love for each other and the connection that was always so fluid with them. I expected more of them in terms of how that conflict would have been resolved. I am disappointed that they would cheat on each other it seems low of them and dishonoring to their love. They need to be clear about what they need from each other and work from there. Truly hear each other and work at it. Not listening is something that I didn't think would have happened. I could accept that they may not do it all the time but it seems like years of not listening. There is obvious unresolved guilt about taking another woman's husband for Celine. Her controlling nature causes her it hijack Jesse's relationship with his son. Every time he calls she never passes the phone for him to get the connection he desperately wants with his son. He misses his son and feels a loss because he is not there. She is not considering that fully. She most likely is right that it will work out when he is older but the anxiety of having lost the chance to impact more on his son's formative years is not going away and the guilt may remain for sometime if not always. Jesse was her and their family but he want s all of his family, which includes his son. Based on his reaction to his son leaving he seems to feels a sense completion if not perfection when his son is with them. He wants the best environment for his son and thinks that they are it. It is wonderful I that she and his son have that kind of relationship though and I am sure that is because she is such a wonderful caretaker but they don't let us, the audience see much of that. Celine is just doing and then being resentful about it somehow. She also has issue with the idea of her that had been penned. Jesse thinks that she is ok'd resolved but she is nowhere near that. The characters are complex and flawed and I am happy that they ended the movies with hope though still worrying. I had to see it after the first two but I think it could have stopped before the hotel or after he poured the wine and ended there with some love and connection in conversation culminated by just a knowing and compassionate kiss that kind of says....shit! Life is hard but I am glad I am with you for the ride. C'est la vie. Those are just my thoughts.
"God Was Never On Your Side"
I love this show so damn much. It's gonna physically hurt when it ends.
ARGHFARGHHHH! Is there a better word than abso-bloody-lutely? 'Cause if it exists that's what I'm going with.
Epic. Awesome. Wacky. Insane. Unexpected. Mind-blowing. The ending was fucking incredible. But you know what the best part was? That song at the end. Perfection. 14 years and the show still has it. The last scene gave me the chills. It's one of my favourite songs and I got teary eyes as I listened to it.
I still don't know how to process this character change. Chuck acted so differently in season 11. Why Chuck? Why?! You're supposed to be nice, cute and awkward and yet you've turned up to be such a dick!
The idea of Chuck as a villain is gonna take me a while to adapt to. I sort of feel betrayed. He's a character that I adore (I still have fond memories of "Don't Call Me Shurley") and seeing him become a villain was unexpected and weird. How does one of the most loved characters turn into a baddie? Well, I guess that no longer having control over your own characters, makes you go mad. But then again, he invented free will.
I might be calling him Chucky from this episode onwards. However, I don't think I'll watch any scene that episode or any other with Chuck in the same way.
Rob Benedit killed it, both metaphorically and literally. And so did Jared and Jensen. I always get emotional when Chuck's in the room. That argument in the cemetery...the writing was perfect. I gasped when Dean said "this is not a story, it's our lives. So God or not, you can go to Hell!"
He just undid 14 seasons of work with a snap of his fingers. The Woman in White, evil Clown, Bloody Mary... I cried tears of joy, except for the clown. I hate clowns. I guess it's time for a season 1 rewatch.
Poor Jack! He broke my heart into a milliom pieces. He can't be any more adorable. I don't care if it's by an allegiance of the Unholy Trinity of Lucifer, the Empty and Death, but I want my baby back! Also, Cas is such a dad!
The opening shot of the episode was sick. Loved the cinematography. The episode started off real wacky, the wackiest season finale of the whole series.
Quote of the week: random dude shouting "I hate everyone". Well, that and the "stapler queen" lady. The whole scene was golden. A dude who really loves his yoghourt, Sam and Celine Dion, girl just wants to be loved, Trump made a deal with Crowley (damn, I miss my King!), Lizard people are real, and there's an earth where we're all squirrels, lol.
The meta references were strong. Las time an episode was this meta I was watching "The Monster at the End of This Book". I love how the writers were aware of how weak the BMoL plot was. And about Death, "I like the old Death better".
The same goes for the gun. I'm pretty sure the writers knew how absurd that gun was. Also, if it doesn't shoot bullets, why did it have a magazine?
As a Spaniard, I love when they use my language in a show, but that Spanish was awful, lol. Also, I was digging Chuck's jacket so damn much.
"Story's over. Welcome to the end". It makes me really sad to think that the show only has 20 episodes left. It's literally changed my life and it's gonna be hard to let it go. I just hope the season finale lives up to the expectations and gives both the characters and the audience a great send-off. I'm looking forward to ir and to see how the boys get away from that zombie apocalypse. If only they remembered they have a Lucille...
BRAVO! I'm quoting Dean here, "That was the coolest thing that's ever happened to me". ScoobyNatural just made my top 10. Probably 5. My childhood and my adolescence together in an episode. It was like a dream come true. It was everything that I needed and then some.
I get that many people might dislike the episode or might think that Supernatural has jumped the shark, but remember, "it's not jumping the shark if you never come back down". Now seriously, this episode was a kid's dream, especially if you grew up watching Scooby-Doo, like I did.
My love for Supernatural in unmeasurable and as a kid, I would've given everything to be able to get into a Scooby Doo episode and solve mysteries with the gang.
For those good 42 minutes (which felt like 5) I felt like a kid again. Thank you for that! Simply FANTASTIC.
My belly hurts from laughing. I had high hopes but it surpassed all my expectations. It's been a looong time since I laughed that much at a Supernatural episode.
And they said Infinity War was the most ambitious crossover, lol.
I laughed my ass off from start to finish. That first scene. A killer plush green dinosaur? Lol. It reminded me of my all time favorite suicidal teddy bear. By the way, I'd gladly read the "Killer Stuffed Dinosaur in Love".
It had everything: fight with a giant stuffed dinosaur, Frozen reference, the Fortress of Dean-itude, Dean fanboying over the Scooby gang, his hatred for Fred and crush on Daphne, Dean's Scooby snacks, that drag race, Dean in a nightgown which feelt like being wrapped in hugs (wtf?), Velma's massive crush on Sam, Sam getting sick of Dean's bullshit even animated, that Scooby Dooby Doo, Where Are You? song, all things Cas (his trenchcoat parachute), Dean's F bomb, that nervous breakdown, Velma kissing Sam, Dean with an ascot, and that final Scooby-Doo. Lol. I almost chocked at the end.
That beginning was so unexpected. This is the first episode that didn't start with the "Then" and "Now" segments, if memory serves, which was weird. But amazing, nonetheless.
The callbacks to season 5 were also great. When they mentioned the Trickster I burst out laughing.
Dean: "Or maybe thid is an angel thing. Or the Trickster"
Sam: "No, he's dead"
Dean: "Or is he?"
I lost it. Man, that exchange was so much fun.
"Look how big my mouth is!" echoing that "I'm gonna need a bigger mouth" back in Changing Channels.
Dean: "Now, how do I look?"
Sam: "Two-dimensional".
Dean: "Perfect". Dead. I'm dead.
Sam: "Play? There are no words in this newspaper, Dean". With that music. I lost it again.
"Jinkies! Jeepers! Zoinks! Ruh-roh! Son of a bitch!" God, I loved everyone's catchphrases so much. The gang was so pure and innocent. Sam getting angry over their reaction to the dead bodies. "Are you kidding me, Fred? Dude, someone's dead. A little respect", along with "So do they always just walk away from dead bodies?" had me in stitches.
Cas' introduction to Scooby was fantastic. "Sam, Dean. This dog is talking". Well, he withhold a long conversation with a cat. He shouldn't have been that surprised. Besides, I assumed he knew about Scooby-Doo since Metatron gave him knowledge of cinema and literature. And now he's a fan of Scooby-Doo.
"I don't know. I mean, Cas is kind of like a talking dog", lol, Dean.
Dean dropping that F bomb and getting beeped consequently was unexpectedly funny. "F*** right you can!" That had to be ad-libbed by Jensen.
Of course Dean would hit on Daphne and I've gotta say that I enjoyed it. The same goes for Sam and Velma. That kiss, though.
Sam: "We've saved the world" dramatic pause "A lot".
That gang's nervous breakdown after discovering ghosts were real was awesome. Fred's reaction was the best and those sound effects, lol. "We've been stopping real estate developers when we could've been hunting Dracula. Are you kidding me?! My life is meaningless!" and Daphne's internal crisis "Am I going to hell?!" as well as "Should I make another trap? I could get the shotgun. I could get two shotguns!". I couldn't stop laughing.
"Did you send it back to the fiery pit from whence it came?! Kill it with fire!" I thought I was about to die of laughing. "The Scooby gang does not have nervous breakdowns!" I'm still laughing now.
That ending was the cherry on the top.
Bad guy: "I would've gotten away with it if it weren't for those meddling kids".
Dean: gasps "He said it! He said the line!" stares right into the camera Scooby Dooby Doo"
Sam: "What are you doing?"
Dean: "Well, I mean at the end of every mystery, Scooby looks into the camera and he says"
Cas: "Dean, you're not a talking dog" *then proceeds to leave the scene".
Pure gold!
Supernatural is on a whole other level. Hands down to the writers for giving me 42 minutes of pure joy and going on with a crazy idea such as this one. It is this kind of episodes that are branded as "amazing" or "pure garbage". I do think this one was amazing. It was a dream come true. And I felt like a kid watching it.
Y'know, I was kind of generally annoyed at this episode for existing, but then the dog jumped onto Dean's bed, and I couldn't help but smile.
What.
The.
FUCK.
What the actual f*ck?!
Throughout this episode, I started off mad, then I was disappointed, then I didn't have the energy to be anything, and now I'm mad again. I couldn't even feel anything but annoyed at Dean's death because it was so unnecessary, and we didn't even SEE what killed him, and it was just an obvious way for the writers to force an emotional reaction from the viewers. Why the hell did they think we wanted to tune in for an extra week just to watch our characters die?
Y'know, if they had bothered to ask Jack to bring back Eileen and the other hunters, maybe Sam wouldn't be so alone.
So... Wait, what? Cas is around? And he never stopped by or...? WTF?
I'm just. I don't even know what to say about this. I... This was not a good final season, and this finale episode was just made to tug at the audience's emotions and nothing more. Sam got kind of a happy ending, though he clearly suffered over the loss of his brother and EVERYONE else he'd ever known. We didn't even get a cameo of Jack or Cas. It makes no sense why the other hunters weren't brought back. I don't know, maybe Chuck had returned them to a world that didn't exist anymore, so it wasn't possible to bring them back? I'm just...deeply disappointed but not even as much as I should be because Supernatural has been declining in quality for years. With each passing episode of this season, it became clearer and clearer that the ending wouldn't be well-paced and well-written like we deserved. It's not the worst season of this show or even the second or third worst. But it is one of the worst final seasons I've seen of a show that has lasted so long. Really, they should have just dropped the idea of Chuck as the big bad this season and just made this a collection of monster-of-the-weeks with a familiar face starring in each episode, building up to a final farewell to the Winchester brothers who happily and without regret sacrifice themselves for the greater good. And then Jack and Cas visit them in heaven, and maybe Jack (and perhaps Cas) continues hunting with the possibility of teaching the next generation of hunters. Or they rebuild heaven, creating more angels who will encourage free will and peace.
I'm honestly not even sad Supernatural is over. With writing like we've had for the past few seasons, it was only a matter of time. I just think we deserved better than what we got. The characters deserved better than what they got. I give this episode a 4/10 because the emotional ploys didn't work on me, leaving me bored and annoyed at this episode that served as a poor finale (I'm especially bitter that last episode gave us a rushed conclusion to the biggest plot of the entire show, but we got a full episode of two guys dying this episode). The season overall, I give a 5/10. Maybe a 6 if I'm feeling generous, but right now, I'm not...
Signed:
~SophieFilo16~
I read this book ages ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, this TV adaptation by Amazon has been just as enjoyable. I was really reassured when I saw Neil Gaiman was involved in writing this script. It more or less holds very well to the original book. The pacing feels good too, not too rushed, but it doesn't drag on either.
The casting is SPOT ON! I will admit I'm a fan of David Tennant anyway, but his portrayal of Crowley is just fantastic. All of them really fit their roles to a T.
I also appreciate the use of a narrator, I think that was a great stylistic choice. It not only helps it hold to the book more closely but is also a good way to add a little exposition where some might be needed without it feeling forced or awkward/clunky.
And of course there is plenty of the classic Terry Pratchett wit and humor to be found through out. It's quirky, but not so goodfy that it fails to take itself seriously when the situation calls for it. It's one of those shows I wish there could be more of, but all good things must come to an end, and of course being based on an existing book assures that won't happen either. ^^;
The plot each episode gets weirder and weirder up to the point of saying "what the actual fuck". I still remain unsure of what's going on with Chuck and what route they're going for.
SPN has never shied away from darkness, depression, loss of hope and a general feeling of emptiness but this episode, and the season in general, is giving me very depressing vibes. Maybe it has to do with the whole "God's evil". That's a very dark path to go.
Enough babbling. Let's get down to business. Despite its plot holes, the episode managed to be pivotal in terms of character development (probably the only good thing to come out). Some scenes were really amazing and others left me utterly confused.
I have more questions than answers. For instance, why didn't Chuck even flinch when Eileen was torturing Sam if they're wound connected and we've seen it previously? Was he just putting on a brave face? Was it just a big-ass plot hole?
Why would Leviathans have a giant angel trap in Purgatory when angels never go there? Unless, of course, Chuck told them. Also, why did Cas just walk into a visible trap? And why wasn't Dean's first reaction to just mess it so Cas could escape? Like I said, lots of questions.
The whole gunshot wound vanishing because Sam lost hope seems kinda far-fetched. I don't believe it was Sam losing hope, but Sam beginning to have doubts. Still unsure how lost hope can cure the wound, though. I get Sam's reasoning behind saving Chuck, too rushed, yes, but sort of believable. To be honest, I'd do the same. Whether you like it or not, Chuck's the balance between good an evil so without him to bring the light, the world basically turns to shit. I've gotta say that I, for once, believe that the visions he showed Sam are true.
Now, purgatory. Was anyone else bothered by the coloring? It was way too off. It's supposed to be a very dark, black-and-white-ish place and now it felt so damn bright. It's also supposed to be full of monsters and yet, just a couple leviathans. That part could've been so much more fleshed out. Literally all the action happened off-screen and it was resolved by seemingless explanation. The only way I'll accept it is if there's a later reveal that Cas isn't really Cas. I feel like the purgatory plot was nothing but a pretext to get Dean to admit he was wrong.
Another thing I hated was the name drop. You CANNOT drop names and pretend like nothing's happened. We were robbed of an Eve appearance. And what a depressing ending for Benny. Being torn apart by vamps. I would've loved to see him. But then again, if seeing him meant watching him die, pass. I'm getting PTSD just by thinking about it.
If there's one thing I love this season is Cas. I love how he calls Dean on his bullshit, is able to stand up for himself and is starting to become the baddass angel he once was. "Dean, stop being stupid" or "I left but you didn't stop me" were amazing quotes.
Jensen never ceases to amaze me. That prayer-confession was outstanding. He has some of the most beautiful tears in the world. Somehow, his acting always manages to be the highlight of any episode to me. Also, he standing down to Chuck was pretty badass.
So, Chuck can't be killed or locked up... They're clearly setting it for Jack to be the one to replace him, which is an idea that I'm not sold on, tbh. But I do love my sweet Jack making an appearance, even if it's for 5 seconds of confusing looks.
I loved Sam saying "The Dean who raised me" but it shocked me how in a rush he went from that to not be able to stop God. Speaking of, Rob Benedict is amazing at playing evil, although I miss how excited I was when I knew he was in an episode. Now, I'm just pissed at him and that excitement is sort of vanishing away.
All in all, a very strange and somehow weak episode at parts. I love Sam and Chuck's but purgatory felt like a cheap excuse to get Dean to apologize. There was a lot to unpack, and I think it would've benefited from a second part. I feel like it would've been better overall if there was more time given to explore purgatory.
Star Wars is my favourite thing ever. The announcement of this show came with a lot of promises and built up expectations on my part. It's so nice to be able to say that the show lived up to and surpassed all of them.
This first season of The Mandalorian feels mostly like an introduction, setting up the world and the characters and making use of a storytelling technique that falls somewhere in between episodic and serialised. It works. The main plot follows the rescue and protection of a small creature that appears to belong to Yoda's species, and this story flows through all the episodes even though it sometimes takes a backseat. Even when Mando is dealing with a side issue, we continue to learn more about Baby Yoda (for want of a better name) and the relationship between the two characters develops.
It's such a satisfying and easy thing to watch. Opting to use more puppetry over CGI for Baby Yoda was a smart move, and he/she is such a cute and adorable creation that it's impossible not to find yourself deeply caring about what happens to him/her. The episodes which deal with more self-contained stories are surprisingly welcome, giving us a slice-of-life in the Star Wars universe feel and allowing the show to deal introduce different genres and styles. While the show often presents a slightly more violent and darker angle than we're used to in Star Wars, it's also the funniest thing produced for the franchise yet (although the X-Wing novels from the 1990s are close in the running).
Visually the show is incredible. A new technology referred to as Stagecraft has been used extensively. It's essentially an evolved form of blue screen/green screen which allows the actors to actually see the environment they're in and reacts in real time to camera movements to allow the background to dynamically adjust. The results are impressive and lend the show an epic quality. Not to mention the fantastic set and costume design which fits in very nicely with the world set up in the original trilogy. If was to criticise then I would say some of the alien make-up fell flat (notably in the prison ship episode), but not to a distracting degree.
The music is also a highlight, diverting sharply from what we would consider standard Star Wars music but really working within the style of the show. It took a couple of episodes to get used to but now feels like an integral part.
Most of all, the show has a real emotional impact. Baby Yoda contributes to a big part of that, but Pedro Pascal in the lead role of the Mandalorian manages to do a lot while being behind a mask. His body language and voice performance are simply fantastic. Other characters leave an impression too and we feel like we get to know them even with a fairly small amount of screen time. They are all well written. The deaths of IG-11 and Kuill had an impact, the reveal of Cara Dune being from Alderaan gave us a sudden clear insight into her character. And the moment when Mando finally took off his helmet was brilliantly executed, with a genuine build up and then the reveal of a battered man who seemed slightly frightened that he may be about to die humanised him a lot.
The ending set up a very clear and exciting direction for season 2, plus we had the Dark Saber reveal, which ties into the Clone Wars and Rebels TV shows. It's clearly made by people who understand and love Star Wars. Finishing each episode of this left me in such a good mood and there's no other show this year that has brought me so much joy. Honestly, I can't wait for more.
No one wears Shakespeare like an old pair of comfortable shoes like Kenneth Branagh. He has adopted 5 Shakespeare's plays into films. Even his failures (Love's Labour's Lost and As You Like It) offer his intimate understanding of the source material and his willingness to make bold interpretation.
Branagh is at his top form on Much Ado About Nothing. A story is as light and fluffy as clouds in the film and just about everyone looks to be having way too much fun. Perhaps that's why Keanu Reeves was so stiff?
The film is a technical marvel, with amazing long shots that open and close the film. It is like watching a perfectly choreographed and storied play. And Patrick Doyle's music is just so joyous that it should be played in heaven.
Roger Ebert once ended his review of A Room With a View that "[the film] moved slowly, it seemed, for the same reason you try to make ice cream last: because it's so good." If I were to criticize Much Ado About Nothing beyond unfitting characterization of Dogberry (Michael Keaton), it is that the film is too efficient for its own good. I wanted more, even if it meant sitting through more of nonsensical antics of Dogberry.
