Fast paced, visually stunning series that contains politics, intrige, and vivid cultural display of a diverse solar system. Great scifi show!
These episodes are inspired and interesting, though I am admittedly a sucker for AI dramas. I think Dolores is more and more compelling each episode. Though special consideration this episode goes to the tech that was focused on the bird, he was honestly the most adorable I've seen any of the workers. The maze is kind of losing interest for me though I expect it'll be picking right back up in the future episodes.
This show is my definition of "I never knew I needed this in my life, until I watched the first episode". It's so good. And even tho I have the attention span of a potato... I'm glued to the screen from start to finish of every episode.
"No Peace. No Pussy."
2015 saw Spike Lee release two pictures; one of them a Kickstarter project that ended up being murdered by critics and ignored by audiences who wanted nothing to do with that feature, and then this one - Chi-Raq - a late year surprise that came out of nowhere. Most people didn’t even know of this film’s existence and all over the sudden a bang was heard, Lee’s new feature would be released during Oscar season and the buzz around it was rock-solid, in fact the best of any Lee’s recent joints.
Chi-Raq is a minor comeback to Spike Lee who here produces an immensely flawed, but equally important feature. It’s good to see Lee back being this playful and charming, but above all this critical and urgent. This film might have seen its release in a premature fashion due to some awards hopefulness or maybe because the producers thought this was the best time to release this feature, but in my eyes, I like to think that Chi-Raq was released this way because its message was urgent and vital. Its observation and criticism on gang, racial, police and street violence make this movie a work that’s important to see, even in all its flaws. This urgency and critical eye is in fact the film’s biggest asset.
Even if uneven, one can’t deny Spike Lee’s good intentions. Yes this may have an agenda and yes this may be bluntly indiscreet, but I can’t be truly mad ‘cos its message is so important. Have you ever heard of Marvin Gaye’s album What’s Going On? Well Lee’s film is a bit like that. It’s message is timeless and it is sang wholeheartedly, but the truth is that it isn’t exactly subtle either. Lee here speaks wholeheartedly as he passes the message, that in my view is more important than whether or not the message is conveyed with delicacy.
Asides from the not-so-subtle sensibilities, the film does have other issues and one of them is its pace. Chi-Raq might be a satire fueled with comedy, tits-and-ass, plus some violence, but nevertheless it somehow still drags. Truth is that it is overlong – as it runs for over two hours – and in its late second act and the whole third act lag. Then we have the script; the movie may embrace a different kind of storytelling that has its own texture and sensibilities, Lee’s feature is also witty, charming and playful and there’s no doubt that no movie alike this one was released in 2015, yet Chi-Raq still features convenient and sloppy writing. The prime example is its ending where we see a bunch of guys signing treaties and giving jobs as though it's candy and thus proving world peace. Wait what?!
Yet another problem that this joint features is its unevenness when it comes to tone. Chi-Raq goes from witty satire, to gangs flick, to drama where there is tears and shouts. These moments are transitioned in a not-so-accomplished way since the film soon becomes disengaging and at times even awkward.
On the other hand the film’s positives are its wittiness and playfulness with the subject matter; the picture welcomes its off-kilter qualities. Straight out of Dear White People is Teyonah Parris who’s fire in this picture; she’s sexual and teasing as one can definitely see why Long-D would miss dat ass. Plus we have Wesley Snipes back on the big screen and he’s solid, surprisingly funny actually; L. Jackson also has a small little witty role as our narrator; John Cusack takes a break from appearing in shitty B-Movies and appears here solid, even if over the top; another highlight is Dave Chappelle’s short cameo which is hilarious!
Chi-Raq may be uneven and unbalanced, it may be too long, but it’s worthwhile, since one can’t help but to sympathize with it even if it isn’t just because of its important message.
Previous comments in the page, though short, sum up the frustration with this episode (safe for the eliminated queen. She really sucked in this episode, and it was well deserved).
But on the usual rant: The least funny snatch game in RPRD's history. Clearly, this isn't a season for comedy, only for bitchiness, which some of the queens have to spare. Most characters were, well, horrible. I saw a lot of people complaining that Bob stole the spotlight, but perhaps the blandness of the others just made it too easy for her to do so? Most of them were flailing on dry land, and removing attention from them might have been a blessing in disguise. Derrick finally could play Britney - now, yes, at the right moment to do so, but.. hm. I honestly think Tatianna's Britney would slay Derrick's any day. So... just not impressed. I actually thought Kim Chi's character was funny, and who cares if it was made up. The body language was really nice. Thorgy's Michael Jackson was also pretty good, and the thing about the baby and the blanket was delightfully unexpected and funny. Then there's Bob - which I'm still not sure if she was really very good, or just above average enough to seem in an entirely different category from the rest of awful unfunny barely acting queens. Robbie, which I came to love btw, sunk under her character. Totally sunk, and she then whined with excuses. Robbie, darling, this is not a show for whining, complaining, or justifying yourself - when you suck, you pray you aren't sent home and you LEARN from it. That's all there's to it - unless you can put on a beautiful show when you cry, of course. Also, mention to Naomi: so pretty, so average. I mean, I adore her to the point that sometimes she appears and I just have to stop and wonder how can a queen be so beautiful, but I feel she's beginning to to approach the deep end of the pool, and despite those eternally long legs of hers, she'll be underwater real soon. If I could bet, I'd say she's the next one out... (does a guess require a spoiler alert? Considering it isn't pertinent to this episode, it makes me wonder if it annoys who reads this.)
Now, runway time: TODAY NOBODY COULD CALL CHI CHI BASIC. BASIC ARE THOSE RED KIMONOS. I mean, really, is it some kind of trend? How many of you own red kimonos, did they really just have them there by accident? And when we say Madonna, you all think Nothing Really Matters? It isn't even the most iconic Ray of Light-era look, much less all-time ever. How in the world did they not notice the oriental theme going on around the work room? So many questions for this Gaijin Cherry Blossom festival runway.
But back to Chi Chi, here's my delight in seeing that she has once more shown herself cool under pressure, coming up with what is definitely Madonna's most iconic look on the spot. Well done, my Louisana queen! Ok, Kim Chi's red kimono wasn't so bad - or maybe, it's just my crush talking. Bob's runway makes me ask the same question as before - is she really good, or just good enough to steal the spotlight from this underwhelming lot? Her padding, though, was flawless. And I thought that wig really suited her. She just looked so sweet and pretty when she smiled in the runway, I think she had my favorite make up on too, followed by Chi Chi's amazing glitter eyeshadow. Least favorite make-up was Acid Betty's. I'm not sure if the Victorian actor powder look was intentional, awfully dry skin, or awfully applied translucent powder atop some equally awfully blended highlighter. And to think she's so eager to criticize Trixie's look.... hm.
(As for next week, Marc Jacobs will be the guest judge. Here's to my hopes that the week's winner prize is MJ merch. I'D KILL FOR THAT).
I fall more and more in love with Kim Chi at every episode, but I had to say I really could have slapped Acid Betty at some point there. Thorgy was great and I'm surprised she didn't win, because I loved her performance and look both! I really disliked Laila, not impressed with Dax, looooooved Naomi's runway, and I don't think Acid Betty's nice looks can make up for her awful personality at all, but at least she tries. Gigi is an amazing dancer, but her runway was sooo boring... a little sad, really. The others. eh, just disappeared to the background.
As for the elimination: truly, is anyone even surprised? If you can't lipsync I Will Survive, your gay/drag subscription needs to be revoked ASAP.
First episode I didn’t want to slap Acid Betty, so yay. I was really happy to see Kim Chi, Naomi and Robbie all working together, that would definitely be my dream team - and I'm so happy they won! On the other hand, it upsets me with how they keep criticizing Chi Chi. I mean, I get it, her runway is kinda basic, but her performance trumps over everything, she’s killer on the stage, it doesn’t matter what she’s doing. At least she’s only basic in her wardrobe and not in life, like some other girls...
Also, at this point in the show, 8 years in, can we all just agree to KEEP THE DAMNED WIGS ON OUR HEADS DURING THE LIPSYNC? Yes? Thanks.
Everyone keeps suggesting there is a paradox concerning the 5D future humans and their ability to save humanity in the past. It's really not a paradox at all. Everyone assumes humanity survived to ascend to the 5th dimension but how could humanity exist in the future if not for the actions of Cooper.. who was guided by future humans (begin endless loop).
Did anyone ever consider the other important character in the movie? Amelia Brand carried on with the rest of her mission (thanks to Cooper). I postulate that Brand used the human seeds as intended and set up a colony. A colony that would thrive and eventually evolve beyond human. Thus Earth is of little importance, and may have indeed died. These colonists, and the generations that followed, would have been told the story of a great man (Cooper) who saved them from extinction. With the ability to manipulate space-time, they would pay homage to their hero "God" by helping him in the past so he may fulfill the mission most important to him, to once again see his daughter. Plan B worked beautifully. But the 5d humans, having the power to bend space-time, decided there's no reason why Plan A had to fail.
Sure, this show is set in the late 1400's and everyone should be walking around with crooked and rotting teeth, living in filth, and diseased ridden instead of this bright and cheerful look at history. Sure, I caught the handicapped ramp that was next to the stairs leading into the castle. Sure, I noticed the steel railing bolted to the brick.
But when I turn off that part of my brain then I love the show. LOVE IT.
I began questioning my own existence after this episode.
A surprisingly gripping show. Highly recommended.
What a phenomenal show! Being a Marvel production, I fully expected something of quality, but my expectations were blown entirely out of the water. Daredevil has easily taken its place among my favorite shows currently on air and far surpasses the current lineup of comic book-based television properties (including Marvel's own Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.).
The cast is great. Charlie Cox brings emotional weight to Matt Murdock and an intimidating presence to his vigilante alter ego. Supporting players Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, and Rosario Dawson, all make their respective roles feel critical, never distracting or annoying. But it's Vincent D'Onofrio that really steals the spotlight as Wilson Fisk, bringing to life a villain who is not only vicious and truly terrifying, but also heartbreakingly pitiful.
Daredevil's writing separates it from the current crop of superhero television. The progression of the plot is well organized and dialog rarely (if ever) crosses that line into comic book corniness. You really get the sense that the show runners had a clear vision for where they wanted this freshman season to go, while still laying groundwork for future seasons. Never does it feel like you're just being strung along for bigger and better things to come next season. And the show doesn't constantly try to remind you of the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe, as any references to it are (usually) subtle.
But perhaps Daredevil's greatest strength is its cinematography. Fight sequences are expertly choreographed and coherent (not to mention brutally gritty), even rivaling those of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The production value is top notch, probably thanks to the refreshingly limited reliance on CGI. But what impressed me the most was the brave willingness to let the camera linger or even meander occasionally. Ending episode 2 with a minutes-long single take fight sequence had me speechless, and is a testament to the level of quality brought to the show.
Daredevil is a strong addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I think Marvel's partnership with Netflix could prove to be one of their best decisions regarding their television properties and I look forward to future shows like A.K.A. Jessica Jones and Luke Cage.
Watching order
Because there are some issues with watching this, here is the order.
Copying from the site in case it ever goes down, but this info came from here: http://thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com/2010/02/battlestar-galactica-viewing-order.html
It's probably more confusing here on trakt, so go to the above linked site for a better layout.
The Miniseries
Night 1
Night 2
Season 1
1.01 33
1.02 Water
1.03 Bastille Day
1.04 Act of Contrition
1.05 You Can't Go Home Again
1.06 Litmus
1.07 Six Degrees of Separation
1.08 Flesh and Bone
1.09 Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down
1.10 The Hand of God
1.11 Colonial Day
1.12 Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I
1.13 Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II
Season 2
2.01 Scattered
2.02 Valley of Darkness
2.03 Fragged
2.04 Resistance
2.05 The Farm
2.06 Home, Part I
2.07 Home, Part II
2.08 Final Cut
2.09 Flight of the Phoenix
2.10 Pegasus (56 minute extended version)
2.11 Resurrection Ship, Part I
2.12 Resurrection Ship, Part II
2.13 Epiphanies
2.14 Black Market
2.15 Scar
2.16 Sacrifice
2.17 The Captain's Hand
Razor (101 minute extended version - not the 81 minute broadcast version)
Important note: This was originally broadcast just before Season 4, but chronologically it fits here, telling more of the Pegasus's story. Some people argue it's better to watch after Season 3, as originally broadcast, but it makes most sense to watch it here.
The reason that the placement of Razor is a hotly contested issue among BSG fans is because of a bit of dialogue at the very end (in the last 10 minutes) which sets the tone for Season 4 (barely even a spoiler). Everything else in this TV movie is not a spoiler.
So why place it here, and not where it was originally broadcast, if there's any sort of issue? Because, chronologically, the story is set here, and by the time you reach the end of Season 3, the story of Pegasus will feel like ancient history. Indeed, that was the complaint echoed around the internet from fans after Razor originally aired -- it had nothing to do with what was going on in the story at that time.
As a result of this, most fans agree it's better to watch Razor here. In doing so, you'll appreciate the story more and it will have greater emotionally resonance. In short: I highly recommend that you follow my advice and watch it here.
There is one small caveat, however: In order to deal with the above dialogue issue, and so not to unintentionally alter the tone of Season 3, I have two, very specific instructions that I recommend that you follow for your absolute optimum enjoyment.
I will try not to spoil anything with these instructions, so pay attention. You need to press MUTE on your TV (and/or turn off any subtitles) in the following two moments. Both of these moments occur in the last 10 minutes of the story, so you can relax and enjoy the first 90 mins before you need to worry.
Press MUTE when:
and shortly afterwards:
That's it! That's all you have to worry about. Two very small moments, and even if you don't unmute it, it's not a huge spoiler, it just unintentionally alters the tone of Season 3 if you don't, so do try your best to follow my instructions.
2.18 Downloaded
2.19 Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I
2.20 Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II
The Resistance
A 10 episode web-based series bridging seasons 2 and 3. (25 mins.)
Season 3
3.01 Occupation
3.02 Precipice
3.03 Exodus, Part I
3.04 Exodus, Part II
3.05 Collaborators
3.06 Torn
3.07 A Measure of Salvation
3.08 Hero
3.09 Unfinished Business (70 minute extended version - Note: Not included on Region 2 DVDs, but is included on ALL Bluray releases.)
3.10 The Passage
3.11 The Eye of Jupiter
3.12 Rapture
3.13 Taking a Break From All Your Worries
3.14 The Woman King
3.15 A Day in the Life
3.16 Dirty Hands
3.17 Maelstrom
3.18 The Son Also Rises
3.19 Crossroads, Part I
3.20 Crossroads, Part II
Razor: Yes, this again. (Well this is where Razor was originally broadcast, after all.) Remember the last 10 minutes where I told you to MUTE two small moments? Well, guess what, now is when you get to go back and hear what was said. Watch the last 10 minutes of Razor here.
Season 4
4.01 He That Believeth In Me
4.02 Six of One
4.03 The Ties That Bind
4.04 Escape Velocity
4.05 The Road Less Traveled
4.06 Faith
4.07 Guess What's Coming to Dinner?
4.08 Sine Qua Non
4.09 The Hub
4.10 Revelations
Season 4 Continued (aka "Season 4.5" or "The Final Season")
4.11 Sometimes a Great Notion
The Face of the Enemy
A 10 episode web-based series (although it plays together like an intense mini-episode). (36 mins.)
4.12 A Disquiet Follows My Soul (53 minute extended version - only on Bluray releases)
4.13 The Oath
4.14 Blood on the Scales
4.15 No Exit
The Plan (DVD/Bluray movie)
A stand-alone movie that shows (approximately) the first two seasons from the Cylons' perspective. (You finally get to see "The Plan", mentioned all those times in the opening sequence!) Although The Plan was originally released after the show had finished, it is generally agreed that it should be watched here, so that everything is all tied up when you do reach the end.
4.16 Deadlock
4.17 Someone to Watch Over Me
4.18 Islanded In a Stream of Stars (62 minute extended version - only on BluRay releases and Region 1 DVDs)
4.19 Daybreak (150 minute extended version - only on BluRay releases and Region 1 DVDs)
The Plan : This is where this DVD/Bluray movie was originally released (after the show had finished). It seems universally agreed that it's preferable to watch this after No Exit, instead of after you've finished the entire series, but there's no harm in waiting until now.
Then Caprica the series: http://trakt.tv/show/caprica
Not as strong as the pilot but the theme of this episode really got to me. And oh my god, what is up with that ending? O.o
The opening of this episode was one of the best I've ever seen. This series is getting better every passing minute, and that makes me worry seriously about its longevity beyond the proposed 10 episodes.
