Wednesday Season 1 (2022) Review

Ahead of the second part of the second season of Wednesday, I thought now would be the time that I actually watch this really popular show and give my take on it. So the last few days, I have watched the first season of Wednesday and here is my review for it. The premise of the show sees Wednesday Addams transferred to a school for pupils with powers, when an attempted murder takes place, she sets out to find out the potential killer. 

Main Character 

Jenna Ortega plays the titular character and she is fantastic. This is an incredibly nuanced and complex character and Ortega nails it with her delivery and mannerisms. The character must be a tough one to play but I was interested in Wednesday throughout and I thought Ortega was a huge part of that. 

Supporting Characters

Hunter Doohan plays Tyler and I thought he was also really good in his role. The dynamic between him and Wednesday is well handled and I actually bought into their development as a potential romance. 

Emma Myers plays Enid and is Wednesday's roommate throughout the season. She was great and the perfect foil for Wednesday as she tries to deal with moving to a new school. Their chemistry was excellent and a real highlight of the show. 

Gwendoline Christie plays Principal Larissa Weems and she was great. This is a strong performance from her and even though she doesn't have loads of screen time, she really delivers and owns the screen in the scenes that she is in. 

All the school mates are well cast and even though the school doesn't necessarily play the biggest part of the show the kids never annoyed me which is a bonus considering shows that are set in high school are likely to have some annoying kids. 

Story

The story is good, this is a classic mystery but it definitely did a good job keeping me interested and invested. It also did a good job with its school storylines which are limited because usually they aren't very good. However, the ending of the season feels rushed. It's like they forgot they only had 8 episodes and rushed the last episode to get every story arc completed just in case they didn't get a second season.

Script 

The script is great, there is a great combination of humour and drama. Also the dialogue is very quick and witty that elevated the characters here. Though I thought the final reveal was a bit predictable it still did a good job of keeping me guessing so that shows a decent level of writing. 

Style

I really liked the artistic style of Wednesday. It really stands out and makes it unique compared to other shows and was one of the main reasons I liked this show. But this film has a pacing issue and as I mentioned earlier I think the ending of the show is a bit rushed and lacklustre, also there is some bad CGI here at times which is hopefully better in the second season. 

Overall

Overall, Wednesday Season 1 is a Great Show and does a great job of building this universe for hopefully a bright future. It is a show you should watch as it is a brisk and enjoyable watch.

Rating - 8/10

The Bear Season 1 (2022) Review

For years I have heard just how good The Bear is and how many awards it has won. However, I have never got around to watching it. But with the newest season set to be released in the near future I have decided to binge the show and that starts with the first season. The premise of the show sees a chef from fine dining return to his home to run his brothers sandwich shop. 

Main Character

Jeremy Allen White plays Carmen and he is fantastic here. You really see the stress affect him throughout the season. He is coming from this regimented approach and really struggles with understanding others and their needs. He owns his role and gives a monologue in the final episode that is award worthy and he knocks it out of the park. 

Supporting Characters

Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Richie and he is one of the most complex characters on the show. He is an annoying character at first and the conflict between him and Carmen is really clear, but Moss-Bachrach really portrays this character well and you start to understand why he is the way he is. 

Ayo Edebiri plays Sydney and she is the newest member of the restaurant and she has really high aspirations and her character arc mirrors Carmen from his previous life. She is great in her role and her journey is one of the more important over the show. 

Lionel Boyce plays Marcus and he was probably the character I liked the most. He really tries to improve as a desert chef and though that doesn't always go right, he does have the best intentions and he was a positive aspect of the show. 

This show is full of characters and all of them are fantastic and really deliver on their roles in the show. 

Story

The story here is incredibly intense, this is one of the worst work environments you will ever see and you see how these people and their egos go against each other causing chaos. The show does a fantastic job in developing characters and making the viewers understand their backstory and intentions. My only criticism is that it feels a little bit episodic in its nature and the ending doesn't quite have the punch that I wanted with it feeling just like a build up for the next season. 

Script

The script is really where the show excels. It is incredibly well written with some really intense drama that feels really natural and like what could happen in this intense environment. I have seen this show being presented as a comedy which isn't really true but it does have some funny moments littered in here. 

Style

The style of the show really focuses on the food and the fast pacing of a restaurant environment. It is a really dark and depressing show at times but it never becomes too much and I think that is due to the pacing of the show and the retro cinematic techniques used. 

Overall

Overall, The Bear Season 1 is fantastic and a show that deserves all the praise that it has received. It is really intense but the performances and writing make it truly worthy of a watch, 

Rating - 9/10

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 1 (2022) Review

I am a huge fan of The Lord of the Rings but I did not want to watch this show and had little interest. But with Season 2 just starting its release schedule, I thought it was time for me to watch this show and I have now watched the first season of Rings of Power and here is my review for it. The premise of the show is set thousands of years before Lord of the Rings and sees the different species try to survive against the dark forces of Middle Earth. 

Main Character

Morfydd Clark plays a young Galadriel and I did find it unfortunate that I really didn't care about this character. She is just really dull and the show doesn't do a good enough job of making you care about her or her character. Clark, does try and that deserves a bit of credit but with her being the clear protagonist of this show, she falls really flat. 

Supporting Cast

The cast is pretty large, and it is mixed for sure. I think a lot of the performers were hampered by shoddy writing and poor storytelling which gave them little to work with. 

Robert Aramayo plays young Elrond and I really liked him. He doesn't really feel like Elrond but I can't deny that he is entertaining to watch and there is plenty of depth made to his character and I found the scenes involving him and Durin played by Owain Arthur to be the most entertaining of the show. 

Charlie Vickers plays Halbrand and he is alright, he actually has some charm and charisma to him which helps him rise above some shoddy writing for the character. I thought he did a good job and made me intrigued by his character. 

But the rest of the cast really suffers, Arondir played by Ismael Cruz Cordova is really boring. He is great in the action sequences, but he is so monotone and soft spoken that it was hard to care about him and he just falls really flat, especially with how much time we spend with him. 

The story involving Daniel Weyman as The Stranger and Markella Kavenagh as Nori is really dull and boring. It tries to be mysterious but it never really goes anywhere, it took till the finale to try and make them interesting but there characters were a sore part of the show. 

Story

The story really misses the mark. I saw it described as a fan fiction of JRR Tolkein's work and I am afraid that it does really feel like that. The show tries to force intrigue and interest by hiding a lot of information about the characters but that made it really hard to get invested. Then the final episode has a few reveals that feel rushed and not earned for the show and I hope the story improves in the future.

Script

The show is unfortunately not written well. All the dialogue feels really forced and those bits that are good are due to the actors rising above this shoddy writing. Not much makes sense and making so many storylines that involve mystery makes things feeling frustratingly not complete. 

Style

Easily the best part of the show is the style. The show looks beautiful, you can tell it has a huge budget and for the most part it is really effective. Middle Earth looks great and I am glad that this show has the essence of the universe with both its looks and also its fantastic music choices. The action scenes are also great and have a bit more brutality which I definitely enjoyed. 

Overall

Overall, Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power Season 1 is a bad show and falls really flat of its licence. It is definitely an example of style of substance and I hope the second season is a huge improvement on this as the franchise deserves way better. 

Rating - 3/10 

Morbius (2022) Review

I have wanted to watch Morbius for years and never found the time, but a 13 hour flight was the perfect chance to watch this film that I have heard so much about in the past and here is my review for Morbius. The premise of the film sees a doctor try to cure himself of a blood disease but accidentally infects himself with Vampire Blood. 

Main Character

Jared Leto plays Michael Morbius and I really didn't like him in this role. He is obviously a good actor but between Morbius and The Joker, I think he should stay away from comic book roles for the rest of time. I don't think he is helped by other things going on but he is really bland and there is just no reason to care or support Morbius and that is a shame. 

Supporting Characters

Matt Smith plays Milo and he is so over the top that it is really cringe, but he is clearly really enjoying his screen time and giving it his all and he is the only person who can actually say this. His dynamic with Leto isn't particularly good but Smith has so much charisma that I couldn't stop watching it. 

Adria Arjona plays Martine Bancroft and is basically here just to give a romance for Morbius. She is a talented actress but she offers nothing here and she is one of the duller characters that you will meet in any comic book film. 

Jared Harris plays Emile Nicholas and I think he was okay here but he barely has any screen time. He feels like he is just a plot device for the story but I feel like Harris could have been a better part of the film and how he is used is a disappointment. 

Tyrese Gibson plays Simon Stroud and this might be the most offensive performance in the film. Gibson is mainly known for his energetic role in The Fast & Furious films but here he is so boring and monotone that it makes me wonder why they even bothered casting him and he felt really out of place. 

Story

The story is all over the place. The ideas presented here could have worked but they tried to do them all together which meant they didn't work. The focus should have been more on the relationship between Morbius and Milo and I mean it should have been written a lot better but it has a romantic story and seeing Morbius against the police. The plot doesn't make much sense and is another low point for the film. 

Script

The script is also pretty bad, the drama didn't make me care about anybody in this film and the humour is super cringy. The blend of the two isn't handled well and the writing of the plot just makes no sense and it fits this films rubbish tone. 

Style

Now there are a few decent action scenes and I enjoyed the fact that it pushed the envelope for its 12 rating which I do appreciate. But a lot of the CGI is rubbish and some of the action scenes are lacklustre. The films pacing is all over the place too, it felt really long even though it is actually a normal length film. 

Overall

Overall, Morbius is a pretty terrible film that lives up to the expectations that I have been told. No good things come from this film and should be avoided at all cost. 

Rating - 2/10

Reacher Season 1 (2022) Review

Ahead of the release of the second season, I decided to go back and watch the first season of the acclaimed Prime Video show Reacher. I got through it pretty quickly and here is my review for the show. The premise of the show sees a mysterious man get arrested for murder but is needed by the police to help solve the crime. 

Main Character

There have been a few films based on the character of Jack Reacher with Tom Cruise in the lead role which didn't quite work. This time we get Alan Ritchson playing the lead role and he was perfect for this role. He is physically intimidating person but you can tell that he is fantastic at his job and that he is one step ahead of everybody. He is very charismatic and Reacher is one of the better characters that I have seen in a TV show. 

Supporting Characters

Malcolm Goodwin plays Oscar Finlay who is a police detective who sort of works with Reacher. He is a really interesting character here, there is a huge juxtaposition between Reacher & Finlay and I think that is why it really works and why this character adds so much to the role. 

Willa Fitzgerald plays Roscoe Conklin and she is great on the show. The chemistry between her and Ritchson is brilliant and a true highlight of the show. She is a strong character and from the moment she is introduced Fitzgerald does a great job. 

Maria Sten is bought in as Frances Neagley and she is a fantastic addition. We don't meet her till like the mid-point of the show but its a great new character, she has a history with Reacher in the war and I liked the dynamic between the two as former war buddies. 

Bruce McGill plays the Mayor and he is exactly what you would expect, he is a snivelling corrupt Mayor and he really is great as this unlikeable guy. 

Overall, every single performance is fantastic and I really credit the entire cast for their hard work. 

Story

The story is very effective, its basis is pretty simple. We see this outsider get arrested but it ends up that he is crucial to investigating what exactly is going on and it is done really well. It feels like the town of Margrave is its own character and that it controls what Reacher does. However, I think they slightly fall a bit flat on the ending, it feels a little rushed and a little convoluted which kind of goes against the overall vibe of the show. 

Script

The script is fantastic, Reacher is sometimes a man of few words but when he does talk he is both charming and intelligent. There is a lot of drama & intensity to the dialogue but almost moments of gravity and humour that makes the people and situation feel real. 

Style

The show is paced really well. The 8 episodes flew by and I was interested throughout each one of them because they all feel slightly different. The action is fantastic, it moves really well and feels brutal, it is violent but only a few times does it ever get very gruesome but they are very gratifying. 

Overall

Overall, Reacher is a fantastic show that had me gripped throughout. This is easily the better depiction of the character and if you are a fan of crime shows then this has to be seen and now I am really excited for the second season. 

Rating - 9/10

Andor Season 1 (2022) Review

I am a huge Star Wars fan but I can't deny that I didn't have huge expectations when it was announced that their would be a prequel show surrounding the character Cassian Andor. But I have now finished the first season of the show and here is my review for it. The premise of the show is set in the early days of the Empire, it documents the rise of a Rebellion and one of its heroes in Cassian Andor. 

Main Character

We were introduced to Cassian Andor in Rogue One, Diego Luna is back in the role and he is really good in this show. Cassian is one of the more interesting characters in Star Wars currently and this show does a really effective job in showing this characters motivations and developments even though we know where he ends up. Luna sells it well, he really grows across the season and by the end it feels like we are closer to the character that we meet in the film. 

Supporting Characters

This show has a huge cast so I will only have a chance to mention some of them starting with possibly my favourite character Luthen played by the fantastic Stellan Skarsgard. He is the most mysterious character and Skarsgard delivers a brilliant performance to add to this, we see his motivations and the way it links to the other characters is great to see. Genevieve O'Reilly reprises her role as Mon Mothma and this is easily the most development the character has ever seen. We see her struggle in the Imperial Senate and how she is trying to help build this Rebellion while keeping her cover, its a really strong performance and character. Denise Gough plays Dedra Meero and this is another interesting character, she is a head officer in the ISB, basically the intelligence of The Empire. She is great and allows us as the audience to see their side of the war and come to see the way they operate. Fiona Shaw plays Andor's mother and I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two of them, she is clearly having fun and enjoying her role. Also seeing Andy Serkis play Kino Loy for a few episodes was a real highlight and his acting is nothing short of spectacular. 

Story  

The story is really interesting, this is Star Wars without any Jedi or Sith and to make that compelling shows the strength of the storytelling. As I mentioned, the characters are all really well written and their stories add plenty to the show and the world. But my one criticism is that there is so much rammed into this show, it is all interesting but sometimes things just aren't quite given the time to grow. It does feel like this show could have had a different name as there are much bigger things in play then just Cassian Andor. 

Script

The script is really well written, I think this might be the most human and real world that Star Wars has ever been and it adds to the grittiness of this show. It has a bit of humour but is pretty serious, that works for the show so I think it was the right call. 

Style 

The show was filmed all on location, which is a different method then the other Star Wars Disney+ shows but I think it really worked here. It feels like it is in the same universe as Rogue One and feels grimy and gritty. The action scenes are fantastic, they are visually impressive and feel more aggressive then other elements of Star Wars. 

Overall

Overall, Andor is a fantastic show that sees Star Wars at its most interesting. If you are a fan of the franchise then you have to watch it and if not I think this could be a way in. 

Rating - 9/10

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) Review

After the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, the future of the Black Panther franchise was up in the air but now we have Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees after the death of T'challa, Wakanda is at the mercy of other countries and a force which has chosen now to rise up. 

Main Character

Letitia Wright gets more of the centre stage as Shuri and her character has changed a plenty. Gone is the fun and charming teenager and in her place is this dark and brooding young woman who is clearly angry at the world. Considering the story the film is trying to tell it works and Wright does a really good job in her role and you clearly see a journey that she goes on in the film. 

Supporting Characters

Danai Gurira reprises her role as Okoye and she is really good, she is a really talented actress and her character gets some development here. She is good in the action sequences too with her filling this role as a warrior really well. Angela Basset gets a pretty substantial role as Queen Ramonda and this is the performance that most people have been talking about. She is fantastic in her role, you see the pain that comes from her after the events of the previous films and she does a great job in this royal role. Tenoch Huerta makes his debut as Namor and he is fantastic, even though he is technically the antagonist in this film his character is so well written and realised by Huerta that you can't help but kind of see his point of view on things and that is great to see. Dominique Thorne also makes her first appearance as Riri Williams, she is a lot of fun and her performance reminds me of what Shuri was like in the first Black Panther film and I think that was on purpose. 

Story 

The story is incredibly heavy and emotional, it just feels real. The first act in particular feels like a true tribute to Chadwick Boseman and the character of T'Challa. But it also plays into the story and takes this group of broken people and makes them face this threat from a group of people who are also suffering. This is when the film is at its best, but it does have some issues. There is one part of the story that feels really out of place featuring a returning character that just feels shoehorned in. Also the last act had a few things that didn't quite sit well with me and let the film down a bit from a storytelling point of view. 

Script 

The script is incredibly dramatic, this isn't your typical Marvel film and deals with the true consequences of grief and trauma. The jokes are alright but that isn't why we are here, the characters are well written and proper time is given for us to care. 

Style 

The style of the film is a bit of a mixed bag. The soundtrack and overall sound design is really awesome and Ludwig Goransson continues his great streak of awesome music in film & TV. The film looks beautiful too, Wakanda & Talocan (Where Namor lives) are both very vibrant and nice to look out. But I don't know if it was just me who found the majority of the action scenes a bit jarring to watch, especially at the beginning of the film. There is plenty of shaky cam and it doesn't allow these performers to deliver as well as I think they can. Also the film does drag a bit, it is over 2 Hours & 30 Mins and I think a good 10/15 mins could have been cut off and the film would have been better. 

Overall

Overall, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a great film that feels like a real classy tribute to Chadwick Boseman but also tells its own story that resonated for me and I think it will any fan of this franchise. 

Overall - 8/10

Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi Season 1 (2022) Review

I feel like Star Wars animation has been pretty consistent over the last few years but Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi kind of snuck under the radar and I managed to watch the season yesterday and here is my review for the first season. The premise of the show documents two stories, it shows how Count Dooku became estranged from the Jedi Order and how Ahsoka Tano rose up and survived the events of Order 66. 

Main Character

The great Corey Burton once again voices Count Dooku and he does a tremendous job in this role. This is easily my favourite depiction of the character and seeing him in his role as a Jedi is really interesting. It further enhances his character in the films and does a wonderful job in showing his motivations and makes him a way more interesting character. Ashley Eckstein reprises her role as Ahsoka and she is great of course, her character doesn't get the intrigue and depth that Dooku does but Eckstein could play this role in her sleep and do well and that provides a fun performance here. 

Supporting Characters

The show focuses on the two main characters mostly but littered throughout are iconic Star Wars characters such as Mace Windu, Qui Gon Jinn & Yaddle who get plenty to do. Bryce Dallas Howard voices Yaddle and it was interesting to see this character get more to do and I liked how she was depicted. Seeing Anakin & Rex back for Ahsoka's story is good too and it is done well enough. 

Story 

The story of Dooku's story is fantastic, genuinely one of the best Star Wars stories I have seen in recent memory. Seeing this respected Jedi become more discontent with the ways of the Jedi & Senate and it actually making sense was really great to see. But the Ahsoka stuff just wasn't that great and felt a bit tacked on, I kind of wish the show had just focused on Dooku as I felt the Ahsoka stuff didn't deliver much extra depth to her character. 

Script 

The script is really good, this is a pretty serious and sombre show but it really works. I appreciate that even though it is an animated show it doesn't treat us as children and delves into really serious themes and situations. 

Style 

The animation looks great and there are some fun action sequences. The fact that there is only 6 episodes which are really short makes it a really easy watch too. But again the layout was slightly weird and the Ahsoka episodes felt shorter and a bit less grandiose. 

Overall

Overall, Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi season 1 is a great show that follows on from the solid work of the Clone Wars. The Dooku stuff is amazing and the Ahsoka stuff is okay, it is an easy watch for any Star Wars fan and I would easily give it your time. 

Rating - 8/10

Black Adam (2022) Review

After what feels like forever Black Adam has finally made its way to cinemas and I managed to find the time to watch it today and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees an individual with the power of a god released in order to provide justice to his land. 

Main Character

Dwayne Johnson has been set to play Black Adam for years and finally he has been given the chance and I thought he was really good in this film. He provides more then his generic performance that he has become known for, he is intimidating as Adam and adds plenty of depth to this character. He still has those elements of charm there but it doesn't overshadow the nuance of the character. 

Supporting Characters

Pierce Brosnan plays Dr Fate and I thought he was really good. He actually seems to care about the character and the role, Fate is a really interesting character in the comics and though he doesn't get enough screen time to truly flesh him out it does enough here. Aldis Hodge plays Hawkman and he was decent in the role, he plays the hero well and though the character is barely fleshed out but he uses his natural charisma to get him by. But the rest of the cast don't fare as well. Noah Centineo plays Atom Smasher & Quintessa Swindell plays Cyclone, these two feel like they are in a different movie and it doesn't work. They come across as annoying and like they are in a Marvel film while the rest of the film is pretty serious. The villain is one of the weaker ones that are seen in a DC film, he is clearly an afterthought and is really bland. There are a few generic human characters and they didn't offer anything particularly interesting either. 

Story 

When Teth Adam's backstory is explored in this film it was interesting to see and see this protagonist who is really brutal and does some things that wouldn't be seen by a traditional superhero. The issue with the story is that the rest of the film is really generic, with how many super hero films that have come out I feel like I have seen this final act done better in other films for sure. 

Script 

This film is at its best when it focuses on the dark side of the story. But it has some awkward use of comedy and not all the drama hits, the humans aren't interesting and their annoying exposition doesn't help rise it up. 

Style 

The film has some pretty impressive action sequences and it is paced pretty well throughout. A big issue is that my favourite action scene was probably the first one which is never good for a super hero film. Also again the final act CGI fights don't really stand out, there is one in particular that rips off specific action scenes from another comic book film. Also there is one instance of truly terrible CGI which you will notice straight away. 

Overall

Overall, Black Adam is an above average super hero film. It is entertaining but falls way short of living up to the hype, if you want to entertain yourself for a few hours then maybe give it a go but I wouldn't rush to see it. 

Rating - 6/10

House of the Dragon Season 1 (2022) Review

After the somewhat disappointing ending to Game Of Thrones, we have waited a long time for the spinoff show House of the Dragon. The first season of the show has just finished and here is my review for it. The premise of the show is set almost 200 years before Game Of Thrones and sees the House of Targaryen in charge of the 7 kingdoms and having to deal with all the conflict that comes with that. 

Main Character 

Milly Alcock & Emma D'Arcy play the young and older version of Rhaenyra Targaryen and they are both fantastic. Alcok creates this really interesting young character and she is just enigmatic on screen and I don't know why but she was one of the best parts of the show. When D'Arcy took over the role she did a great job on building on the hard work that Alcok did and feel like an older version of this character. She is just really charismatic on screen and even though I wasn't a huge fan of the time jump she did a great job. 

Supporting Characters 

This is one of the biggest supporting characters that you will ever see, so I definitely won't mention everybody but everybody is fantastic in this show and delivers really strong performances. Matt Smith plays Daemon Targaryen and he is probably the best part of the show, he is so charismatic and he owns the screen in every scene that he is in. The character has so much development and intrigue of the show that seems to have earnt him much praise and love from the fandom. Rhys Ifans plays Otto Hightower and he is certainly one of the more manipulative and conniving members of the cast. This character reminds me the most of the best characters from GOT and seeing him try and manipulate the situation is interesting to watch. Paddy Considine plays King Viserys Targaryen and he is fantastic, you see this man try and control this whole situation that he is put in and Considine nails it, especially throughout the time jump where he has to give very different performances. 

Story 

The story of the show is interesting. It documents some of the events that we were told about in GOT and seeing this rich lore come to life, the plotting and scheming is there and when it really gets into it, it really hits the high notes. The issue is mainly about the amount of content that is attempted here, the infamous time jumps have been an issue for me and made it sometimes hard to care about these characters. Also the finale didn't feel as high stakes as I think it should have done, which is a bit disappointing. 

Script

The script is really good. The writing is strong and the characters are much better written here. It is a very serious show with only a few sprinkles of humour but it feels appropriate and I am just happy to see these people fleshed out. 

Style 

The show looks amazing, the CGI is out of this world and the budget is definitely a big plus. When the action takes place, it is handled really well and in pretty brutal fashion. But the pacing of the show is a bit off, first the time jumps really don't help with getting us established with these characters and their actors. Also some of the episodes do feel a little slow at times with not much actually happening which is a shame. 

Overall

Overall, House of The Dragon Season 1 is a Great start for this new spinoff series. It continues good work from Game Of Thrones and with a few refinements it can live up to the epic heights. 

Rating - 8/10

She-Hulk: Attorney At Law Season 1 (2022) Review 

After a long break, I will hopefully be back reviewing on a consistent basis. I have finally forced myself to finish the first season of She-Hulk: Attorney At Law and here is my review for it. The premise of the show, sees after an accident turns her into a Hulk, Jennifer Walters must balance her new parts of her life and her life as a Lawyer. 

Main Character

Tatiana Maslany plays Jennifer Walters and she is easily the best part of this show. You can tell she really cares about making this character fun and interesting, her comedic timing and delivery is really good. She carries this show on her back and especially when she is Jen I really liked her. 

Supporting Characters

The best part of the supporting cast are the ones who aren't really in the show that much but are the most recognisable. Mark Ruffalo is back as Bruce Banner/Hulk and the dynamic between Bruce and Jennifer is one of the better elements of the show and his character is developed a bit here, but he isn't here enough which is a shame. Tim Roth is back as Emil Blomsky/Abomination and though I wasn't a huge fan of the direction they took his character, I can't deny that Roth is fun to watch and that drags through some of the episodes. Finally Charlie Cox is back as Matt Murdoch/Daredevil and I am so happy that he is back and he is handled really well. He is a bit more humorous but the character from the Netflix show still remains intact and that is fantastic to see. But it was the new cast that failed to me, Ginger Gonzaga as Nikki, Jameela Jamil as Titania and Josh Segarra as Pug are examples of pretty annoying new characters that get nothing real to do, Segarra is disappointing in particular because he is a really talented actor.  

Story 

The story is a complete mess and the show even addresses that multiple times. It really tries to do way too much and it ends up making the audience not really care about any of it. Just because you have a character that breaks the fourth wall, that isn't an excuse for poor storytelling which is highlighted by the season finale which just doesn't work. 

Script 

The script doesn't take itself too seriously, the humour for the most part made me laugh so that is a step in the right direction. But the show never hits the note on its drama and sometimes comes across as annoying and like it has its own agenda. Plus as I have mentioned above the story is written so poorly. 

Style 

The style of the show also is a big failure. The CGI is probably the worst in the MCU history, when your main character spends a good portion of their time in CGI and it sucks that isn't good. The pacing is also atrocious, there are so many filler episodes that they have to rush the ending and by then I just did not care. 

Overall

Overall, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is a below average show that is a bit of a black eye on the MCU. It has its funny moments, good cameos and likeable lead but that is it and is definitely not worth the time that is required to watch it. 

Rating - 4/10 

Pinocchio (2022) Review

Alongside Marvel & Star Wars it seems like Disney's other obsession is remaking iconic animated Disney films through a mix of Live Action & CGI. The newest version of this habit is Pinocchio, release on Disney+ Day, this new remake of the original classic is out now and I have watched it so here is my review. The premise of the film sees a lonely toy maker wish that his toy would come to life, we now see the adventures of Pinocchio as he tries to become a real boy. 

Main Character

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth voices Pinocchio and he does a completely serviceable job. He is pretty energetic and you can tell that he is really trying his best in this role. But Pinocchio just comes across as a bit annoying, his character is just frustrating to watch at times and the fact that this film is clearly aimed at kids means there isn't much to work with. 

Supporting Characters

Tom Hanks plays Geppetto and he is as good as he can be. The fact that it is Hanks rises this performance, but it is really silly and adds nothing to the film, he even disappears for a while which makes you think that Hanks just did this because he had some spare time. Joseph Gordon Levitt play Jiminy Cricket and he really masks his voice here that I didn't even know it was him till I looked it up and that is good. He is probably over used but there is no denying that he is somewhat entertaining here. There are a few other characters here, but none of them are given enough screen time to really care or learn about them. Though one appearance by an actor I had no idea was in the film was nice to see. 

Story 

The story is all over the place and doesn't really do anything that I like. There is the relationship between Pinocchio and Geppetto, but it is ignored for a large part of the film. It just feels really unfocused with Pinocchio going on these different journeys that do not connect and feel like they're different episodes on a TV show. It would be interesting to see if the original felt like this but it was definitely a criticism here. 

Script 

The script actually has some funny moments that made me chuckle. It even has some modern references dropped in there at times that worked but also came across as quite confusing due to the setting of the film. But the film lacks real heart which for a film like this is essential, it falls short on the emotion and that is a great shame. 

Style 

The film looks pretty good sometimes and pretty poor at other times. Disney pumps plenty of money into this and it does come across well with some spectacle here and there. The CGI for Pinocchio isn't great and the pacing for the film is all over the place. 

Overall

Overall, Pinocchio is a below average film that isn't worth the time for anybody. It seems Disney are pushing forward with these live action remakes but this is one you don't have to waste time with. 

Rating - 4/10

Cobra Kai Season 5 (2022) Review 

Over the last few years, Cobra Kai has been one of my favourite shows and the newest season has come to Netflix and I have watched all 10 episodes in basically one day and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees Daniel & Chozen attempt to take down Cobra Kai, while Johnny travels to Mexico to find Miguel. 

Main Character

Ralph Macchio & William Zabka are back as Daniel & Johnny and by now I believe they could play these roles in their sleep. They are both fantastic, the characters are also really well handled this season with clear progression. The two of them have clear passion for this project and it conveys on screen with two fantastic characters. 

Supporting Characters

This show has a huge supporting cast so I will only talk about a select through but know that pretty much everybody on this show is fantastic. Thomas Ian Griffiths is back as Terry Silver and he has full control of Cobra Kai now and he is just such a great bad guy. He has tonnes of charisma and the character is fascinating to me, he has been a great addition to the show. But the show stealer for me was Yuji Okumoto as Chozen. He is awesome, he is a great sensei and has real comedic chops. This is the first time he is given the spotlight and it really works, he is just an brilliant addition and I am so glad the show gives him the attention he deserves. The younger actors get the time to shine, Mary Mouser as Sam & Peyton List as Tori are given way more to do this season and their characters progress very well and very naturally which is something the show hasn't always done well. 

Story 

The storytelling of showing the two dojos conflict is brilliant. These two philosophies really clash and apart from certain moments I think the show does a good job of showing some value in both of them. The majority of the characters are developed really well and I liked how they were handled. But this show gets off to a shaky start this season, the characters are split up and one story in particular is pointless and doesn't work like I think they wanted it too. 

Script 

The script is great, it has the right balance of seriousness and humour. It is cheesy at times, but I like it for its charm and its willingness to become personal when necessary. Plus when characters are written as well as this it deserves real credit. 

Style 

The show flows really well, the episodes feel like a breeze and I just have a real enjoyment watching it. The action scenes are excellently filmed and when they want to become quite brutal, they do it very well indeed. Also something they do really well, is their use of flashbacks, I have never seen Karate Kid 2 or 3 but these flashbacks make it really easy to follow Chozen & Silver's stories and the connection they have to Daniel. 

Overall

Overall, Season 5 of Cobra Kai is fantastic. It isn't my favourite season of the show but it is a great watch and as a huge fan of the show it is a must watch and one of my favourite shows out there. 

 Elvis (2022) Review 

After a long wait I have finally had the chance to get back to the cinema and watch one of the biggest films of 2022, Elvis. Here is my review for the film. The premise of the film documents the life of the great Elvis Presley, his rise in music his troubles and his interesting relationship with his manager Colonel Tom Parker. 

Main Character

Elvis has got to be one of the hardest roles an actor can play and the role falls to Austin Butler here and he does a brilliant job. I was watching the film and I totally believed that he was Elvis, whether it was the great performances or the more personal human moments. This is going to be his breakout role for sure and this is just one of those special performances, he is magnetic on screen and this is going to lead to a great career ahead. 

Supporting Characters

Tom Hanks plays Colonel Tom Parker and he is really important in this film. Apart from a bit of a silly accent, Hanks does a really good job in this role. The chemistry between Butler and himself is really well handled and you believe in their relationship and their dynamic. The film is a bit aggressive with its take on the character but Hanks sells the deceit and treachery of his character as well as he possibly can. The rest of the cast do a really good job as they filter in and out of the film. Olivia DeJonge plays Priscilla and she is really good with the chemistry between her and Butler being effective when it is on screen. Helen Thompson & Richard Roxburgh play Elvis parents and they play their roles really well to kind of bring this larger then life personality down to earth which was necessary. 

Story 

The story is at its best when it looks at the rise and subsequent fall of Elvis. Seeing him perform in his prime is so entertaining and mesmerising that you can't help but be excited by it. It shows sides of Elvis that I never knew about and it mostly feels like it treats him as a real person instead of just this huge star. But I can't deny that there are parts of this film I was less interested in and there is way too much of Colonel Tom Parker. His character is sometimes laughable, being like a cartoon villain and I would have preferred to see some other sides of his life instead of focusing so heavily on this one. 

Script

The script is well delivered, it has some really dramatic moments in it and it felt like Butler really encapsulated what I would imagine Elvis being like. There is also some funny moments but maybe not as much as some people wanted, though I enjoyed it. 

Style 

With the film being directed by Baz Luhrmann so you know visually that this film is going to look unique and apart from one or two moments it really works. As I mentioned above, seeing Elvis perform is incredible and it was delivered as promised. My issue is the pacing of the film, it goes a little too long and sometimes drags its heels in for some of its story beats. 

Overall

Overall, Elvis is a great film that will be enjoyed by fans of his and people are novices. I would say find a chance to watch this one as I suspect it will be a big contender come award season. 

Rating - 8/10 

Nope (2022) Review

On Monday I decided to go back to the cinema to watch the new Jordan Peele directed horror film Nope and now I have got around to reviewing it so here it is. The premise of the film sees a small community in California come across a crazy discovery. 

Main Character

Daniel Kaluuya is reunited with the director who really gave him his big break and I really enjoyed his performance here. OJ is a bit stoic but has that quite charisma towards him that made him a character that I cared about, his character goes through quite a bit of development and Kaluuya brings plenty to the performance. 

Supporting Characters

Keke Palmer plays his sister and I thought she was good, at first I thought she was just really annoying but as the film goes on I liked her more and thought the dynamic between her and Kaluuya was well realised by both of them. The rest of the cast does there job well such as Brandon Perea, Michael Wincott and Steven Yeun, the issue is that none of their characters have any depth or interest about them. Yeun in particular is really underutilised and it is a shame considering how great an actor he is. 

Story 

The story is interesting in terms of not revealing everything at first and making you really pay attention to every frame. The main two characters are well realised and their chemistry is undeniable and makes them film much more enjoyable to watch. But this film has too much in it that doesn't really matter, the 2nd act in particular really drags the film down and made me a bit bored, the last act brings it up a bit but not enough. 

Script 

The script has some decent drama in it and it builds the intrigue of the whole plot well. It has some humour but I think this is one of those films that thinks its funnier then it actually is and there was never that dialogue that made me truly care about what was going on which is a shame. 

Style 

The film is shot beautifully, there is no doubt that plenty of love and craft was put towards the making of Nope as it looks great throughout. The main issue is in its pacing, its that middle section for me, it just derails the film and had me yawning, I am all for character development but it just felt misplaced here. 

Overall

Overall, Nope is an above average film that makes its audience really think and care. It just misses the spot quite a few times so I can't fully recommend it. If you are interested then it may be for you, otherwise I would skip it. 

Rating - 6/10

 Prey (2022) Review

Prey has been getting plenty of rave reviews and today I decided to sit down and watch the film and here is my review for it. The premise of the film is set in the same world as the Predator franchise and sees a young girl try and protect her tribe against The Predator. 

Main Character

Amber Midthunder plays Naru and she does a really great job, she represents her Comanche tribe and she is a really easy character to root for. She goes through a real journey throughout this film and when she eventually clashes against The Predator it is really entertaining to watch. 

Supporting Characters

It is really cool to see that there was an actual person playing The Predator and that it wasn't just CGI. Dane DiLiegro plays the role and this is a fantastic rendition of the character as by now we know The Predators motivation so just seeing him in action is brilliant and a great job is done here. The rest of The Comanche tribe do a really good job too despite their much smaller roles, the main one being Dakota Beavers as her brother who plays an effective role. 

Story 

The story is really good, I really like the time period that it is set in and seeing this low technology tribe having to compete with the really high tech Predator brings some great concepts. A true development of the main character too, this franchise has overcomplicated things in the past and this film keeps it simple. But my one issue is something that occurs in the last act and kind of comes out of nowhere, I won't go into details because of the spoiler nature of this thing. 

Script

There isn't actually that much dialogue in this film but I thought it was all well handled, with sprinklings of drama and humour. The film is well written and goes for the less is more approach which I really enjoyed. 

Style

The film doesn't hold back, there are some brutal action scenes and it is fantastic to watch without it feeling cheap and just horror movie tropes. The film clocks in at around 90 mins and the pacing is brilliant, films don't need to be that long and this film proves that for sure. 

Overall

Overall, Prey is a fantastic film that literally came out of nowhere. This is going to be a sleeper hit for this year and hopefully this signals a great new future for The Predator as a franchise. 

Rating - 9/10

Ms Marvel Mini Series (2022) Review

Marvel has been in full force with its Disney+ TV Shows and Ms Marvel is the next to come out. I have watched all of the 6 episodes and here is my review for it. The premise of the shows sees a young Muslim girl get powers and have to decide how she can best use them to help her community. 

Main Character

Iman Vellani plays Kamala Khan and she does a really great job, especially considering this is one of her first acting roles. Kamala is a fun character and is a character that is easy to root for which really drives this show. Her powers are handled well enough despite the changes and I feel like this character is a completely different to any we have seen in the MCU and the show does a really great job of making me like Kamala. 

Supporting Characters

One of the best parts of this show is the relationships built up by Kamala and her friends and family. Zenobia Shroff & Mohan Kapur play her parents and they do a great job in the role, her mother is overly protective whereas her dad is more supportive but it really works and they have a great dynamic together and as a family. Matt Lintz plays her best friend Bruno and I liked their dynamic, it doesn't always work but when it does I think they are really good as friends and Lintz is a fun part of the show. But the issue comes with the characterisation of the villains of the show, it is very clear that they are an afterthought and it really doesn't work, it takes too long for them to get introduced and then even when they are on the show they are just so dull and one dimensional. 

Story 

It is fun seeing Kamala's transition from average girl to superpowered hero, she deals with plenty of issues and they do a really great job of building up this character and her journey throughout the show. But as I mentioned above, it misses the mark with its villains and overall direction, it takes too long to get into its story and it doesn't give enough time to really make you care. 

Script

The script has some good drama in their, despite the underdeveloped story I did end up caring because of some well written dialogue and decent performances. The humour is also alright, there are some chuckle worthy moments but it never makes me laugh too much and the drama does miss the mark at times. 

Style 

The show has a really unique style to it, especially in the first few episodes. It is bright and colourful which is good to see, it also has some pretty good action scenes in it that kept me entertained. But the shows pacing is all over the place, I really didn't like the first two episodes and it did get better but I never could get fully engrossed into it. 

Overall

Overall, Ms Marvel is an above average show that does a good job in introducing this new character but the overall making of the show isn't quite good enough. 

Rating - 6/10

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) Review

One of the most hyped films, Thor: Love and Thunder is out and I have now finally had a chance to watch it and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees Thor attempting to work himself out when he must team up with his ex Jane Foster in order to stop a new enemy. 

Main Character

Chris Hemsworth has now played Thor for 11 Years and he could play the role in his sleep. He is great in this film and he is just so good as the character and has made him into a really fun lead character. Thor had a great story arc in Avengers Endgame and it kind of continues here with his character getting an interesting deep dive with a continued progression which is good to see. 

Supporting Characters

Natalie Portman as Jane Foster was a pretty dull part of the previous Thor films but I actually liked her here and I definitely feel like this is the best she has done. Seeing her take up the role of Mighty Thor is really entertaining and seeing the two Thor's in action adds something fresh to the film. The story between the two of them is well handled and I thought this was the most chemistry that Portman and Hemsworth have had. Tessa Thompson is back as Valkyrie and she is pretty fun once again, her character doesn't get much development but she is always entertaining and Thompson is clearly having a lot of fun in the role. But there are some falters here, Christian Bale plays Gorr The God Butcher and it just didn't work for me. He was a dull villain who wasn't given enough time for you to really care and Bale switches from intense to goofy too often for me and it just makes his character feel inconsistent. Korg is one of my favourite characters in the MCU but he is in this film way too much and his overuse of comedy is too forced and takes away from the overall product. I think it shows that he is best in smaller doses and they shouldn't have him as front and centre as he is here. 

Story 

The story is at its best when it focuses on the relationship between Thor and Jane. There is some real drama here mixed with some nice humour, in interviews it was claimed it would be the biggest part of that film and it succeed here. But the story just feels incredibly rushed and a bit all over the place, it tries to balance really serious moments with comedy and it really doesn't work at all with an ending that also didn't quite work for me. 

Script 

The script is actually quite funny, its not as funny as Ragnarok but there are some chuckle worthy moments. There is some good drama here that is actually quite dark which I don't think people would be expecting to see here. But the film goes way too hard on the comedy and it just doesn't work, the two things clash and create this mess of a script. 

Style 

The film looks really good, the action is pretty exciting and in this day of age the CGI looks really good. Seeing the two Thor's in action is really fun and made the action scenes a bit more fun then it would have been if it had just been Thor. But the film isn't paced very well, it clocks in at around 1 hour 45 and it feels rushed. Also as good as it is, there wasn't one action set piece that really stood out for me. 

Overall

Overall, Thor: Love and Thunder is an above average film that has its moments but it falls way short of expectations and I think only big MCU fans will appreciate it as much as me. 

Rating - 6/10

The Boys Season 3 (2022) Review 

For me, The Boys has been one of the most consistently entertaining TV shows over the last few years and the third season of the show has just finished on Amazon Prime and I have watched it all and here is my review. The premise of the season sees Homelander having to deal with the fallout of dating the Nazi Stormfront and The Boys looking for different methods in there mission to stop the super powered. 

Main Character

Anthony Starr plays Homelander once again and I really don't think it is a stretch to say he gives the best performance of anybody in any TV show currently. The character of Homelander has so much depth to him and this season you really see this man with all this power dealing with issues that he can't always deal with. He contrasts so well with our other main character Billy Butcher played by Karl Urban, he is so gruff but the show really delves into his character and starts to give us more depth into who Butcher really is and why he is so motivated by his goals even when there is clear ethical issues. Both of them give fantastic performances and there differences is what really makes them stand out as special characters. 

Supporting Characters

There are so many characters on The Boys that I won't be able to talk about them so I am going to try and keep it to the main ones here. Jack Quaid is back as Hughie and the show does more with his character then in the previous seasons. He is more involved with the action and I like how his relationship with Starlight is highlighted and how that has really changed over the show. Speaking of Starlight, Erin Moriarty does a great job in the role and she is really pushed with her acting chops this season. I really like the dynamic between her and Hughie but she has her own interesting personal story that gets plenty of time and is handled well. Laz Alonso is given way more screen time as Mothers Milk, there is real humanity to his character and it is so cool seeing him able to stretch his acting chops and give potentially the most depth to a performance. Jensen Ackles makes his debut as Soldier Boy and he knocks it out of the park, this sort of Captain America spoof is darker and the perfect character to introduce here and I love seeing how his introduction changes everything up and adds uncertainty. The rest of the whole cast do a fantastic job with so many giving top notch performances. 

Story

The show does a fantastic job with the storytelling in terms of creating fascinating characters that make you care and be intrigued by them. There is real emotion from these characters and the story has enough twists and turns to keep you invested. But, since the beginning of the show I have always said The Boys has too much going on in terms of the amount of story elements and this season is no different, with pretty much everything being interesting but not exactly feeling connected. Also certain things teased at the end of the previous season wasn't quite fulfilled here. 

Script 

The script is fantastic, the dialogue is both funny and tragic. The characters are really well realised by the personalities that they are given which is credit to the writing and acting. The show always keeps you on your toes and I think it is one of those that you never know what is coming next. 

Style 

The show looks fantastic, you can tell that Prime Video put a huge budget behind The Boys and it pays off. The action scenes are well done and this show is still as gory as ever, it does not hold back in terms of the sex and violence. It might be too much for some people, but I think by now you know if you are going to like The Boys or not so it shouldn't be an issue. 

Overall

Overall, this is a fantastic season of The Boys and is probably my favourite one yet. This show won't be for everybody but it is so unique and definitely worth a watch just to see if it could be for you. 

Rating - 9/10 

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) Mini Series Review 

After years of hype, Obi-Wan Kenobi has had its run, with the show finishing on Disney+ today and here is my review for the whole show. The premise of the show sees Obi-Wan Kenobi dragged into a new adventure while trying not to expose himself and be hunted by Darth Vader. 

Main Character

Ewan McGregor is back as the title role and I thought he was fantastic. He slips back into the role really well and he sells the pain and troubles that he has gone through since the events during The Clone Wars. He still has some comedic charm to him, but it is really cool seeing this slightly older and more jaded character being dragged back in really against his will. Just seeing this guy who clearly loves the character get the chance to continue his story is great to see. 

Supporting Characters

Hayden Christensen reprises his role as Darth Vader and it is amazing to watch. The way Vader has been handled the last few years has been incredible and for me this is probably the best he has ever been. He has basically been turned into a horror villain and he is just such an intimidating presence that it really works and obviously there is the emotional connection with him and Kenobi. Vivien Lyra Blair plays the young Leia Organa and I thought she was fantastic, it felt like she was born to play this role and the chemistry between herself and McGregor is excellent. Indira Varma plays Tala and I really liked her performance, she is a strong female character and you can see how her character affects both Leia and Obi-Wan. Moses Ingram plays Reeva and I have to be honest for the first 4 episodes I thought she was the worst part of the show, but they finally give her some character and development that definitely makes her more bearable. O Shea, Jackson Jr, Rupert Friend and Joel Edgerton also do good jobs in their smaller roles. 

Story   

The story is good, I really liked the focus on Obi-Wan's regrets from the prequels and how it basically moulded the villainous Empire and Vader. The focus of the show is at its best when it really delves into the relationship between Obi-Wan & Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, it is some fantastic stuff and progresses both characters well. But the show doesn't do this enough, it focuses on a few too many areas, with some of it not being that interesting. I wish the show had focused on Vader more and trimmed the fat on some of the other elements of the show. 

Script 

The script is good, the dialogue is really well handled and I thought there was a great blend of drama and humour. It never feels like an over the top melodrama or a full on laugh out loud comedy and balances them well. Even though there is too much going on, it is all written pretty well and is entertaining enough. 

Style 

The show looks amazing, the fight scenes are grafted incredibly well and especially with Vader this is some of the best Star Wars action that has ever been put on screen. The CGI and effects are obviously great and it is cool to see some new locations that really stand out. The show is paced well and kept me invested throughout the 6 episode run. 

Overall

Overall, Obi-Wan Kenobi is a fantastic show that feels like it was made for fans of this character and Star Wars. If there is future series then I would be highly excited for it. 

Overall - 9/10