Showing posts with label 9 Rated Show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 9 Rated Show. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

The Bear Season 1 (2022) Review

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

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Andor Season 2 (2025) Review

Andor Season 2 (2025) Review


When Andor Season 1 was released, it was heavily praised for really grounding Star Wars and making it a real character study on these super interesting characters and the world that they are living in. A few years later we now have the 2nd and final season, with an accelerated release schedule it is now finished and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees Cassian still working for Luthen while The Empire try and crush any resemblance of Rebellion while building The Death Star.

Main Character 

Diego Luna reprises his role as Cassian Andor and he continues to be fantastic. This season does a fantastic job in showing the lengths that Cassian will go to in order to protect the people he cares about and The Rebellion. It takes a bit of time to make him the centre piece of the show but when it does Luna nails it and gives us a fantastic protagonist. 

Supporting Characters

Denise Gough plays Dedra Meero and she is is great in her role. We see her inside The ISB and how her job is really affecting her life. As she gains more power she struggles with how to control all of these situations. Gough really delivers in creating a fascinating Imperial character. 

Stellan Skarsgard is back as Luthen Rael and this is still one of the most interesting characters in all of Star Wars. He is super illusive and despite being a good guy you see the ruthlessness that he is willing to commit in order to take down The Empire. In a long career, I think this might go down as Skarsgard's greatest ever role. 

Genevieve O'Reilly is back as Mon Mothma and she is also really good in her role. The political aspects of previous Star Wars projects has held it back but Andor manages to really deliver on it. O'Reilly is super crucial to this show and I love how we see her character progress over the season. 

All of the cast are amazing, Kyle Soller as Syril, Adria Arjona as Bix & Elizabeth Dulau as Kleya are real standouts and have so many memorable moments and I can't speak high enough of this fantastically assembled cast. 

Story

The show does a brilliant job of showing the real birth of The Rebellion and the true sacrifices that these characters went through in order for the success of the original trilogy. The show handles the character arcs really well and has an incredibly satisfying ending. However, I did have an issue with the structure of the storytelling. Each 3 episodes covers a year in the timeline which means certain story arcs are dropped and not really finalised in order to progress to the overall plot which was a slight shame for me. 

Script

The script is fantastic. This is probably the best writing in any Star Wars property and I love how dark and realistic this show is despite its sci-fi backdrop. It has many interesting and complex themes and it delivers on all them and really sets some high standards. 

Style

The show looks fantastic and the action scenes are incredibly well filmed and it really feels like a true pre-cursor to Rogue One. But the episodes are paced very well and understands that there is more then crazy action scenes and amazingly filmed scenes with no action. 

Overall

Overall, Andor Season 2 is a fantastic show that is so close to perfection. It really is the standard bearer of Star Wars projects currently and I really love the way it was made. In particular episodes 8,9 & 12 are some of the best Star Wars ever and if you are on the fence please watch Andor as I am sure it will not disappoint. 

Rating - 9/10

Friday, April 18, 2025

Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 (2025) Review

Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 (2025) Review


Ever since Daredevil was cancelled at Netflix, I think everybody has been hoping for a revival of the show. We have seen Daredevil appear in other MCU Projects but now it is his time to once again get his own show and I have watched all of the first season of Daredevil: Born Again and here is my review for it. The premise of the show sees after a life changing event, Matt Murdoch stops being Daredevil, until arch enemy Wilson Fisk becomes the new mayor of New York. 

Main Character

Charlie Cox reprises his role as Matt Murdoch/Daredevil and he is literally perfect in the role, I literally can't imagine anybody playing this role. He adds so much depth to the role, whether he is in lawyer mode in the day or violent vigilante at night it just works and Cox deserves all the credit for playing one of the best superhero characters there is. 

Supporting Characters

Vincent D'Onofrio reprises his role as Wilson Fisk and he has been one of my favourite Marvel characters for the last few years and he continues his stellar work here. There are added layers here and D'Onofrio clearly loves playing Kingpin and I also can't see anybody else playing this role. 

Margarita Levieva plays Heather Glenn and I thought she was a great addition to the cast as Matt's new girlfriend. She really links to the world well and I actually really liked her story arc as she goes through the events of the season. 

Ayelet Zurera is also back as Vanessa Fisk and this is easily the most spotlight she has ever received and I love her character arc and dynamic with Wilson. She is more confident and involved with the bad guy stuff and it is really nailed this series. 

Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, Wilson Bethel as Bullseye and Jon Bernthal as Punisher all makes their returns here and though their roles aren't huge they are super impactful and I don't think the show would have been as good if they weren't in it. 

Story

It was well documented that this shows narrative went through huge changes to make it closer to the original show and that was clearly the right decision. The story is fantastic really showing the development of both Matt & Wilson and I just love how it is a continuation but also feels fresh and new. It does enough to keep me invested throughout the show and that is because the story is really engaging. 

Script

The show is fantastically well written, the balance of darkness and emotion with the slight humour really added to the grittiness and slight realism that they wanted to include here. It feels like a flashback to the best written MCU Products. 

Style

The style of the show really doesn't hold back. It has the mature feeling that the original show had and it somewhat rises even above that. The show is really well paced too with each episode being interesting. However, I will say that the overuse of CGI did hurt some of the action scenes and I don't think that element was as strong as the previous show. 

Overall

Overall, Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 is a fantastic show and it really delivers. It lives up to the hype and is basically season 4 of the Netflix show. Everyone should watch this show and give it the attention that it deserves. 

Rating - 9/10

Monday, March 24, 2025

Adolescence (2025) Review

Adolescence (2025) Review


It seems like Adolescence is the biggest thing in The UK right now and it took me longer then I would have liked but I have watched the 4 episodes of the show and here is my review. The premise of the show sees a 13 year old boy accused of murdering a girl, we see how this news affects everybody involved. 

Main Character

I feel like Stephen Graham is basically the hardest working actor around, you see him in so many things but this will be up there with his best work yet as he is incredible. You really feel a vulnerability towards him as he plays the father of the accused boy. Graham absolutely nails it and delivers a powerhouse performance that should be commended for sure. 

Supporting Characters

This show introduces Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller, the boy who is accused of murder and this kid is fantastic. This is his first ever acting gig and if he wants to keep acting then he has huge potential to be a big star. You really feel the anger from him but a mix of youth that you want to care about and see him innocent. Cooper really delivers alongside these great actors and it sets him up well for the future. 

Ashley Walters plays the detective of the case and he is also really good. You can see the stress that he goes through. It was interesting seeing this experience from the polices point of view and Walters does a great job in his role. 

Erin Doherty is only in one episode but it is probably the best episode and she is fantastic as a psychiatrist. Her dynamic with Cooper is brilliant and it had me invested in the entire episode and she was a great addition. 

The rest of the cast are also fantastic, everybody understood how important it was to nail these roles and add depth to their characters and I credit everybody involved with the show. 

Story

The story is good, it really does an excellent job of showing how one major incident can affect so many people no matter their age or gender. It is a really moving piece of television and it looks at themes that are pretty tough and we just don't see this much. My only criticism, is the lack of finality and completion, it does this on purpose and I guess I just wanted to know slightly more about this whole situation but that is a minor criticism. 

Script 

The film is incredibly well written, it just feels real and that these people are just regular people that are going through a terrible thing and they are acting like regular people would. It doesn't feel over the top or Hollywood and that was absolutely necessary for this show. 

Style

One of the major things that people have been talking about is that this is a one shot show and that there are no camera cuts during the episodes and this makes everything feel alive and that we are in these closed locations that shows people go about their days. I think it did add something to this show and wasn't just here as a novelty. Its a slower paced show but the content here is so good that you won't mind. 

Overall

Overall, Adolescence is a fantastic show that seems like it is going to be really important in the short term. It can be a tough watch and I am not sure whether I will ever watch it again but I can't deny that it is a must see and I would highly recommend this show. 

Rating - 9/10

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Cobra Kai Season 6 (2024/2025) Review

Cobra Kai Season 6 (2024/2025) Review


Ever since Netflix purchased the rights to Cobra Kai and put the series on Netflix. I have been a huge fan of the show and after 6 seasons and 65 episodes today saw the end of the show and I have watched all the episodes of the final season. I watched the first part when it was released in 2024 but the last two parts over the last week together and combining all of these parts, here is my review for the final season of the show. The premise of the season sees both Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai preparing to take part in the World Karate Championships which sees all their friendships and relationships put into question. 

Main Character

William Zabka plays Johnny Lawrence and I really feel like this season focuses on him more and gives him the material to really help progress his character and give him the depth that this show has been truly building over the last few years. Zabka delivers his best work here and I really rooted for him. 

Ralph Macchio plays Daniel LaRusso and he is also great in the role. He also has his own journey and I really like how it links to Johnny. Over the seasons we have seen their uneasy relationship develop and this continues here but there is more depth added and Macchio does a good job at it. 

Supporting Characters

Martin Kove is back as Kreese and I really love watching him in this show. We get even more depth added to him by learning more of his backstory and Kove is clearly having a wonderful time playing the role and it makes him such a cool character to watch. 

Lewis Tan is cast as Professor Wolfe and is a sensei of The Iron Dragons who is a new dojo threatening the other dojos and I really liked him in his role. He owns this bad guy role and though it isn't a role with the largest screen time but when he is introduced he adds a new dynamic. 

The younger cast all return and again do great jobs, Xolo Mariduena as Miguel is great, Tanner Bucahanan as Robbie is great and Mary Mousser as Sam is great. But the star really is Peyton List as Tori. She really has great character development and shows how tough life can be, especially for someone from a poorer income. 

Overall, everybody is fantastic and they deserve great credit for their performances over the six seasons of the show. 

Story

The story is really effective, it gives its characters real development and the last few episodes really up the stakes and puts our characters through a lot. I felt real emotion for what was going on and realised that this was about more then just a Karate tournament with a very satisfying family. However, there are elements of the story that didn't quite hit towards the end of the film and felt either rushed or not given the importance that I thought it deserved. 

Script

The script is fantastic, yes it is really cheesy and you have to understand that when you get into watching this show but I have grown to love the cheesy humour and romance stuff. But the drama really delivers here and there are some really emotional scenes that is great.

Style

The style is great, this is such an easy show to watch. The episodes being only 30/40 mins means you can breeze through them pretty quickly and enjoy the time you watch it. The fight scenes are fantastic and just so well choreographed and feels fitting for the culmination of this show. 

Overall

Overall, Cobra Kai Season 6 is a fantastic final season of the show. It truly delivers and nails the feeling of Cobra Kai and the time we have spent with these people and this story. I am a huge fan of this franchise and I think people need to give it a watch and the love that this show deserves.

Rating - 9/10

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Game of Thrones Season 2 (2012) Review

Game of Thrones Season 2 (2012) Review


I continue my re-watching of Game of Thrones with the second season. I have managed to watch the entire season and here is my review. The premise of the show sees after the deaths of Robert Baratheon & Ned Stark, war rages amongst the 7 kingdoms with many parties looking to stake their claim and take The Iron Throne. 

Main Character

After Ned Stark's death, the show definitely became more ensemble. But I think the character that steps up is Tyrion Lannister played by the fantastic Peter Dinklage, he is the hand of the king this season and it means he gets way more interactions with main characters and he is great. He is charming and charismatic with his character truly developing over the season and Dinklage deserves a tonne of credit for that. 

Supporting Characters

Just like the first season, this show has a load of characters and everyone is fantastic, probably even better then the first season but there are way too many to talk about so I will only be talking about some that really stood out to me. 

Lena Headey reprises her role as Cersei Lannister and she continues to be brilliant on screen. She is manipulative and just pure evil but Headey is such a good actress that at times you even start to feel a bit of sympathy for this clear villain. 

We get way more time this season with Charles Dance as Tywin Lannister and he shares a lot of scenes with Arya Stark played by Maisie Williams. Williams is so much better this season then she was previously and Dance is always amazing. Their interactions are genuinely some of the best moments of the season and just simple conversations were captivating. 

Jerome Flynn as Bron is one of my favourite characters on the show and he really gets time to shine here alongside Tyrion. As he is in Kings Landing, he also gets to interact with other main characters and it gives him real time to shine.

Jack Gleeson has become more grown up as Joffrey Baratheon and this is easily one of the most evil and sadistic characters put onto a screen. He is just so arrogant and annoying and a whole fanbase unites in wanting to see him dealt with. 

Story

This season certainly has way more storylines then the previous season and some of them are really great. Everything that happens at Kings Landing is fantastic, the intrigue and politics mixed with action makes it my favourite part of the show alongside Tywin & Arya's storyline at Harrenhall. But there are some story arcs that I just didn't find as interesting, mainly being Jon Snow at the wall and Daenerys at Qarth. I understand that they fit a purpose but I just felt like they weren't that interesting here and was just focus for future seasons. 

Script

The script is still fantastic, the blend between drama and humour is fantastically managed and makes the majority of theses characters feel like real people that are just in crazy situations. The writing is top notch and even though it is an extravagant show, that is probably the best part of the show. 

Style

The show has very clearly had a budget increase and it uses it superbly. Everything feels more crisp and polished, culminating with The Battle of Blackwater Bay which is one of the greatest episodes of the entire series run. The pacing of the show is well done, despite the amount of balancing of stories and I was thoroughly engaged. 

Overall

Overall, the second season of Game of Thrones is fantastic. It is still at the high level of writing and the larger budget allows them to show battles that we didn't get in the previous season. There are just a few stories that don't quite work which holds it back from being truly epic but it is a fantastic season that continues the strong quality of the show. 

Rating - 9/10

Friday, June 28, 2024

Gen V Season 1 (2023) Review

Gen V Season 1 (2023) Review


With The Boys Season 4 ongoing weekly it seemed appropriate to go back and watch Gen V for the first time, especially as characters from the spinoff are set to appear on the main show. I manage to watch the whole first season pretty quickly and here is my review for it. The premise of the show sees a group of students who are at superhero school deal with student life while attempting to expose a darker secret. 

Main Character

Jaz Sinclair plays Marie Moraeu and I really liked her character. We learn a lot about her during the show and how she differs from the other students that are kind of already in the system with Vought and used to the superhero culture. She definitely develops over the season and gives a strong performance, it also helps that her powers are some of the more unique ones in The Boys universe and adds some real creativity. 

Supporting Characters

Lizze Broadway plays Emma who is Marie's roommate and the two of them have really good chemistry together, at first I thought she was going to be a shallow character but no, they give her a fantastic character arc and I really did care about her as the season went on. 

Maddie Phillips plays Cate, who is kind of treated like the popular girl in school but ends up by chance as part of this group of friends. She delivers a really good performance and the majority of her development happened towards the back end of the season but I thought it was really effective. 

Jordan Li is an intetesting character and is a Bi-Gender Super Hero played by both London Thor & Derek Luh and the character really fits this universe. They are a determined individual and she was clearly the one who cared most about their hierarchy in the school but that is developed throughout the show. 

Unfortunately, earlier this year Chance Perdomo died in a Motorbike accident with Gen V being one of his last roles as Andre and it is a shame that we won't see any more of this character in the future. Perdomo is great as Andre and he is another really well written character that was charming throughout.  

This is a large cast and everybody does a fantastic job of delivering great performances that flesh out the universe of this spin off. 

Story 

The story is good. This show does have some teenage angst stories but in this environment, I didn't really mind and it flowed nicely. There is plenty of intrigue and mystery to the plot and I remained invested as the season went on. The only issue that I had was the very ending of the show, it feels like lazy writing and someone enters the show that feels like a lazy excuse to set up Boys Season 4 instead of giving Gen V a true fulfilling ending. 

Script

The script is good, it has that familiar feeling to The Boys. I did think at first that there was just too much profanity but the more I think about it, that is how kids at schools act so it isn't that crazy and the fact that all films in school don't act like this is more crazy. I also liked the drama and did care about plenty of the characters which is great. 

Style

The style of the show is great, if you are a fan of The Boys then you will be expecting an over the top style and it is here in abundance. The show was paced really well too, with episodes flying by and having me intrigued throughout. 

Overall

Overall, Gen V is a fantastic spin-off and easily does enough to stand out on its own and become a must watch. Similar, to The Boys it is an acquired taste but if you can handle it Gen V is definitely worth a watch. 

Rating - 9/10

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3 (2024) Review

Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3 (2024) Review


After 15 episodes, we have now made it to the series finale of Star Wars: The Bad Batch. It was announced that this season would be the final one of the show which added much hype to it. I watched the finale this morning and here is my review for the 3rd and final season of The Bad Batch. The premise of the season sees Hunter & Wrecker attempting to find Omega, while Omega and Crosshair try to escape their fate on Mount Tantiss. 

Main Character

Even though she has been a crucial part of this show over the entire thing, Omega really steps forward this season and has easily become the main character of this show. She is captured by the Empire and seeing how she handles it does an effective job of showing her character progression from the first episode to the last. Michelle Ang plays her really well and she has grown with the character on the screen and it has been a delight to be seen. 

Supporting Characters

Crosshair has been my favourite character over the entire show and I was disappointed that he wasn't used enough last season but he has tonnes of screen time and an amazing story throughout. We see the pain from him over the actions he made in previous seasons. He starts his redemption arc and he has great chemistry with Omega as they try to survive under the reign of the Empire. 

Hunter & Wrecker are great too, they have always had great chemistry together and they continue here. They don't have the most in depth character development but they are entertaining and combine with the other members of the group so well. 

Echo isn't on screen as much this season but he does play a major role when he is with the rest of the crew, he especially plays a vital role in the last few episodes of the series and he is really well handled and it is great to see him flourishing. 

I have to see how amazing Dee Bradley Baker is, he has voiced all of the clones since the Clone Wars Movie and he has done an amazing job in the role and he makes all the clones have a distinct personality and makes us really care about him. 

Credit has to also go to Jimmi Simpson who voices Dr Hemlock, he was a fantastic villain for this show and the voice acting made him super creepy and unnerving and I loved hearing this guy talk and everything that he does. 

Story

The story is really well handled and for me this is the best season of the show in terms of its focus on the main plot. It is quite simple but it really works, all of the clones get stories and progression throughout. Crosshair & Omega particularly shine and seeing them share so much screen time together is a joy. The finale really nails it and I am so glad that this show did a great job and wrapped everything up perfectly with a worthwhile ending. 

Script

The show is really well written, it has the emotion and is actually is pretty dark. It isn't a kids show and the slightly childish nature of the previous seasons is completely gone and replaced by higher stakes darker stories. The charm is still there though and there is some nice moments between the group. 

Style

The show looks fantastic. The animation has progressed so much and looks beautiful with all the characters and planets looking fantastic. The action scenes are well done too and really put the character in some more peril then before. My only complaint is that there are a few too many episodes and too many guest characters that sometimes takes away from The Bad Batch. 

Overall 

Overall. Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3 is the best season of the show and is easily the most focused and handles its characters very well. As a Star Wars fan, it has become a must watch and I give them credit to ending the show now at its peak. 

Rating - 9/10

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Fallout Season 1 (2024) Review

Fallout Season 1 (2024) Review


Before I start this review, I have to say that I have never played a Fallout game, though I know the basic premise so I won't be judging my opinion of the show based on any of the games. Though I have now finished watching the Fallout TV Show and here is my review for it. The premise of the show sees a post apocalypse world after a nuclear war which sees people living in vaults underground to avoid the dangers of the surface. 

Main Character

Ella Purnell plays Lucy McLean and she is fantastic in this show. Her character has a fantastic character development throughout and I just think she played up the role really well. She was a likeable character and somebody who was easy to root for in this show. There is a naivety to her as she interacts with other characters but it can come across as charming and gives her a way to develop. 

Supporting Characters

Aaron Moten plays Maximus and he is decent in his role. It personally took me longer to care about his character then the others and I just think Moten didn't convey much emotion or reason to care about him. But that does mostly change midway through the show and Moten starts to grow into the role and add some more personality. 

Walton Goggins plays Cooper Howard/The Ghoul and he is tremendous in both versions of his character. We see Goggins as Cooper in his prime, before the nuclear war and it is interesting to see, especially compared to his undead bounty hunter persona in the modern day story. He is very charismatic and the fact that he has all this story about him does make him the most interesting part of the show and Goggins smashes it. 

Moises Arias plays Norm McLean and he is very good in the show and gets given his own story arc which is actually important for the overall show. He is mostly separate from the other main characters but he does an effective job and I grew to like his character more after the first episode. 

This has a big cast, that have smaller roles here and they are all great. This world is full of lively people and it feels like a vibrant world because of their performances whether they be on the surface or in the vaults, it was really effective. 

Story

The story is great, as I said I have no idea about The Fallout story in the games but I became really invested in this shows plot and interested throughout. We see stories both on the wasteland and in the vaults and both are pretty captivating and do a good job of developing the characters. The flashbacks are good as well and are used effectively to give more context for the storytelling. 

Script

The show is well written, it has moments of comedy in there but also plenty of dramatic moments that made me care. There are many twists and intrigue here and I think the writing did an effective job of showing this. 

Style

Amazon clearly had high hopes for Fallout as you can see the massive budget used and the show looks fantastic. Both the wasteland and Vaults look so unique and fully encapsulate the tone of the show. Though, I think there were some issues, mainly the overuse of slow-mo in action scenes. I think slow-mo is a tool that can be used effectively but it has to be used carefully and this show definitely overuses it. I also know that country music is heavily involved with the games and it is well treated here but again it is just overused, especially during some of the action scenes that didn't require it. 

Overall

Overall, the first season of Fallout was fantastic. It made me super interested in this universe and hyped for a potential second season. Even if you haven't played any of the games, this is still a show that should be watched because I think you will really enjoy it. 

Rating - 9/10

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Reacher Season 1 (2022) Review

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

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Ahsoka Season 1 (2023) Review

Ahsoka Season 1 (2023) Review



Ever since her live action debut in The Mandalorian Season 2, I have been hyped to see Ahsoka get her time to shine in her own show and yesterday the final episode of the first season of Ahsoka came to Disney+ so it is time to review it. The premise of the show sees Ahsoka on the hunt to locate Grand Admiral Thrawn and prevent his return, others are looking for him too both allies and enemies of the former Jedi. 

Main Character

Rosario Dawson is once again back as the titular character and she is really good. I have seen some people complaining about her stoic behaviour but I think that is all to do with where her character is during this story. Dawson, has that playful nature that we know Ahsoka has but it is fascinating seeing how she has grown over the years and where she is in terms of her faith in the Jedi. I really liked Rosario in the role and felt she encapsulated what Ahsoka is like for live action. 

Supporting Characters

This is a big cast and there are some characters that I am intentionally not going to talk about because of their roles in the show. A major surprise here was the use of Huyang with David Tennant reprising his role from The Clone Wars. I thought this was going to be a minor role but he is one of the most important characters on the show and he is brilliant. He is the perfect partner to Ahsoka and his use of sarcasm is really funny and I am really happy he was included here. 

Natasha Liu Bordizzo takes over the role of Sabine Wren and they do a lot with her character to show progression from her appearance in Rebels. There is more of a defined relationship between Sabine & Ashoka then there was in that show. Sabine has clearly struggled since the finale of Rebels and Bordizzo portrays that really well adding more depth to her character. 

Similarly, Mary Elizabeth Winstead takes over the role of Hera Syndulla and I thought this was a good representation of her. They give her a side story and it was actually pretty interesting and Winstead does a good job as Hera and is solid in continuing this characters legacy from Rebels. 

Unfortunately, before the show came out Ray Stevenson passed away. It was tragic then and after watching this show it feels even worse here as I think his portrayal of Baylon Skoll is the best part of this whole show and he is amazing. Baylon is one of the most interesting antagonists in any film or show in recent years. The way Stevenson carries himself makes himself believable and an intimidating presence but with that sense of calmness and understanding, it is a shame we won't see Stevenson get a chance to show his amazing ability on screen again. 

There are other characters here, especially ones seen in other Star Wars projects and all I will say is that they are all handled really well and I give credit to all the performers who nailed it here. 

Story

The story is really good. The show manages to balance the stories of older characters while bringing in new ones such as Baylon. It opens up new areas for Star Wars and does an excellent job in getting me invested in these characters and the time of Star Wars that we are in which is largely unexplored in canon. However, the only issue is that there isn't really much finality to this season, everybody is set up for the future and it kind of makes this feel like build up to future projects and I think at least a few story elements could have been completed here. 

Script

The show is really well written, I think it balances those who have watched Rebels and Clone Wars and those who haven't. It is funny at times but pretty serious and I like how these characters are developed and the ones who are now live action are as I would imagine from their animated counterparts. 

Style

The show looks fantastic. The action scenes feel new and fresh, there are a few lightsaber duels and they all feel different and all are awesome. It shows areas of Star Wars that we have never seen before and it is shown really well with a very clear big budget. It is also paced well and every episode feels slightly different with a solid structure. 

Overall

Overall, Disney gets plenty of criticism for its handling of Star Wars. But I have really enjoyed a lot of the stuff and Ahsoka is a top tier show that as a huge fan of the lore satisfied me for sure. For me, this is a must watch and one that will deliver for the fans. 

Rating - 9/10

Thursday, September 21, 2023

One Piece Season 1 (2023) Review

One Piece Season 1 (2023) Review


This show has been a worldwide phenomenon the last few weeks and I have now watched the live action version of One Piece. I have never watched the animated version of the show so I am going in blind and here is my review for it. The premise of the show sees a group of pirates come together in order to attempt to look for a long lost treasure. 

Main Character

Inaki Godoy plays Monkey D Luffy and he is a great lead character here. He is a lot of fun and he is so energetic that you can't help yourself but become interested in him. Sometimes it can be a bit much but overall I really liked Luffy and felt like this was a genuine performance. There is some development here for sure and this is a fun lead performance. 

Supporting Characters

The best character on this show is Zoro played by Mackenyu. He is an awesome character and is easily the best part of the action sequences, his sword play is ridiculously entertaining and his deadpan comedy really worked for me. 

Emily Rudd plays Nami and she is a good character too, she is a focal point of the show and her character gets time to shine. There are flashbacks about her that explains the more mysterious parts of her character and along with Luffy & Zoro are a great trio of characters. 

Garp played by Vincent Regan is a great antagonist, he is the vice admiral of the marines and is trying to eradicate piracy, in particular Luffy. He is a nuanced character and there is more to him then some moustache twiddling bad guy. 

There are so many other great performances that I will just say that everybody is great and I had a fun time seeing them all do their thing and clearly care about their characters. 

Story

The story is great, it especially does a fantastic job in building up the main characters and building this whole universe up. It has the pirates story and the marines story and I thought both were great and linked to each other very well. It is also great at having individual stories in the episodes while having a larger narrative. The finale really delivers and sets up a bright future for live action One Piece. 

Script

This show delivers with some dramatic moments and some genuinely funny moments. The chemistry and delivery is pretty spot on by all the performers. However, this show does get a little too cheesy and ridiculous for me. The show thrives on being over the top but there are a few moments where it took me out of the show. 

Style

This show looks amazing. It is full of colour and brightness and I love some of the designs here, whether that be costumes, locations or weapons and it all nailed it. The pacing of the show is fantastic and each episode did a great job in introducing and developing multiple characters on this show. 

Overall

Overall, One Piece is a fantastic show, It looks amazing and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I recommend that everybody watches it, especially those who are fans of fantasy shows as this is one of the better ones of the last few years. 

Rating - 9/10

Friday, December 30, 2022

Star Wars: Rebels Season 4 (2017) Review

Star Wars: Rebels Season 4 (2017) Review


Now ahead of The Bad Batch season 2 coming to Disney+ in the New Year, I have now finished Star Wars Rebels with its 4th season. I actually have never watched this season before, so this is my first experience seeing the conclusion of the shows run and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees after the destruction of The Rebels base by Thrawn, The crew of The Ghost return to Lothal and attempt to save the planet from the oppression of The Empire. 

Main Character

Ezra Bridger once again voiced by Taylor Gray gives a really strong performance. I compared him to Luke Skywalker from A New Hope in my Season 3 review but in Season 4 he is more like Luke from Return of The Jedi and it is handled extremely well. He has developed as both a Jedi and a person, clearly showing his progress from the very first episode to the last episode. After a rough start, Ezra has really developed into a great character that deserves a huge amount of credit. 

Supporting Characters

Freddy Prinze Jnr is back as Kanan Jarrus, he is given plenty to work with and the character develops into a real Jedi Master. They do some cool things with his character especially as the season progresses. The rest of the Ghost crew are given plenty of stuff to do and its pretty worthwhile. Though I feel like the emphasis is really on Ezra & Kanan that they don't get as much time to shine with some of the other supporting characters disappearing for the majority of the season. Lars Mikkelsen is back as Grand Admiral Thrawn and once again he is the best part of the show, we see him in action way more and that is always a good thing. There are some characters that are surprises here and they are also handled well without breaking canon too much. 

Story 

The overall theme of the story is fantastic, spending the bulk of the season on Lothal was a good call as it was the first real location of the show. It feels ramped up like a final season should do and the writers did an excellent job of making us really care about what was going on. But, some big stories from the previous seasons are really limited, there is one in particular that has been built up since the very first episode that has a lacklustre ending and that is a let down. 

Script

The script is really good. This is easily the most mature of the seasons and we finally see the devastation and destruction that comes from this war. The humour isn't as prevalent and I am glad to see that. 

Style 

The style of the show is better then ever, the animation is fantastic and sells just how large the stakes are for these characters. Also the whole filler issue is gone as there are less episodes and pretty much all of them are crucial to the story being told with an amazing finale. 

Overall

Overall, the fourth season of Star Wars Rebels is fantastic and in my opinion the best season of the show. It really ties things together well and with the brilliant finale it truly delivers and is a must watch for any Star Wars fan. 

Rating - 9/10

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Andor Season 1 (2022) Review

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

Monday, September 12, 2022

Cobra Kai Season 5 (2022) Review

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. 

Sunday, July 10, 2022

The Boys Season 3 (2022) Review

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 

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) Mini Series Review

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

Friday, March 4, 2022

Peaky Blinders Season 2 (2014) Review

Peaky Blinders Season 2 (2014) Review 


It may have taken a bit longer then I expected but I have now had the chance to watch the second season of Peaky Blinders and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees The Peaky Blinders looking to expand their empire to London, this causes different factions to come into conflict and cause problems for Tommy Shelby. 

Main Character

Cillian Murphy is back as Tommy Shelby and once again he is fantastic. It is just so much fun to root for this anti hero as he is put in these awkward positions but his charisma and confidence makes you always feel like he is in control. Murphy feels like a real star here and he crafts out this wonderful character that is the poster boy of this great show. 

Supporting Characters

There is a huge cast of supporting characters which means I may not to get everybody but just my favourites. Paul Anderson plays Arthur Shelby and he is probably my favourite character to watch, they continue his character arc from the first season and he is just really entertaining and messed up to watch. Sam Neil is back as Detective Campbell and he is even more vicious this season and kind of becomes more like the characters that he detested from the first season of the show and he is a great character to watch. Tom Hardy makes his anticipated debut as Alfie Solomons and for me he is a show stealer, he is just so intense and adds this real wrinkle into Tommy Shelby's life and he also adds some real star power to this already star studded cast. The late Helen McCrory gets so much shine as Polly in season 2 and her character is taken into some darker places and it brings her into conflict with others and it shows just how great she is in this role. The others in the cast are also really great and everybody really does a great job. 

Story  

The story is really good, it shows how the world is expanding and how The Peaky Blinders go about their business. They are blending between the illegal and legal parts of business and I think it is handled well and shows the balancing act for all of the characters. The only issue is that there is so much going on in this season and not all of it gets resolved so it feels like setup for future seasons that I am sure will be great but for here it made it feel like the ending didn't exactly pack the great punch. 

Script 

The script is really good, it is intense and explosive for sure. The blend between humour and drama is balanced really well and it makes these characters feel like actual people and it makes you care about the drama that they are in. 

Style

The show looks amazing, the backgrounds feel really authentic and gives you a feel of exactly the Birmingham that we are a part of. The music is something that does adds so much to the show and just raises the cool value up loads. The violence is always there and action is intense enough to really make it feel like a brutal show. 

Overall

Overall, Peaky Blinders Season 2 is a fantastic show and another season to sink your teeth into and keep me going on my way to the current 6th season. 

Friday, February 18, 2022

Peaky Blinders Season 1 (2013) Review

Peaky Blinders Season 1 (2013) Review


The final season of the vastly popular show Peaky Blinders is coming next week and I have actually never watched the show, so what better time to start then now. So here is my review for the first season of the show. The premise of the season sees a crime family looking to grow their business against competitors and the police. 

Main Character

The great Cillian Murphy plays Tommy Shelby and he is amazing in this role. He was built for this role and I really enjoyed seeing him as the leader of the family and how he wasn't just this gruff guy and had a real personality. Despite his many flaws it became pretty easy to root for him and the Peaky Blinders in the activities that they are doing. 

Supporting Characters

The legendary Sam Neill plays the police officer sent after the Peaky Blinders and he is also fantastic. He comes in with a strong will and determination to take down the group but he isn't your squeaky clean police officer and seeing his methods is an interesting comparison to the opposition group. Paul Anderson plays Arthur Shelby and he might be my favourite character on the show, there is just a charm for the loveable idiot which he is and Anderson plays it up really well. Joe Cole plays John Shelby and he fits the group really well too, he is the youngest of the trio and is more hot headed. He also had plenty of charm and is just really likeable. The late Helen McCrory plays Polly and she is a really strong female character, she is the matriarch of The Peaky Blinders and she owns it completely. The group just mesh really well together and it feels like a true family which is a good credit to the actors. Annabelle Wallis plays Grace, at first she seems like a fairly superficial character but as she gets more screen time you learn there is more about her and she is effective in her role. 

Story 

The story is really good, seeing the rise of this group and the issues that they have with other criminal organisations and the police. It ebbs and flows well and shows just how much Tommy Shelby has to deal with as the leader of this group. All of the characters have their time to shine and character development which is great to see. Though my only slight criticism is just how much is put into the first season of the show and one particular arc that happened in the last few episodes that felt a bit out of place in my eyes. 

Script 

The script is fantastic, it really feels natural and creates a group of interesting characters. It is obviously a pretty serious show and the drama is handled really well. But there are those bits of humour that are really strong and made the show feel truly great. 

Style 

The show looks amazing, it is filmed fantastically and I just loved how it was shot and how it really feels like its own special style. The use of music is also great and add so much to the show, it gets you amped for the fight scene we are watching and the show as a whole. 

Overall 

Overall, The First Season of Peaky Blinders is fantastic and is a must watch. This is a great start and is a show that should be watched for sure. 

Rating - 9/10

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Arcane Season 1 (2021) Review

Arcane Season 1 (2021) Review


I have never played or know anything about League of Legends but I saw this show was blowing up online and decided I had to watch Arcane and here is my review for it. The premise of the show sees two lands separated with different champions trying to survive and thrive. 

Main Character

The popular Hailee Steinfeld plays Vi the lead character and she is really good. She is a rough, gritty hero who is trying to do the best for her and her family. I ended up caring about her plight and story which saw some clear development over time. Kevin Alejandro plays Jace, he is basically the leader of the high society but you see how much of a burden his position is to him and how his one discovery changes his life forever. The two characters don't have much screen time together, but their stories are intertwined and they bounce off of each other very well. 

Supporting Characters

Jason Spisak voices Silco and this is a really fun bad guy, he is slimy and twisted but also has a sense of honour and loyalty that makes him more then just your generic bad guy. Ella Purnell plays Jinx and she is a huge part of the show, she really transitions as a character and you see her descent into madness. It reminded me of watching a version of The Joker or Harley Quinn and it is handled really well and was very effective. Harry Lloyd plays Viktor, he is a real tragic character in this show. His body is deteriorating but his mind is strong, it drives him down a rabbit hole of science and it is a character you want to see succeed despite the risks that he decides to take. This is a huge cast and the rest of them also do a good job, nobody stands out as bad and that is a welcome thing in an animated show. 

Story

The main story is interesting, it is not the first time that we have seen a class system divided but it just works here. It spans a large time period but it allows to see these characters grow and how the situation has moulded them into the people that they are. The ending of the show is fantastic and does an amazing job of getting you excited for a potential second season. But as you can see in the poster above this is a huge cast of characters and the show sometimes struggles in balancing all of their stories and it means a few of the characters don't get the attention they need or deserved.

Script  

The script is well written, especially for an animated show. The drama is really mature and deals with themes that some shows don't and that drives it towards a really interesting show. There are little sprinkles of humour that make it work and I think this is a really well written show. 

Style

The animation style is amazing, it is really easy on the eye and it flows incredibly well. The action scenes are pretty hardcore and brutal but are choreographed and animated very well. The show keeps the pacing up over the 9 episode runtime and I hope it can keep this strong showing up in the future. 

Overall

Overall, Arcane is a fantastic first season of a show. It does a really good job of introducing the audience to this world and once you start you won't want to stop. 

Rating - 9/10