(series review) [STREAMING] - YOU: Season 2

So, when this show first started, a few of my friends kept asking me, "Have you seen, YOU?", "Are you watching, YOU?", "Let me know when you start watching, YOU!" and I tried to get through it initially and was only able to get through 3-4 episodes.  When I saw the trailer for season 2, I was determined to get through it so that I could start the new season.

So, I rushed through season 1 and by the end of it, I was shocked.  This Joe guy is an absolute mad man, but for some reason, with his twisted outlook on life and love, you somewhat sympathize with him to a degree because, I guess everyone wants to love and be loved, right?  So, as the season finishes, you wonder what is going to happen to Joe, next.  You are left invested.

Season 2 picks up with Joe having moved from New York to Los Angeles and he finds himself in a very similar situation with falling for a lady named "Love".  But as the episodes go on, life for Joe becomes as complex as Joe's life usually gets with his past haunting him for his actions in season 1.  Things become even more complicated with Love's twin brother "Forty", who is a flamboyant, arrogant, entitled, rich kid whose Los Angeles friends and lifestyle present problems for Joe's Love.

This season was brilliant.  Having watched season 1 and watching season 2, you find yourself siding and rooting for Joe, EVEN WHEN HE KILLS SOMEONE, it's really disturbing, if you think about it.  You really want Joe to get love, but also you are wondering if he will get caught due to his actions, but slyly don't want him to get caught because what he is doing, for the most part and in a sick way, is good!? His morals are in the wrong place, completely, although his heart is mostly in the right place as he cares deeply in other ways.

The acting among everything else is excellent.  Very well shot and directed.  The cliffhangers are as great as they usually are as the first episode for a start was pretty much plain until the very end when the twist hits.  The end of episode 4 was completely bonkers and then everything else picks up after the crazy ending of episode 8 and every other episode after that.  The series even finishes with an unexpected twist which now has you wondering what is next for Joe and this is what YOU does best.

Although I found the use of the word 'YOU' a little distracting as I felt they over used the word and I absolutely hated the names Forty and Love, but I guess that played into the characters eccentric parents.  Joe is a very flawed character with many layers and among other things, keeps you invested.  At this point though, I'm not entirely sure how far they can take the series but is definitely a series to check it out and see.

(film review) - Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker

Generations.

Star Wars is special to different people at different times from when they first experienced it.  Star Wars has also played an integral part in the lives of many and a lot of people globally want and desire many different things from what they will call "their" Star Wars.  Those in their mid to late 30s into their 50s will want one thing based on the Original Trilogy and those younger than 30, such as 20s onwards, are likely to expect or want something different.
Me on the other hand, give me some Lightsabre battles, give me some dog fights, give me someone evil and I'm good. Show me some Force moves and I'm delighted.  I come in the range of the mid-thirties (only just) and although I've seen every Star Wars movie, watch the animated shows and am currently watch 'The Mandelorian' (shhhh...don't tell any body!), I wouldn't classify myself as a Die Hard fan, but I do love me some Star Wars.
What I will say though, I think over the years, this recent trilogy (known as the Disney Trilogy, I guess), was never going to please everyone throughout the many generations that Star Wars has touched.  Also, it would be telling to find out what those who disliked 'The Last Jedi' ultimately thought of this movie because everyone everywhere is saying, if you liked that, then you will hate this.  But my understanding is, those who hated that, said it didn't feel like Star Wars.  This movie couldn't be any more safe AND Star Wars that it is unapologetically Star Wars and people, still dislike it.  As I think about it, those who hated the last one should love this one, but I don't think anything is ultimately terrible with it.  I'll get into it.

After the events of 'The Last Jedi', Rey (Daisy Ridley) is off learning from the Book of the Wills and Kylo Ren is seeking the believed to be dead Palpatine to finally end him and become the ruler of the galaxy and leader of the Darkside and Sith.  However, due to Palpatine's message, our heroes Po (Oscar Isaac), Finn (John Boyega), Chewbacca and BB-8 along with Rey are on a scavenger quest to hopefully stop Palpatine and Kylo Ren and any other galaxy conquering plans they have in store using as much of any rebel forces they can gather to their aid.

I saw this as soon as I could as a lot of sites I frequent, cover Star Wars, which was making it impossible for me to navigate.  Star Wars is everywhere and a lot of people have a lot to say.  JJ Abrams had an impossible job with the passing of Carrie Fisher and "impossible" job of finishing what he started with 'The Force Awakens' because the "middle" movie 'The Last Jedi' changed the direction of the storyline somewhat.  Some may argue that there was no structure before they even started renewing the franchise and although that might be so, I still enjoyed this movie with the efforts made.  It's not terrible, it's good but I understand the frustration from fans are the no clear or lack of direction making the 2 directors work harder than they should have and having a mish-mash of a trilogy.  And without going into spoilers, it did what I needed it to do to tell a semi-cohesive story and have fun with it.  JJ kept a lot of the risks Rian took and used them in clever ways.  The strongest elements of the movie were both Rey and Kylo Ren.  There were some added characters that we could have done without, but at the same time, regarding the final act, I see why.

This is a Star Wars movie, so everything about it is excellent. Sound, visuals, acting, set-pieces, vehicles, imagery, battles, but the story could have been executed a touch better.  However, I find that we the audience want everything explained and then when we do get things explained, there is too much exposition.  Maybe it is the wrong things being explained, but I had no issue with how Palpatine was still alive or how he did what he did, we saw his cunning in the prequel trilogy, so....Palpatine innit!

There are a few very minor things I didn't like in the movie and a few things I sensed/guessed was going to happen anyway as they were practically telegraphed and one scene/shot/moment they carried out and went through with which could have been left on the cutting room floor, but other than that, there were a few things that gave me the chills and things I really liked from the movie.  Palpatine's laugh fills me with joy every single time.  The slight lineage twist, I thought was great although not really needed but it even plays into previous movies and was accented.  However, the great thing is, I went in listening and reading non-spoiler reviews, went in with an open mind and I enjoyed it for what it was despite the flaws.  Maybe you should also go in with an open mind not expecting anything as you might also just like it.

(series review) [STREAMING] - Don't F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer

First of all, this documentary is NOT about cats!!!

Maybe it was wild to think it was about cats, but from what I saw in the wording, it seemed soo ambiguous and I thought I'd give it a watch.  Not that I love cats or anything, but I wondered what all the fuss was about.  I was curious.  It's just a couple of episodes so maybe I could give the first epsiode a watch then switch to something else if it doesn't float my boat.

We are introduced to Deanna Thompson, a Las Vegas casino worker who is a part of an Facebook group who discovers a disturbing video.  Deanna along with other group member John Green look into trying to figure out where the video came from.

As the series goes on, it is left on a cliff-hanger which entices you to either watch more, if it has hooked you or watch something else because you don't wish to see how they progress with their internet sleuthing.

There are only 3 episodes to the season and to be honest, I flew through these episodes because Netflix had me on lock.  This is a documentary based on real life events that not only surprised me, but had me invested due to the nature of it and frankly, I wanted justice.  I almost jumped onto social media to look up these events mid-episode one because my mind was racing.

This show is definitely not for everyone and if I'm honest, I wouldn't have watched this had I known it WASN'T about cats, because I don't watch Crimewatch and things of that nature, but I will definitely recommend people to watch this 3-episode series just to identify and notice what they are showing you in order to help stop these things from happening again.  I wanted to go into more detail, but then tat would spoil it.

Watch it of you can.

(trailer review) - A Quiet Place: Part II

I remember when Bird Box first came out, I watched it and I really enjoyed it.  The film was very well received and it was well revered by most to even spawn plenty of meme's and challenges, but little did people know, there was a film called 'A Quiet Place' which came out earlier in the year which was similar to Bird Box, but soo much better.

Quiet Place was about a family living in a world where sound brings on the arrival of these monsters/things that kill you.  So, imagine traversing the world trying to be a silent as possible and not be killed by these things. 

Where the first film was fairly contained to a singular place, a farmhouse, this teaser trailer shows our family moving away from the farmhouse to the beyond.  It's only a teaser trailer, but I am excited for the follow up movie as the suspense, tension, quiet moments and the sheer cleverness of this movie is great.

Actual trailer suppose to drop in the new year.

Directed by John Krasinski and starring Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Cillian Murphy & Djimon Hounsou

(trailer review) - Tenet

I remember hearing about this a good while ago and totally forgot about it.  Christopher Nolan is one of my favourite Directors to date.  I've not seen ALL his movies, but I will.  My favourites are, Interstellar, Inception, The Dark Knight Trilogy and I thought Dunkirk was decent, but THIS?

At first I got a '6 underground' premise (only because I just watched it), which then got toppled by some James Bond and Mission Impossible vibes.  This movie looks truely insane.  This movie looks soooo good. And I'm here for it alllll.

Directed by Christopher Nolan and starring John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, with Michael Caine

(trailer review) - Top Gun: Maverick

I've not seen Top Gun.  I mean Tom Cruise was never my speed.  I got into his movies when I watched the Mission Impossible franchise.  However, this trailer has me interested and I might even go back, in fact, I will go back to watch the first one.  But I've seen a bunch of his films, you can read my reviews here.

Actually, A Few Good Men?

Directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, Lewis Pullman, Ed Harris, Val Kilmer

(film review) [STREAMING] - 6 Underground

I have a love/hate relationship with Director Michael Bay.  I mean he is the man behind the original Bad Boys movie, Pain & Gain and a very small handful of great movies and a handful of very successful movies that print money that has no real story or plot, but helps catapult Michael to a position where he can make films like this.

To be fair, this is not a TERRIBLE movie, per say, because of actors like Ryan Reynolds, Ben Hardy and Corey Hawkins who hold the film up with decent dialogue on a substandard script and plot.  So for the most part, from what you get in the poster is exactly what you get in the movie, but if you were hoping for something very entertaining, funny, with a good storyline, heart and thought provoking, well...2 out of 5 is only 40% which is, not even passable, but then, you came to the wrong place.  Let me explain.

One (Ryan Reynolds) is a millionaire tech guy who has made millions from his work, but is now declared dead and now operates as a ghost.  A Ghost is someone who can operate anywhere at any time throughout the world to carry out vigilante operations no other teams can.  One is the leader of his team effectively called number one and he has 5 other people who are also known as numbers.  However, when his latest assignment involves the taking down of a dictator, the mission turns out to be more problematic than first thought.

The storyline is waste, if I'm honest.  You just don't care for it. There is no tension.  Just a hollow as hell movie.  However, the action, nothing but action on top of action on top of action and for the most part and that was the only thing I was interested in as it was violent, a little graphic but with cheap gore, blood spilling everywhere and crazy deaths.  Some of the dialogue was great with possibly loads of improvisation from Reynolds as he is definitely the stand out. His character reminded me of the character from The Hitman's Bodyguard and Blade Trinity.

The movie is loud.  The movie is high-octane action.  The movie is very stunning with amazing shots and beautiful locations with very stylised action and cinematography and wardrobe.  It was practically Transformers but with actual humans and no robots as the vibrant colours seemed too bright for modern day life.  Like "who wears that going out?", but the ever so flamboyant Michael and his nonsensical decisions and outlandish slow-motion shots and 360 pans, almost upskirt angled shots.  For the most part, some of these, maybe one or two could be nice, but when it is relentlessly throughout a movie and then to add the unnecessary explosions to it, it just becomes...waste, really.  Like what is the point.  The Fast and Furious Franchise does Michael Bay better than, Michael Bay.  But if this is your thing, go for it.

I wouldn't go cinema for this, I'm glad it's on Netflix.

(trailer review) - Ghostbusters: Afterlife

I tweeted recently about seeing the Ecto 1 in the new Ghostbusters poster and how seeing it fills me with joy.  I saw the ALL LADIES Ghostbusters film and the only good thing about that film was Chris Hemsworth among maybe a handful of other things.  I didn't care that it was all women, the film just wasn't great.  As this has been well noted by everyone, this trailer is modern enough to be new and recent and has enough grit to kick us right in the nostalgia!  Place kids in place of the actual Ghostbusters from 1 & 2 and we have something that looks like a cross between Stranger Things (and not because of the actor) and Ghostbusters which, if done right, this will be a good film....or at least, I'm definitely going to see it.

Loving the direction of this thus far.  The sound of the Ecto 1 is iconic as ALWAYS.  The colour pallet looks great.  Finn Wolfhard hasn't disappointed yet, but I'm just hoping they do not heavily dump too much nostalgia and fan service all over this movie like the all lady one did.  And since it IS in the same universe as the first two, it would be great to see some of the old actors, providing it is relevant to the story.  And you can't go wrong with Paul Rudd at all!

Directed by Jason Reitman and starring Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Paul Rudd

(trailer review) - Wonder Woman 1984

DC don't have the best track record in relation to Marvel, but they have released a few Gems, here and there.  After the first Wonder Woman, we got Shazam, Aquaman and Man of Steel (in my humble opinion) was great.  So it's good to know, the same director is back for the sequel of WW and this trailer looks great!

The confusion everyone had or will have, is the Steve Trevor aspect of it all, but we can wait until we find out how it pans out when the movie comes out.  I'm just hoping that the explanation isn't lame.  Also, how is she just lassoing lightening like no big deal?

Directed by Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright

(trailer review) - The Boys: Season 2

What's mad, is this show! Who knew that this show would be similar to 'Umbrella Academy' but a bit more adult and raw.  Blood and guts everywhere, swearing, nudity, sexual themes and some cold blooded kills from what we thought were great heroes to look up to and enjoy like a Captain America or Superman, except some of these "superheroes" are simply NO GOOD!

The first season was good and I really enjoyed it and with the twist at the end.  What I will say is that I am definitely looking forward to this season 2, the sequel...and the clips we see in this video and what this season 2 may have for offer, is nothing more than intriguing.  Amazon did well with this one.

Directed by Eric Kripke and starring Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Dominique McElligott, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso,  Chace Crawford, Tomer Kapon, Karen Fukuhara, Nathan Mitchell, Elisabeth Shue

(trailer review) - Free Guy

I feel like it's taken a handful of movies to propel Ryan Reynolds back into stardom.  Not to say he wasn't before, but after Deadpool among a few others, Ryan has been getting a lot of work.

This film on the other hand is absolutely bonkers.  I have no idea what it is about. The choosing the clothing for the day reminded me of The Lego Movie with Elliot.  Some moments were hilarious, such as the woman dancing and when Ryan got hit by two cars, I was rolling!

Also, very clever to have, from the studio that brought you, blah, blah and blah, TWICE! Very damn funny.
I'll be definitely interested.  More to come, I'm sure...

Directed Shawn Levy starring Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Joe Keery, Lil Rel, Howery Utkarsh, Ambudkar, Taika Waititi

(trailer review) - Lost In Space: Season 2

I used to watch Lost In Space when I was much younger and although I can't remember a great deal about it other than the characters, the robot and the doctor.  The doctor was one crafty guy, always up to something sinister and trying to be Will's friend.
I can't remember anything about the movie that came out which was pretty much rubbish.  Matt Leblanc from Friend's was a character and the less said about the movie, the better.

The Netflix show on the other hand, I put it on to see what it was all about with pretty much, zero interest and I actually really enjoyed it.  It had a different spin on the robot and it was more modern etc, plus the acting wasn't too bad along with the suspense.  watching this trailer delighted me.

This trailer looks really good.  It looks like a lot of money has gone into it and the special effects AND situations seem to have been heightened.  I need to watch the first season again because I'm confused about the robot.

Directed by Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless and Burk Sharpless, Ignacio Serricchio, Maxwell Jenkins, Mina Sundwall, Molly Parker, Parker Posey, Taylor Russell & Toby Stephens

(trailer review) - Mulan

First off, I never saw the original Mulan cartoon.  If my memory serves me correctly, I just wasn't interested.  But this trailer! All I remember and knew from the story, one girl has to pretend to be a boy for reasons and there is a dragon involved.  But this trailer!

I love me some strings like the old martial arts movies from back in the day. Love me some Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.  The music sounds epic.  And thankfully an all Asian cast! This movie is making I've a billion easy!

When them boys jumped from Horseback to the wall and ran up it...I. WAS. SOLD!

Directed by Niki Caro and starring Liu Yifei, Donnie Yen, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An Gong Li, Jet Li

(trailer review) - James Bond: No Time To Die

I call it here, now.  Bond will die!  Daniel doesn't want to play the character anymore and the character has just been dragged out of retirement and ol' cat man was brought back, yet again - I mean everyone has been trying to kill Bond over this story arch involving SPECTRE and with this new snack of a Double 'O', I can only say, he has to die, no?
This director is about imagery, surely.  James diving off a bridge (grabbing the cable with his foot and swapping the cable from foot to hand in mid-air, Lashana going into hiding (fantastic visual), Motorcycle stairs Jump and Machine Gun headlights - all things that would look great as a gif.
Spectre was good but could not be compared to the masterpiece that was Skyfall.  I'd have to watch Quantum of Solace again before I rank Spectre above or below it, but it seems like it is safe to say, every other Bond Movie is a great Movie as this one looks, well...GREAT!!!  We will see if it is a masterpiece as well.

Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and starring Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ana de Armas, Ben Whishaw & Jeffrey Wright

(trailer review) - Just Mercy

You've got me already, if you say based on a true story!  Even more so if I can relate to the subject matter or the people, but this movie, from what I heard, will be touching and emotional.  The only problem I have regarding me seeing this movie and the movie being viewed by the public is, 1). Do I really want to watch this movie and come out angry?, 2). Do I really want to look at people differently once I've watched the movie? 3.a). Will people watch this movie? b). Will people watch this movie and see the message, the point and the importance of this movie and if we can become better people?

Strangely enough I haven't seen Fruitvale Station because of the above, but I guess we need to see more movies that opens everyone up to these things which happen in this world and fight more for a more JUST system/procedure to be put in place.  I will watch this movie at some point.

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson

(trailer review) - Black Widow

It's been a long time coming.  So I'm guessing, those who have waited all 11 years for this, I'm wondering if they are even excited any more or are they literally foaming at the mouth from excitement?  Me personally, I am neither here or there with it, but I will say, I hoped that the film has a espionage feel to it, kinda like The Winter Soldier, because I feel this character deserves that kind of treatment as The Winter Soldier is possibly the absolute greatest stand-alone MCU movie! - Come at me bro!

This trailer though, reminds me of Atomic Blonde mixed with The Winter Solider and a bit of Bond and Deadpool 2.  Watching it a second time, I couldn't help but think of Bourne Identity.
David Harbour looks amazing in the role and the tired "Arm-cock" is hilarious (I mean, Henry Cavil has solidified that).  I'm very intrigued about the Black Widows Club and would like to see the bunch of them doing their thing, where Civil War didn't even give us any of that with The Winter Soldier Program.  The hand-to-hand looks great and it does have that Marvel Spectacle feel, however I'm just hoping it feels more grounded like The Winter Soldier.  Task Master looks ok, but more than anything, I really want to see Black Widow use her skills more predominantly with some more Assassin-like kills like in Avengers Assemble.

Directed by Cate Shortland and starring Scarlett Johansson, David Harbour, Florence Pugh, O-T Fagbenle, Rachel Weisz,