winstonsmith_84

I loved this episode from the nuanced conversations and poetry all the way to the action.

This really showcased the amazing strength in our lead female character and it never felt unrealistic. She was easily the star of this episode and there were many times it felt I was part of an audience watching her.

It felt very real, especially her character and the decisions she makes. She is "feminine strong" and her voice is powerful in its demeanor.

I just love how grounded this show is. It never really overdoes anything or takes its audience for granted or think we are dummies. Smart, well written, excellent characters... and they found a way to put characters in impossible positions!

Well done. Bravo. Subarashi!

The Russian people are unfortunately more prisoners than ever under the Dictatorship of Putin which allows zero criticism or political opponents. It's Communism all over again.

You can see that Navalny wanted to end corruption. We see he is a person, a family man, a husband, and just a good person wanting the best for his country.

He wanted to end war. But now with Putin in power, all Russia gets is a prolonged war for Putin and nobody else...

Navalny wanted the government to work for the Russian people. He wanted his country to be a better place. But it is not easy. He was almost assassinated and he really took one for team freedom. Now he is jail, likely to slowly be killed over time, tortured, treated as subhuman... why? Because he crossed the mob.

Yes, the mob. Russia is not ruled by a real government. It is ruled by mobsters who steal from their people and jail them for merely criticizing them.

Russia could have become a law and order society, where the government works for the people and is not above the law. Where the government respects the law and abides by it. This is not the case in Russia now. A literal mob boss rules it. He doesn't have Russia's best interests in mind. He only cares about himself. His rule. His "glory" if you can even call it that.

Russia has so much potential to be a gem of Europe. A safe place to visit. Now it is not. Now it is a place where a foreigner or Westerner can be arrested for nothing. Where a person who wants a free, fair, and law abiding government rules instead of a mob.

What saddens me more than ever, perhaps even more than Navalny being arrested and tortured, is that Russia will never be great.

It will be the dumb, brutish country, that engages in wars of the past. Putin cannot move on from this idiocy. He cannot join the rest of Europe and the free world. He wants to do his own thing, for his own "glory" and keep Russians away from the riches, successes, and fruits that the free world brings.

It is a shame.

I hope the Russian people will realize that they cannot just sit around and do nothing. They need to take Russia back from the mob.

Feels like a cheap production. Direction is probably the big sin here as it affects everything from acting, to pace, story... Technically the special effects are also lower grade. Direction of photography was pretty bad and the effects were very blue screened. If you thought this would be the same quality as the Witcher show on Netflix you'll be sorely disappointed. Firstly the story just wasn't interesting or captivating. The characters were not interesting and the chemistry was really lacking. I'm the type that would enjoy this show but it really is a cheap and amateurish production compared to its far superior predecessor.

So do I recommend this? No.

I heard that this wasn't a good movie. Way back a few years. But I finally saw this and it's everything I could have hoped for. I actually liked the awkward and weird performances from the two leads. It gave the movie character. Kind of unexpected really.

The negative hype surrounding this made me pause in seeing this. But one day I was scrolling through movies on Amazon and found this little gem and was in the mood for a visual feast and what looked to be a crazy story. So I went for it. Glad I did.

Maybe you need to be in the mood for this one. I sure was.

But anyways the concepts in this story were great. Huge city with many species all working together. Thought that was cool. The strange duo-dimensional planet where we see our two main characters do their thing was a fun action fest with cool sci-fi elements added in. I felt the alien design was fun, unique, and interesting. All in all, a major feast on the eyes. And don't get me started on costume design. It was as amazing as anything I've ever seen.

So yeah. A solid 8 out of ten!

Well, what can I say, it was a tense one! I liked the setting, the characters, and the action. It was pretty basic, but basic is good for Predator movies. I think the main female lead was the perfect choice. Amber Midthunder just has so much expression and she could definitely kick some major alien behind too. So yeah, all round good movie, nothing much more than a survival horror sci-fi but sometimes that's just what you need. And it has some lovely story elements too. Again, basic, but good. It was what I'd like to call just right.

I just love episodes like this. No extreme action, no death, no crazy CGI, no blood... just a feel good episode to end the series and make you smile. This episode was all about the characters but managed also to weave in a few interesting side stories. I just don't know how they do it. Anyways, I sure hope Orville returns for another run. It's turning into a modern sci fi classic right alongside Star Trek!

When I was a kid my parents got me a book for Christmas called Industrial Light and Magic and it detailed how the company made special effects shots for movies.

Anyways it really inspired me at a young age to go into entertainment... movie making... etc.

So it was awesome to see that book sort of get transcribed to a short series like this. Super cool to see the footage and the photos of these guys come to life. I knew who everyone was going into this so it was extra special to see.

Great show. If you love movies and the process that goes into them this is just a must see.

Honestly knowing how these effects are done and the hard work went into them makes it all that much more magical for me...

While the extremist-conservatives have probably left this show due to them labelling mainstream cultural values as "wokeness" we lucky ones are sticking around to enjoy this amazing episode!

Talk about turning around expectations. The plot was seriously well written and was great to see the Kaylon in this new light. I loved how this episode showcased the values of the Union, and how well-intentioned they are, and how they had to prove that all to the Kaylon.

While wanting to stop genocide may now soon be considered a "liberal woke value" or whatever to the new Nazi-like MAGA crowd, I think that this episode showcased what true American values are like. That we strive to protect everyone, even our enemies, and that the good always overcomes evil... that we must never take the 'easy evil' route and attempt the more difficult, hard route, that aligns with our morality.

Forgiveness to enemies, inclusion in a group that acts as one, unity, unitedness, these are values we should all hold dear. Even sacrificing our own hateful ways, and possibly ourselves, to save those who we may not identify with.

Great episode. Great writing and acting. An easy 10/10.

Wow, this was just a perfectly made series in so many ways it's hard to imagine it was an indie non-profit production! This shows how dedicated this crew was to putting that final touch on the original series which was so badly needed. The attention to detail was incredible here. Fantastically made sets, expert effects, the sound and music all just perfect. But what really stood out were the stories and the actors portraying the roles. I had watched some of these episodes years back, and after several years couldn't remember if they were the actual original series (TOS) or this new "continues" series. That's how good the episodes are.

Incredible. Anyways, the final episode is a true work of art and it really puts a much needed final touch on the series as a whole.

I really have no idea how they managed to pull this off. But however they did it, I thank the entire crew for their hard work and amazing storytelling. Awesome concept and execution. Well done!

It was a really well crafted episode. The story of an alliance which is strung together by needs rather than morals or shared values, and which gets shaken to the core by events that surround Topa and the Moklan females. Such huge stakes yet our Orville crew, as usual, does the right thing and stands up for its values and protecting the weak from the wolves. However, such moves may lead the alliance to vulnerability from an even greater threat...

The production values must be mentioned here, from outstanding makeup, to great special effects, to enthralling sound design and music. The whole Orville package is of top quality. What began as a sort of parody of Star Trek has grown and matured into something quite incredible. So, great job, team Orville, you are killing it.

Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster of a story! I love how the writers were able to put a smile on a face and a tear in my eye. We get to follow a young child seeking answers, parents and a culture that may not agree with the child, and a topic that can be divisive yet told in a way that never felt on the nose and which matches with the sci-fi universe perfectly. It really got me thinking... and feeling. Anyways, great episode, probably the best of the season so far.

Haha ok yes this takes a lot further into the future and everyone is older! The makeup and stuff is a little silly perhaps but I can live with it. The actual story and everything is pretty solid. The series is really starting off with a bang. While I do not expect perfection this time round, like we had with season one and two, this season opener did not disappoint. I am strapped in and ready to watch.

What can I say? I'm simply just here to say I'm enjoying what Star Wars has to offer. Back in 1996 I researched the Star Wars trilogy and got into reading the books and comics. I never thought another Star Wars movie would ever be made again and I was wrong. I'm just happy that Star Wars on the big (or small) screen is coming out regularly. The episodes don't have to be amazing life changing or whatever... it's just more entertainment set in the universe I love and grew up with and longed for more... and now we are all getting it! So I dunno about you, but I'm happy, and I'm enjoying it.

I love these quirky episodes! It had all the right elements... character study, romance, diplomacy, but done in that good old fashioned Star Trek style that just leaves you happy and smiling at the end of the episode. I'm happy that this series is really grabbing onto what that soul of Star Trek really is. Optimism, overcoming problems, teamwork... and all the time having a little fun! Oh and the intro was awesome! Loved the music!

I don't know. It's definitely the Sopranos prequel but kind of has a different feel to it than the previous Sopranos material. Firstly, the casting is simply... strange. It's good in some ways, I think both Tony Sopranos and new characters were supremely cast... no complaints there. But what was up with the casting of Vera Farmiga, Tony Soprano's (in the series) wife as his Mom (in this movie). That's kind of odd. My brain cannot get past it. It's too weird. And not necessary. I mean I love the actress but what is she doing in this? Jon Bernthal as Johnny Soprano might make sense if they maybe made him look a bit more different. But overall good acting, interesting enough story, it's not really the Sopranos but a nice look at the origin of the Sopranos. But seriously, the casting... so weird.

Wow, what an episode. Resolves much of what happened in the last episode yet we are thrown a new curve ball at the very ending shot. What could this mean? I don't know but I'm definitely tuning in next time to find out. This show is so unsatisfying but in a good way. You're always given just enough crumbs and clues to work with... like an expensive French meal, you leave the restaurant still hungry for more.

I can't remember seeing a show that was so insanely well written. Almost episode after episode there's a reveal that's just mind blowing. The science fiction aspect of this show plus the characters and story are all some of the best I've ever seen. Plus the cast is so believable. Not only in their roles and acting, but in the casting itself: the old and the young. It's just all so expertly put together I can't imagine how anyone could have written something so clever. How you could keep track of everything... and make it all consistent. This is perhaps the most underrated, hidden gem I've ever stumbled across. It's funny how shows like Stranger Things, Lost, or even movies like Tenet garnered popularity but this far far superior story somehow stays hidden under the radar. I couldn't recommend this more! It's insane!

As a former Trek lover, and of all things Sci-Fi, the Expanse rises to the very top of the pack with this episode. Yes, the Expanse has some amazing episodes, but this one really shines bright as a key episode where so many plot points come together in an explosive intersection! It really shows how well crafted the writing, the story, and the characters are throughout this whole series. This is perhaps my favourite sci-fi show of the last couple decades. Great job to everyone who is working on this stellar series.

This is Star Wars! I mean, can you get more Star Wars than this? Nope. Anyways, it was amazing to see so many threads come together in this special episode. It also made me really want to see more Luke. I really hope someday we get a series that follows Luke training a little Grogu. That would be so sweet and cute.

What's this doing on Amazon? This is a YouTube video at best. Just poorly produced and uninteresting. I feel like this could have been good, but the direction and everything made it seem hastily put together with very little effort.

Honestly? I didn't like the show that much after watching season one. It took me a long time to get through. I felt it was a bit drab. But I kept watching, something was keeping me. It was growing on me.

Season Two got good. Really much better and then Season three episode 5 convinced me this is one of the best science fiction shows ever made.

The writing, the characters, the universe... some of the dialogue is the best I've heard... but this world it takes place in... hard science fiction, I like this! It's all so unique and expertly constructed. I feel immersed in a real futuristic world. While there is a lot of sci-fi elements that are unrealistic in any science fiction, I feel that this gets the future more right than other shows. It feels like a more realistic future to me.

Yes, season one didn't start with a bang, but looking back, it wasn't bad at all... it did a good job to establish the story I'm enjoying so much now.

Anyways, I'm thrilled I have so much more Expanse to watch...

So I hadn't really watched much Masters of the Universe after, oh, age 5. But it was a definite fave cartoon of mine. I had many of the action figures and still do to this day! I tried revisiting the cartoon about 5 years ago, but it was pretty hard to watch. Kinda terrible. The story was very basic, violence consisted of silly mechanics like heroes throwing people instead of stabbing them, and I realized this really hasn't aged well and can't appeal to adults. It was sadly imprisoned in my youth, and couldn't be enjoyed as an adult. Oh well, I thought... But then this modern version comes along... I became intrigued when I saw this new He-Man art style a few months ago in sneak peaks and now on the first day of release I've binge-watched the first five episodes of the new He-Man show and it really hit the right notes!

This is the Masters of the Universe we've always wanted.

Overall this truly is Masters of the Universe modernized, reborn, and given the potential it deserved. Adults can now finally watch this, perhaps even with their kids, and just enjoy a fantasy tale set in Eternia. I liked how rather than slavishy try and redo the original cartoon, this changes things up. The focus of the first five episodes are different from what I expected but in a good, world building way. The animation is super nice, drawn in a great style that both pays homage to the original but advances it to a whole new polished level. It is certainly modernized in that more violent events occur that would never have occurred in the 80s conservative-censored original, and I think that's a good thing. It's not so hokey... Story is great too, with each episode a contained story that definitely feels satisfying per episode yet leaves you wanting more... and they all connect up to tell a bigger story. Certain characters act more realistically... more human. Skeletor is less of a joke, and we can finally take him seriously. These are all upgrades in my opinion.

One thing I quite liked was the focus on the characters other than He-Man and Skeletor. I felt it allowed time to get to know these characters as well as immerse ourselves into the world of Eternia. Seeing the animal like people, the villages, the cults, the kingdoms... it's all great world building. All of the main characters are introduced well and I felt stayed true to the original but added more depth.

I liked the voice acting overall. It was very well done... especially Mark Hamill as Skeletor really worked! Pretty much no complaints, but just one small nitpick... I do think Teela sounded a bit too much like a mall rat teenager when I think she should have sounded more like a stronger sounding woman, like a Signoury Weaver type coulda worked you know? I don't think the voice actress did a bad job necessarily just maybe wasn't the right pick?

Anyways, quite a nostalgia trip for me and this is the nostalgia trip I hoped for when I tried watching the original again but didn't feel the magic. This animation definitely did the trick... got me back into He-Man, and the world of Eternia.

The Power of Greyskull is back!

Well, I had just finished reading the entire Death and Return of Superman comics from the early 90s and felt I should see the animated version. Well, it did not disappoint. Things I look for in a good animation? The voice acting was superb... second to none. The animation? Very good. I really appreciated the look and feel of this animation style. Nicely done, looked great.

Now, how is the story? Well, I felt it was done really well. They definitely changed a ton around from the comics... from the members of justice league who fought Doomsday to the relationship between Lois and Clark. But were the changes good? Yes, I think so. I personally don't mind when an animated feature or movie doesn't slavishly copy the source material but tries something new... which this does. Lots of stuff has been changed around to fit in the under 3 hours run time. But it definitely is a great remix of the original story. I feel they kept many of the best parts of the comic and engineered the story to fit modern times and the animation medium quite well.

It's a well done animation and I really enjoyed it. Well done, DC.

I really couldn't decide whether to give this a 6 or a 7. It's both good and bad, but overall, I'm glad to have seen it. It's just ... inconsistent in a few ways, has some flaws that are hard to get over, and is one of those series that feels like it was written by a committee.

The good: lots of great filming locations, good chemistry and acting with the two main characters and other characters, strong start.

The bad: Carly was both uninteresting and miscast. She just didn't work. Her crew too. Just a really uninteresting "bad guy" group. They looked like production assistants who filled in for real actors. I can see what they were going for (a sort of grey zone, freedom fighting terrorists who were just misunderstood)... Disney does that a lot, that misunderstood "bad" guy fighting for a good cause type thing. Neat idea on paper, but in practice pretty boring and just executed poorly.

I liked some of the themes and such, but it felt a bit forced and on the nose at times. Like black people being forgotten in history... I thought it was a good message but perhaps overdone.

I'd say the last two episodes felt the most ... disjointed.

But because the first four episodes had lots of action and neat filming locations it was overall a good experience to watch this series.

To be honest, when I first saw this in the theatre, I liked it. But I was a bit miffed at how they didn't follow the comics word for word. But alas, they did different things with the Doomsday story. And when I read the comics, I have to say, the comics were... underwhelming. Almost nothing to them. I suggest reading the Death of Superman and then see this movie. Which is better? This movie actually improved on the comic I feel. And overall it was pretty entertaining. I had a couple of nitpicks and a major plot point that brought down the movie two stars, but overall it was worthy of the long wait and a pretty darn good, dark, action superhero film.