Oscarjbunting Reviews

Dave: Looking for Love (2023) Season 3, Episode 10

Onwards & Upwards

[10/10 · 2 June 2023]

Wow! What an episode! This one came completely out of the blue in a subversion of the genre, in the best possible way!

Out of all the finales this week (Barry, Succession, Ted Lasso), I think this might be my favourite - at the minimum it was the most inspired, unique and enjoyable out of all of them!

The episode cleverly ties all of these story lines that have been building all season together in a satisfying way, delivering high stakes, comedy, drama and suspense along the way - the episode being double the length of standard episodes also allows them to pull you into the plot without stretching the story, or starting to feel boring.

Overall I think this was one of my favourite episodes of this show, it just continues to improve episode over episode, season over season and I'm incredibly excited to see where it goes next!

Barry: you're charming (2023) Season 4, Episode 3

It's Back!

[9/10 · 25 April 2023]

I left a review for episode one saying that it felt like a slow burn, and that to me it felt like it was missing a lot of its comedic energy - this episode showed me that they've still got it, and hopefully they continue to build and expand on that energy.

I think it's these wonderfully surreal moments when you think you know exactly where the story is headed next, and can't help but watch as all your expectations are turned on their head in some incredible, beautiful, and often times hilarious ways.

This episode took me from suspense to laughing to shock and back again in the best possible ways, and gave me the confidence that the magic that made me fall in love with this show is still in there!

Barry: yikes (2023) Season 4, Episode 1

A good start that's missing some ingredients

[8/10 · 18 April 2023]

I enjoyed the season opening and am excited for where the show is headed, it feels a bit like a slow burn but into episode 2 the story really starts speeding up.

I just can't ignore that it feels much more serious and almost bleak in tone compared with previous seasons, hopefully we will get some more tonally balanced episodes later down the line, but I can see the show taking this tone for the remainder too - which might not be a bad thing as it feels more artistic, and surreal, but looses its comedic timing for me in this opening.

The performances, writing, cinematography, music and especially some of the incredible transitions really stand out to me as high points, however the bleak tone and dramatically toned down visual comedy- heck, it feels like they've cranked down all the comedy leave me wondering just how much I'll enjoy the rest of the season.

The Playlist: The Artist (2022) Season 1, Episode 6

WATCH this episode

[8/10 · 4 February 2023]

I don't know why I'm seeing SO many reviewers telling others to entirely avoid this episode!

I, myself was sceptical of the final episode solely based off of others takes, but decided to take the plunge.

I really enjoyed the episode, it finally gives us some perspective from the artists but in a pretty fair and open way, so that the viewer can take away their own moral conclusions.

There are beautiful parallels between the artists wanting a fair cut and how the record companies negotiated with Spotify in earlier episodes.

I found overall this was one of the more enjoyable episodes of the season, and I hope to see more shows in this space!

This was a satisfying ending and I think it's well worth a watch.

Mythic Quest: Buffalo Chicken Pizza (2023) Season 3, Episode 10

What Went Wrong?!

[6/10 · 6 January 2023]

I've enjoyed the previous seasons and I thought season 2 really grew into its own, I had high expectations for this season, yet I was left disappointed and feeling empty.

I can't quite put my finger on what went wrong this season, the writing felt lacklustre, the jokes empty, the editing and pacing slow and inconsistent but I think above all else it just felt like they didn't have a clue where they were taking the story.

I was hoping for an ending that could bring all these loose ends together to create something satisfying but ultimately I found myself losing interest in the characters and really not caring about where the story goes.

I really like the cast and creatives behind the show and I hope that they can come back on-form, but I've got my doubts.

In conclusion, I found this season boring and I think ultimately soul less, as if the people involved have lost interest and the joy and passion that I initially enjoyed about the show is no more.

The White Lotus: Ciao (2022) Season 2, Episode 1

Better Than Ever!

[8/10 · 1 November 2022]

I enjoyed this episode more than the 1st seasons opening - everything feels more refined and cohesive, with an ensemble of quirky, interesting and well written characters with compelling motives - all framed beautifully in picturesque Sicily.

Although I enjoyed it, the 1st season to me felt slightly disjointed at times, almost like it didn't quite know where it was going next, with all these elements working against each other.

Already this season feels more intentional, like all of the moving parts of this story have been intricately thought-out and a satisfying conclusion is coming.

I also have to mention the music that accompanies this show, arguably the thing that ties everything together and makes the show work so damn well, the legendary Cristobal Tapia de Veer reprises his role as composer, bringing the unique, and bizarrely bleak yet catchy scoring with him.

By the end of the 1st episode I was intrigued, enthralled and left wanting more. Excited to see where this show goes.

The Resort (2022– )

Underrated

[8/10 · 22 August 2022]

I stumbled across this show while looking for something to watch and went in with pretty low expectations (giving the initial rating for this show), maybe my low expectations played a part on how much I enjoyed the show however I found myself enjoying it. As a huge "High Maintenance" fan I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Ben Sinclair directs the first few episodes and has a role in the show.

I've always been a fan of projects in the mystery/adventure/comedy genres and this show delivers on all those fronts, but feels a bit disjointed and sporadic at times - overall however I would have to say that I'm enjoying the show and am excited to see where it goes.

If you're like me and enjoy shows in this genre, I'd recommend giving this one a go!

Severance (2022– )

Truly Sensational

[9/10 · 8 April 2022]

I remember watching the trailer for this and thinking that it looked "good", but I was truly blown away by this show when it released. From the writing, cinematography, casting, pacing, sound design and directorial style, everything fits together so perfectly.

I particularly enjoyed the performances from Arquette, Tillman and Scott, I couldn't imagine anyone else in these roles - but every character was cast so perfectly, and it seemed that the actors were really engaged.

Throughout the show you're constantly wondering where it'll end up, but always taken by unexpected turns of events.

In my opinion, this is by far the best show Apple TV has released and I'm excited and optimistic about its future.

Overall, I would call it a masterpiece.

Family Guy: Hard Boiled Meg (2022) Season 20, Episode 15

Really enjoyed this episode - great energy and sharp writing

[9/10 · 22 March 2022]

Personally I think this is one of the gems in this season, just all round fun vibes and a pretty creative concept, executed & written well - loved this one.

Severance: Half Loop (2022) Season 1, Episode 2

Genius concept executed with style

[9/10 · 21 February 2022]

I enjoyed this episode much more than the previous one, it really starts to build out the ethical & social dilemmas associated with the show - I've always enjoyed Ben Stillers direction style and I think tonally it fits perfectly with this idea. I'm excited to see where this show goes!

The Osbournes: Number One Fan (2005) Season 4, Episode 7

One of the best - feel so bad for Laura :(

[10/10 · 13 February 2022]

Seriously enjoyable, great character arcs throughout, and terrific world building. One of my favourite moments is when they tell Laura she will be travailing in a separate car (the Lincoln), while the Osbournes travel in luxury. All around good times, would recommend!! 😊