drael64 Reviews

Doctor Who (2005–2022)

The Glory Days

[9/10 · 14 May 2024]

When I think of the peak of the nu who era, I think of RTD last season, through to Moffat's second to last season - Season 4 to season 9.

David Tennant, Matt Smith & Capaldi were powerhouse actors in the role of the eccentric mad genius. John Barrowman, Billie Piper, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Alex Kingston & especially Michelle Gomez were absolute standouts as supporting cast.

The first season of Moffat's reign, and the last of RTD captured a certain kind of magic in particular. Now, some people may prefer Davies era, and there certainly were gems in there outside of the last season, but for me it was a bit campy. The show began to fall off IMO, when the BBC started to have priorities which were larger than capturing the essence of the long running show and Moffat grew tired of his role as showrunner. Both those things seem to coincide.

Chibnall's era started with a casting choice (Whittaker) that I don't think reflected the identity of the doctor at all. You can complain that she didn't get good writing, but I don't think she ever had the correct range for the character. With so many audiobook, book and guest writers on the show, many of whom are deep fans like Moffat was, the choice not to let any of them run the show seems quite conscious. Like they were producing something they wanted the fans to like, rather than producing what they actually liked.

Now, looking back at the end of this era of nu who given the show has been rebranded I can honestly say there are amazing gems in here, in this long running regeneration of the beloved franchise.

Silence in the Library. Forest of the Dead. The Time of Angels. The Big Bang. The Pandorica Opens. The Impossible Astronaut. The Doctor's Wife. Heaven Sent.

These are gems that will live forever in Who lore and fandom, no matter what happens to the show or the BBC, and I don't think that a two-three season drop off at the end of this Nu who era should brandish what was over all, an incredible run. It was a hell of a ride.

Interview with the Vampire: What Can the Damned Really Say to the Damned (2024) Season 2, Episode 1

A promising and marked improvement

[9/10 · 12 May 2024]

I had mixed feelings about the first season, the uneven characterization, the unlikeable characters, the hard to relate to abusive romance.

But this first episode of season 2 almost promises to completely re-write my expectations. The characters feel human, deeper, relateable, the story telling promises mystery, and creates tone with layered atmosphere. The new backdrop, the verbiage of the narration, even the characters seem to have an emerging depth.

The one part of the show I still struggle with even in this promising new start is the interview itself. There's a back and forth that feels more like an obstacle that an unraveling mystery or reward.

But that said, if the whole season continues with this caliber, as an audience member, I will have been drawn back in to something I almost have up on.

Promising.

Doctor Who (2023– )

Tonal Shifts

[5/10 · 12 May 2024]

While the new Doctor Who era is watchable, there are some areas that could be improved. Ncuti Gatwa's portrayal of the Doctor still comes across as more whimsical than a deeply intellectual and ancient being, with showrunner Russell T. Davies leaning heavily into a campy and lighthearted tone. Millie Gibson brings a certain charm as the new companion, though the overall lighthearted approach raises questions about whether she will have opportunities to showcase a broader acting range assuming she is capable. Gatwa and Gibson do have an enjoyable on-screen chemistry that makes the Doctor work better than one might expect given the strange tonal choices.

The new season's shift toward a more supernatural or fantasy-focused storytelling is a departure from previous eras and abstracts the show's connection to exploring our actual universe in favor of a very light fantastical setting.

In casting recent Doctors, there seems to be an emphasis on eccentric personalities over projecting a sense of gravitas befitting an immortal, genius alien. Previous Doctors all balanced eccentricity with an underlying aura of experience and depth that has been lacking. While an improvement over the previous era in terms of maintaining interest, this new season is at least not boring, if odd, it struggles to maintain tonal and thematic continuity with classic and new era Doctor Who.

The season's specials in particular featured heavy-handed moralizing that came across as simplistic rather than cleverly insightful at times, unintentionally veering into parody. I hope that Russell T. Davies can recruit talented writers who can inject more depth, nuance and flair into the stories. This would give Ncuti Gatwa more opportunities to explore the Doctor's ancient, complex character beyond just the eccentric surfaces.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

It's okay but not compelling

[6/10 · 11 May 2024]

I'm not sure how they managed to make a fictional retelling of a real historical military story like this one feel low stakes, but unfortunately that is how the movie feels. In addition, the chemistry and verbal sparring between the characters feels somewhat forced, almost cartoonish, I suppose. Also anachronistic.

But the acting is competent, the pacing works well, the cinematography and set work and action scenes are entertaining and competent, if a little low stakes despite the carnage. Overall it's entertaining, but generally has a shallow modern interpretation that feels a little comic book like.

Worth a watch, but not if you have something better to see.

3 Body Problem (2024– )

Do it

[8/10 · 29 April 2024]

The 3 body problem is an absolutely engrossing genre mystery with compelling characters, human drama and even a few laughs.

I binged this entire first season and I can't wait for the next. The premise does stretch the plausibility of the physics, but does not eliminate any suspension of disbelief. The execution of this show is top notch, the production, writing and the acting.

There are themes here that not everyone will agree with, a certain misanthropy underlying the show, but you can easily enjoy the show without feeling like these ideas are being shoved down your throat like many shows these days do.

If you are fan of genre fiction, and you haven't watched this already, you are missing out!

Dead Boy Detectives (2024– )

No Sovl

[4/10 · 27 April 2024]

I wanted to like this, and I didn't even really have high expectations. It follows a relatively modern formulae of 'quirky' but trope heavy characters experiencing 'quirky' supernatural challenges. The plot isn't terribly interesting, the characters aren't particularly relateable or compelling, a lot of choices in show seem orientated around progressive message fiction (ie conveying certain popular moral messaging), rather being for any genuine creative reason. It's not terribly subtle and tbh, this sort of writing is not only generally just bad writing (which this absolutely typifies), but it also fails at it's purpose - a good moral story takes the viewer on a journey from point a to point b. A bad moral story just presents some things as right or wrong and in the process convinces nobody.

In short, this show lacks soul. It lacks anything creative, interesting, compelling or human. It's not funny, exciting, mysterious or charming. And even that would be okay, if it was moderately entertaining, which even a commodity TV series with a low bugget, it fails to acheive. Do not, at all recommend - and if you don't believe me, look at how few people have even rated this show - no one even knows it exists, and that's for a reason.

The Antisocial Network (2024)

Old Fashioned and Goofy

[4/10 · 13 April 2024]

This is a tired, narrative driven, very one sided documentary that would not have been out of place ten years ago, but today feels rather quaint in it's transparent narrative pitch, political lean and lack of nuance or honesty.

Many of the subjects covered in this documentary were complex with people being drawn to them for a variety of reasons, certainly not all of which had anything to do with, as the documentary would have you believe, bigotry or misinformation. It's reduction of these subjects to almost cartoonish proportions is not so much offensive or important in any way, as it is just plain silly.

This sort of narrative based politically orientated story telling at this point is almost as quaint as your grandma's cupboard full of antique plates. Lol, bless their hearts :P.

Wolf Like Me (2022– )

Interesting but

[6/10 · 19 October 2023]

The characters here are a little hard to watch or relate to. The main female lead is ....not likeable. She seems selfish. Or has an inability for empathy. The male lead is weak, sort of high on compromises, doesn't really look out for himself, and both characters are quite immature.

The concept is fine, the first season watchable. But the characters, they lack anything that would make them truely relatable. That's where this show fall short. Sort of a watch if you are bored kind of scenario. You won't really remember it after you have though. Maybe apart the finale in season 1, that's okay actually.

Gen V (2023– )

Lackluster Spin-Off with Limited Entertainment Value

[6/10 · 29 September 2023]

I watched Generation V with a sense of anticipation, curious if it would boast any endearing characters or capture the cutting social satire that made its predecessor, The Boys, so compelling. Regrettably, it appears that the only common thread between the two lies in their penchant for shock value, sporadic action, and a hint of intrigue. In fact ironically it seems to take many of the things lampooned in the Boys seriously.

Is it entertaining? Well, in my opinion, it won't leave you utterly bored, but it's unlikely to evoke any profound affection for its characters or its world, nor will it really elicit laughter. If you do decide to tune in, it will likely be solely to follow the progression of the plot.

It's hard to imagine that a show like this, relying on the now shock tropes from the Boys as being safe, but here we are. The series adheres to the familiar tropes of a teenage action show, featuring spirited underdog protagonists who forge bonds and defy the odds within a flawed system, all while exuding an undercurrent of confused sexual desire. In comparison to other shows of its genre, it may surpass many in quality (it at least doesn't solely rely on sexual tension), but it fails to offer any significant character insights or compelling comedy. Whether you choose to watch it or not, chances are you won't despise it or love it. However, if you find yourself pressed for time, it might be wise to await a more compelling streaming option.

Black Mirror: Beyond the Sea (2023) Season 6, Episode 3

Significantly overrated

[5/10 · 17 June 2023]

The plot itself here is easily guessable in the first maybe ten minutes of the episode. It's a very slow moving episode spanning something like an hour, and it treats this unwinding of it's predictable plot as some kind of surprise.

Now it may be well acted and well produced - and it is, but a story this guessable, would be better suited as a 20-30 minute twilight zone style episode than the lavishly over produced episode we actually get.

However, within the greater context of the rather poor season 6, this is probably the 2nd best episode after episode 1 - none of which actually deal with any social or technological dystopian themes (ie the original purpose of this show).

Has black mirror outlived its purpose?

Black Mirror (2011– )

Once unique gem, that has lost its way

[7/10 · 16 June 2023]

It's strange that in the modern era - one of still rapid technological change, global influence and experimental social reform, one would find it difficult to come up with futuristic, technology and culture focused dystopias - the kind which was the original focus of this psychological thriller anthology. Certainly people themselves fear these potential endpoints probably more than ever.

The show has always had some unevenness. This has been true since the first season, of course (the mixed nature of the episodes). But the premise - a dark reflection of reality, hence the name is now all but absent from the show. And absent this unique spin on the twilight zone-esque genre, the thought provoking, or challenging commentary what's left is more of a competently produced, fantasy/science fiction thriller anthology.

Good, but not great.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

Fails to Capture the Essence of the Game

[6/10 · 2 May 2023]

Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Amongst Thieves is a movie that tries to capture the magic and adventure of the popular role-playing game, but falls short of delivering a compelling story. The movie follows a group of adventurers who are hired by a mysterious benefactor and it's an entertaining story, but one without much gravitas.

The movie has some decent enough action scenes and special effects, although they tend towards the comic booky and exaggerated, and the actors do their best to portray their characters with humor and charisma. However, the movie fails to create a sense of real world building, and the characters are somewhat clichéd. The movie does not do justice to the rich and complex world of the Forgotten Realms, which has been explored in many novels and games. The movie simplifies and trivializes the lore and history of the setting, and does not capture the darker and serious elements that fans of the game will expect.

Overall, Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Amongst Thieves is an entertaining enough movie for casual viewers who are looking for some fun and fantasy, but a disappointment for fans of the game who are hoping for a faithful and immersive adaptation of the Forgotten Realms.

The Last of Us: Look for the Light (2023) Season 1, Episode 9

This season ending is ...odd

[7/10 · 13 March 2023]

I'm obviously going to have to spoil this completely to explain what I'm talking about. But the tone of this ending basically suggests that this grief torn teen should have suicided by surgery for a big maybe on a plot contrivance that would save the world, and that Joel was a terrible person for not going along with the scheduled murder and then lying about it.

I can't say I understand that contrivance either - the birth circumstances were perfectly replicable if they wanted to be all Dr Mengele about it, and any messenger that existed would have to be propagated throughout her body, so in reality there should have been no need for brain surgery - it would have just been about replicating that messenger protein.

And beyond that, the way it was portrayed in the plot, was that they were certain about the outcome - which doesn't make sense at all, if they had found this messenger, they could replicate it. If they hadn't they wouldn't know what they would find in the brain exactly. It was a very jargony handwave that doesn't stand up to much examination.

Basically the whole thing would more sense as a pure theory, than a certainty, as it came across. Then there's letting Joel go, instead of locking him up, and not telling Ellie when they thought she would be perfectly willing.

It all essentially just exists to get a particular outcome.

I guess the underlying idea here is the utilitarian view of ethics - where only the whole matters, and the individual does not. But it's jarring to see that as the moral tone of a story, because that isn't how most people think. And we didn't get some kind of long journey there either, like you might in a troubled survival story. Zero warming the audience into the idea that this might be the right way to go.

Anyway, it's well acted, and well produced obviously, it's just an odd story telling angle. Obviously never played the game, I assume that's the same.

Knock at the Cabin (2023)

A good premise made to work

[7/10 · 18 February 2023]

There's an effective premise that is relatively uncomplicated, but quite unique, and the way we are introduced to the story and the characters is intriguing and creates mystery. The unfolding I think is what really makes this work.

The characters are compelling, the premise allows you to guess how it might play out, and the story beat moments are psychologically impactful.

It's by no means a complicated movie, because it is centered in this very unique premise, but it does what it does well, and should entertain - it entertained me.

Would recommend, but definitely not for the very sensitive. Seven out of ten for me.

Shrinking (2023– )

Almost Great

[7/10 · 11 February 2023]

It's a compelling premise, workable comedy, good acting - unfortunately it's a little bit racist. There's just a sort of abundance of progressive writing tropes in here, that I suppose would be charmingly out of touch and very tolerable if they were not so common in Hollywood.

It's not like there's a giant angry trump mob or anything, it's just sprinkled in the jokes so YMMV.

Anyway, hollywood writing aside, yeah it's not bad. There's a certain depth to the drama elements and that elevates the light comedic touch. Honestly mostly I would avoid this type of show, but despite it's flaws, it's probably worth checking out.

Interview with the Vampire (2022– )

Difficult to relate to characters

[11 February 2023]

I honestly can't say how faithful this adaption is or not, because I've never read the books. What I can say is that Lestat is so wildly unlikeable that you wonder why Lious likes him or puts up with him. Lious is also so weak and fawning in the relationship, that in in fact, combined with his tendancy to uncontrolled rage, his weakness of character makes also seem very unlikeable. And then there's Daniel - he also thoroughly lacks any backbone, or distinguishing character. Perhaps being mortal the former is understandable. Finally Claudia - she wavers between being a bloodlusting maniac and waving her finger at lestat for a lack of morality. Sure she's a child, but as perhaps the one character with any clarity of vision in the events, she also fails to meet any kind of threshold of likeability.

Perhaps this show is supposed to be some kind of abusive relationship metaphor, where every character is pitiable. But because it focuses so hard on the relationship with lestat, rather than any broader lore elements in the fantasy setting it becomes a cringeworthy experience, like watching a trainwreck in slow motion.

Not exactly I think, what anyone looking for a vampire show, is really looking for.

Mayfair Witches (2023– )

Honestly found this compelling but

[6/10 · 10 February 2023]

There's a turn in episode 6 that does not bode well.

So far it's been a slowburner supernatural drama, with some pretty compelling tension and lore building. I can't really talk about it without spoiling it, so I'll just name it. Apparently the anti-witch group is some kind of pathetically tropey misogynistic caricature.

It's quite disappointing because so far the story has been well written. But that kind of political turn into message fiction usually only gets worse. I won't watch Christian movies, and I feel the same way about any other story that rather than try and create a journey just crudely tries to jam ideas into the audiences throat.

Yeah, so IDK, I guess if you can abide by a story that likely will descend into political messaging/tropes, and you are fine with a slower story, you might like it. Myself, I'm anticipating watching out the season and then walking.

The Elon Musk Show (2022)

The best documentary that exists on Musk

[8/10 · 7 January 2023]

This documentary help paints a picture of his upbringing, his business journey, his personality, his social inclinations and general disposition in a way no other documentary on him does.

He's not a 'normal chill dude' as he's known for saying, but in exact what way, and how he came to be successful in the world changing ways he has is very well illustrated by this documentary.

Other documentaries focus more exclusively on his particular ventures, and those are also covered here, but this one gives real insight. Whatever you think of the man, as we know from psychology, it's the neurodivergent who push at the edges, and he's a good illustration.

Willow (2022–2023)

Sadly Sophomoric

[5/10 · 22 December 2022]

This TV series is loaded with modern music, continuity weirdness, a focus on relationship stuff and it feels very much like the lore, and the world take a back seat.

The charming and compelling world that the original Film introduced, seems to be here as mostly window dressing, as the show almost seems to focus more on a YA audience that I'm not convinced will have much interest in this anyway.

It's disappointing, because if they did focus more on a compelling fantasy plot, and the setting, it's clear the writers have the skill to pull it off. I wanted to like this, but cannot recommend it. Even the incredibly slow paced and lore shirking rings of power is a better fantasy outing.

So I'm going to recommend some alternatives. If you want a good fantasy look at House of the Dragon, or His Dark Materials. If you want something high school centered check out Wednesday. And if you want some goofy action fantasy, try Warrior Nun. Only watch this if you have watched all of those, and have to waste time.

The Recruit (2022– )

If taken lightly, good

[7/10 · 18 December 2022]

Some things like the tiny lady with skinny arms throwing high impact punches is extremely, extremely silly, but the comedic tone of this otherwise serious show works very well. In many ways this is a comedy as much as it is a spy genre show.

The plot is interesting enough, and other than a heavy fixation with rap music for the soundtrack, and some silly action sequences as described it's very good and pretty entertaining.

Basic premise is 'fish out of water novice in high tension spy scenarios' but delivered with a bit of wit, and some pretty decent acting.

I recommend this show, with the couple of flaws mentioned in mind of course.

Quantum Leap (2022–2024)

Missing essentials

[5/10 · 26 October 2022]

A commodity tv show, with a science fiction component really always needs two things to make up for the lack of drama, production, writing, and special effects.

Those two things are heart, and levity. And those were two things the original quantum leap had in spades. As does pretty much any other commodity tv science fiction show you might think of. This show however does not have any funny characters or writing. The main character's actor in particular seems just fine as an actor, but not well suited to comedy. And whilst the show aims for story lines with heart, it feels very by the numbers.

Inside Man (II) (2022)

Decent acting with a hard to believe plot

[6/10 · 28 September 2022]

This show sets up some contrived circumstances, in the first episode, somewhat rapidly in succession. Without going into details it requires a fair bit of suspension of belief, because literally none of those events would occur anything like that.

There's language that people don't really use in real life, that are somewhat more common in niche circles - and I notice this is for some reason common in British, and in particular BBC television series. I'm not really sure what it is about the BBC, but they have a way of creating TV that is particularly out of touch with reality.

On the positive side the acting is fine, the characters would be fairly compelling if in slightly less contrived scenarios and it isn't boring by any means, it just has a persistent distracting quality about it.

Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

The Undeniable Champion of all Prestige TV

[10/10 · 12 September 2022]

This faithful book adaption goes to pains to achieve authenticity with real smithed props, grandiose settings and careful artful use of CGI.

The ensemble cast of characters is absolutely star quality, and there's a character for everyone to love (or hate, or both). The music is stunning, and the pacing and execution of the translation to screen play is masterful.

At the end of the series, the ending is rushed. We all know this. But it ends as the books were intended to end, and the final outcomes do feel foreshadowed. At the end of the day, its doubtful we will ever see a TV show that rises to the heights of this one, in the public consciousness, nor thrill to the same degree. For that, it can only be 10/10.

Pantheon (2022–2023)

Easily one of the best Series of 2022

[9/10 · 8 September 2022]

This show deals with heady sci-fi concepts in a way that is fully grounded in relatable human drama. The soundtracking, art style, voicing and pacing are all completely on point. It also incorporates a lot of digital imagery and connects with the online world a fair bit.

With that ground start, we can expect it to go deeper down the rabbit hole as it goes. Honestly excited for every new episode.

I won't spoil what the central premise is, you just have to watch to find out. BTW, isn't this new 600 character requirement a joy to deal with lol? Anyway, 9/10 really quality stuff, and I don't normally go for animation.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022– )

A good fantasy in a Middle-Earth ish setting

[6/10 · 2 September 2022]

Doesn't really feel like Tolkien, let's get that out of the way. Middle-earth-ish.

But if we move past that, it's a well made, high budget fantasy with a nice introductory pacing and interesting story.

The acting, scoring, CGI, writing is all decent and if you are not a die hard Tolkien fan and can live with the slow early pacing, I think you'll find it entertaining. I was a little bored at the start, but it slowly picks up as the story moves on.

It's slowly tying together multiple characters in distant locations, and that will take time to come together.

Anyway, YMMV. Also halflings, elves and dwarves are randomly different human ethnicities for some reason, and elves have short hair. Whatever, lol.