tanstorck Reviews

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

A hurricane...and not in a good way

[6/10 · 11 July 2022]

Unlike Waititi's Jojo Rabbit, this film jumps between absurd comedy and emotional drama so suddenly that I found it difficult to laugh or feel sad.

I didn't have high expectations going into this film because I'm not a huge Thor fan, so while I wasn't disappointed in the movie itself, I am becoming more disappointed in Marvel.

Many have said Christian Bale is one of the best parts of the film, but I think his performance is about as inconsistent as the film itself.

The film takes a while for anything significant to happen. The excitement slowly increased as it came to an end and left me pretty melancholy after viewing when I was expecting a lot more laughs and light-hearted fun.

Love and Thunder's unoriginal story, below average action sequences, and bizarre tonal shifts, make it difficult to feel any emotion at all.

Only Murders in the Building: The Last Day of Bunny Folger (2022) Season 2, Episode 3

A Somber, Character focused episode

[7/10 · 8 July 2022]

This episode wasn't too funny, but it was actually quite sad. Many episodes in season 1 were one character focused, which I really liked. I liked seeing Bunny as a human, instead of just an obnoxious side character. Now I'm kind of sad she got murdered. Some scenes in this episode felt a bit melodramatic. I was really intrigued by the main trio's scenes in the flashbacks, especially when they were discussing whether or not they should let Bunny in. Although they didn't kill Bunny, they could of prevented her murder if they let her in sooner.

Stranger Things: Chapter Nine: The Piggyback (2022) Season 4, Episode 9

Running down that hill

[8/10 · 2 July 2022]

There are moments in this season that are excellent...but for the most part it is just good. Stranger Things has been my favorite show since season 1 premiered, so I had high expectations for this season, especially after a nearly 3 year wait.

For some reason Vecna is not as scary to me as the previous monsters. Part of that may be because Vecna is mostly made of practical effects which is a very strange show with an increasingly CGI-y show. With that being said, Jamie Campbell Bower is outstanding as 001!

Maybe I was just being naive in the previous seasons, but this season didn't seem to be as well written. Many of the lines-for lack of a better world-were just kind of cheesy. Amongst the cheesiness, there were some scenes that were very well written.

As always, Millie Bobby Brown shines, showing how incredible her talent is as an actress. I thought Sadie Sink was great in seasons 2 and 3 and I'm glad she is finally getting the recognition she deserves this season. I was also quite impressed with Gaten Matarazzo's performance throughout the season and Caleb McLaughlin was especially exceptional in the finale. Matthew Modine as Dr. Brenner is also great in playing such a despicable character that also sounds so kind.

The sound, editing, score, and cinematography this season was incredible just like every other season. The season overall had a more epic feel to it. I didn't necessarily dislike this aspect, but I miss the simple days of season 1.

As others have mentioned in their reviews, the series seems to have a repetitive cycle. Each season the stakes increase, but there always seems to be the same outcome: they defeat the current threat, but there is a new, bigger threat on the horizon (literally on the horizon as season 4 ends). The other common trend is that a character will "die" at the end of the season and then return from the dead in the following season. I thought they were going to be risky by killing Max off (twice), but they weren't. Don't get me wrong, I was crying when Lucas was holding Max as she was about to "die" and I would have been really furious if she did die...but now they left us with a cliffhanger and we have wait 7 years to find out if she wakes up from a coma...and she has to because they can't make us wait that long and give us hope and then kill her off.

Stranger Things 4 has everything you could want from a sci-fi blockbuster series, but the increased amount of storylines, violence, and repetitiveness, make a once excellent series just great. I hate to say it, but the only running this series is doing is down that hill.

Evil: The Demon of Sex (2022) Season 3, Episode 3

Don't lie to mom...

[8/10 · 27 June 2022]

One moment Kristen is killing someone and in another moment she is just like any other mom, making a 10 Commandments of mom...and it's completely believable. I don't think I'll ever get over Katja Herbers' ability to shift between these vastly different emotions so effortlessly.

This episode brings the focus to Sister Andrea. I loved seeing her interactions with Kristen. What I like so much about this show is that characters can have completely opposite views on the world, but still respect each other. I'm hoping to see more of this new relationship between SISTER Andrea and DOCTOR Kristen Bouchard.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Ben and his sister discover in their re-investigations.

One of the most interesting things about this episode was that Leland couldn't see the demon Sister Andrea was talking to. It seems like Leland isn't as powerful as he seems....and Sheryl might be taking his power from him.

The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022– )

Frustrating...but I couldn't stop watching

[7/10 · 25 June 2022]

Amongst the cliches, irritating characters, and the irritating choices they make, there is something comforting about this series. The soundtrack, stunning locations, colorful costumes, excellent casting, and all around solid performances make an otherwise unoriginal series quite entertaining....and by the way, I'm team Conrad.

Evil: The Demon of Death (2022) Season 3, Episode 1

A solid start to the season

[8/10 · 13 June 2022]

Picking up right where season 2 left off, we get to see the aftermath of Kristen and David's kiss. I'm not really sure what to believe regarding what happened that night. Throughout the episode David has dreams/hallucinations of him and Kristen together. Kristen saying they just kissed wasn't too believable. I'm looking forward to seeing where Sheryl's storyline goes. I also wonder how much Andy will find out about the supernatural...and I can't wait until David comes over for dinner! The premiere wasn't as scary as I expected, but the music was great in making it suspenseful. The camera movement in this episode felt different than the previous seasons. If this episode showed us anything, it's that this show is still as fun and wacky as ever.

This Is Us: Us (2022) Season 6, Episode 18

Profound

[10/10 · 25 May 2022]

Part of me wanted a big final twist and part of me wanted to see the big three in the future carrying out their aspirations, but I think this simple episode was a beautiful way to end the series. I struggle to come up with the words as to how profound this show is and this episode especially...but it truly is. This show has always been about life and it's so interesting how this episode captures a moment in time that is remembered throughout the rest of the Big Three's lives. This season has really focused on looking back and wanting life to slow down. The series ends beautifully, with Jack telling Rebecca she will still be able to be with them along the way as they go about the rest of their lives. "It's quite something, isn't it? Us."

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Marvel's best villain yet

[7 May 2022]

The film took a little bit of time for me to get invested in, but once Wanda showed up I was in. As many know, Elizabeth Olsen is an incredible actress, and it's clear she cares about the character. While Wanda was already kind of her own villain in "WandaVision", in this movie she is the main villain...and oh my, she is evil. With that being said, I understood her and felt her pain. As crazy as she became, I bought it after watching an entire series about her. I honestly think Scarlet Witch is Marvel's best villain yet, and I hope we get to see her again.

The movie had some great action sequences. I really enjoyed the sequences with Wanda vs the Illuminati. I hope we get to see Hayley Atwell and John Krasinski again in another universe.

I was not a huge fan of the first "Doctor Strange" film, but after "No Way Home", Strange grew on me. I also liked Christine and loved the line Strange says that he loves her "in every universe".

There were a lot of genres to balance in the film, and I think it worked for the most part. I would of liked to see a little more horror. The CGI and music didn't work at times, but at other times they were great. I also liked America, and I hope we see her and Wong (and all the characters, really) again!

Severance: The We We Are (2022) Season 1, Episode 9

This episode is the definition of suspense

[10/10 · 8 April 2022]

This episode was one of the most suspenseful things I have seen in a while. There was hardly a second where I could catch my breath. There was so much revealed while so many more layers were added to be explored in the second season. The only problem is that we'll have to wait a while to get a resolution to the many cliffhangers. The music really helped intensify this episode that was perfectly directed.

The Afterparty (2022–2023)

A Solid Mystery

[7/10 · 6 March 2022]

I've seen quite a few murder mysteries lately, so I'm glad this series does something different. By shaking up the murder mystery genre, each episode is...a different genre. Seeing a mystery unfold from different characters perspectives isn't entirely new, but the way it's presented in the show is. All the characters are pretty interesting and all have motive. The cast has great chemistry with each other. The show isn't quite excellent but it's a fun mystery to solve and I was genuinely surprised by the ending.

The House (III) (2022)

Beautiful but lacks story

[5/10 · 28 February 2022]

The first part of this "movie" was quite interesting because it was told from the perspective of a child. Her naiveness to the evil beings around her made for some creepy moments. This first part came to a tragic end and the subsequent parts followed in a similar pattern. The second story seemed to be about nothing. It was very dull compared to the first part. The third part had a bit more of a story and much higher stakes but ultimately lacked intrigue. Overall, this film was visually unique and had an interesting premise, but it may have benefitted from only focusing on one story or cross cutting between the three.

Severance: Good News About Hell (2022) Season 1, Episode 1

An Intriguing Start

[7/10 · 25 February 2022]

This first episode was an intriguing start to the series. The premise is very interesting and original. When I saw the trailer, it seemed to have the same vibe as "Homecoming". The first half of the episode makes it seem like Adam Scott's character knows what's going on. In the second half, when he leaves the office, it becomes clear that he doesn't know what's going on and the mystery begins. The cinematography, production design and score was excellent. Some of the acting was weird and I couldn't quite tell what was meant to be funny. I'm looking forward to watching this mystery unfold.

Death on the Nile (2022)

Not Unexpected

[6/10 · 20 February 2022]

Recently I've seen a lot of murder mysteries. "Only Murders in the Building" added something new to the genre. The mystery of "Mare of Easttown" fell in line with the classic style but the themes of the series added a lot more to what could have otherwise been something unoriginal. Unfortunately, I think "Death on the Nile" is a little to classically structured. A few of the characters are interesting but no one really shines. We don't really get to anything interesting until halfway through the movie when someone is finally murdered. There are a few moments that are intriguing and suspenseful but most of the movie is just set up that leads to a not so surprising reveal. I wish this would have been filmed on location but the CGI was good enough in some parts. Overall this is a sequel that has the same quality of its predecessor.

The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 7: In the Name of Honor (2022) Season 1, Episode 7

A Solid Finale

[8/10 · 10 February 2022]

Keeping the season as a whole in mind, this was one of the better episodes. Unlike other episodes, there was plenty of action...almost too much at times. Boba and Mando flying and fighting side by side was epic. Although Cad Bane was only in a couple scenes, he was amazing in every moment. I really hope he isn't dead because he would make a great villain...if he is dead, they should have made him the villain throughout the season. As with the previous 2 episodes, Mando was the highlight of the episode. Grogu ultimately chose the Mandalorian way so that they could fly into season 3 together.

The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 6: From the Desert Comes a Stranger (2022) Season 1, Episode 6

Another great Boba Fett episode without Boba Fett

[9/10 · 3 February 2022]

Four episodes in and this show seemed to be a worse version of The Mandalorian without anything to unique. Episode 5 decides to not be a worse version of The Mandalorian and instead just become The Mandalorian Season 3. I like Boba and Fennec as characters but I'm not sure if they deserved their own series. Episode 6 follows the same pattern as episode 5 in just being an episode of The Mandalorian. We get to see Grogu training with Luke. We see the Marshall and Ahsoka. We also get an amazing glimpse of Cad Bane. Overall a great and surprisingly emotional episode of..."The Mandalorian".

The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 5: Return of the Mandalorian (2022) Season 1, Episode 5

The Mandalorian Season 2.5

[27 January 2022]

The Book of Boba Fett has always felt like a continuation of The Mandalorian (a lower quality continuation) but in this episode we finally get to see something somewhat interesting. Somehow this series has made Boba Fett a less intense character....and Mando is (understandably) way more intense. I think Boba and Fennec are very interesting characters but this show feels unnecessary, and destroys their mysterious nature. This episode is completely focused on Mando and his story following the events of the season 2 finale. I'm looking forward to seeing him team up with Boba but he says he must first return to Grogu. Does this mean the next episode will also focus on Mando...because what else is there to show with Boba and Fennec besides the inevitable final battle?

Ghosts: Possession (2021) Season 1, Episode 10

Mid-Season Review

[8/10 · 30 December 2021]

I have not seen the BBC version so I don't have anything to compare it to. Overall, I thought the first half of the season was pretty funny. I binged it in a couple days. It is lighthearted and intriguing, revealing something new about the characters in each episode. The show's afterlife premise, music, performances and characters all remind me of The Good Place. This episode was one of the funniest and most exciting. I hope future episodes have a continuing mystery like the first few episodes of the series did.

What If...?: What If... Zombies?! (2021) Season 1, Episode 5

A fun mix of characters

[8/10 · 21 December 2021]

I really liked the characters they chose for this episode. The main Avengers are now zombies so it is up to some of the "minor" Avengers to save the world.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

I'm not a big Spider-Man fan but...

[9/10 · 19 December 2021]

I thought this movie was great. Every single complex idea that was brought into this film was pulled off to near perfection by the writers and director. The movie has a similar vibe to the previous films in the Tom Holland series but there are several very emotional moments. Every character was interesting and some were arguably more interesting than the previous installment they were in. The other spidermen were brought in the film with ease. Everything came full circle with the iconic line "with great power comes great responsibility" While I'm not sure if the memory erasing ending completely made sense, the concluding scenes were pretty satisfying, leaving plenty of room for sequels if they want Peter (Tom Holland) to reunite with MJ and Ned. I love Marvel but Spider-Man has never been my favorite character. This movie made me really appreciate each generation of the character. A lot of that is because of Tom Holland's excellent performance and the spidermen trio's great chemistry. I give this movie a strong 8.5...and I can't wait to see Peter Parker's story continue.

Hawkeye: Ronin (2021) Season 1, Episode 5

Finally Natasha is getting the respect she deserves

[8/10 · 16 December 2021]

Probably the best episode yet! I'm really glad that this series has given Natasha the respect she deserves for her sacrifice. The opening was really exciting and I am so glad Yelena is back. Florence Pugh is amazing in the role and adds a lot of fun to the show. Hopefully Clint doesn't suffer the same fate as Natasha.

What If...?: What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord? (2021) Season 1, Episode 2

What if...Thanos didn't kill half the universe

[7/10 · 15 December 2021]

I appreciate that this episode was a nice goodbye for Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa. I liked seeing his humorous side. I think his relationship with Nebula was interesting. The most interesting aspect of this episode is Thanos being a "good guy". T'Challa as a Star-Lord really wasn't that different than Peter Quill so Thanos was the biggest difference of this episode. I also liked how T'Challa's father and Yondu both survived unlike in the movies.

Only Murders in the Building: Open and Shut (2021) Season 1, Episode 10

A great finale and the best episode

[9/10 · 20 October 2021]

This episode was the funniest of the season. There were a bunch of hilarious moments throughout and some surprisingly intense scenes. I am glad our main 3 characters made it out alive. Charles has some hope for love even though after dating a murderer (serial killer?) that tried to kill him. The episode ends on a major cliffhanger and leaves plenty of room for a season 2 mystery. I wonder if season 2 will take place in a prison.

Halloween Kills (2021)

Karen

[6/10 · 16 October 2021]

This sequel is entertaining as a slasher movie. It is a bit chaotic with all the random characters and kills. Michael, Laurie, Allyson and Karen are the only characters we really need. Unfortunately many of the characters from the original film die, making that movie almost pointless. This new trilogy is trying to be different from the many of Halloween sequels but I don't think it is. After this movie, it is clear that Michael isn't human...and may never be stopped. My main takeaway from this movie is that I loved to hate Karen. She is literally the definition of Karen but I honestly loved every second she was on screen. I was a little bit sad that she died at the end.

Evil: C Is for Cannibal (2021) Season 2, Episode 13

A satisfying season finale

[9/10 · 10 October 2021]

First of all, I liked the case for this week's episode. I was wondering why they kept referencing formaldehyde. I was hoping things would connect with the Leland and Sheryl craziness and they did. I was not expecting it to get even more bizarre. We still don't really know what is going on with them but we know it has something to do with cannibalism and Satan worshippers (which connects it to a couple episodes back). David really struggles with becoming ordained but ends up going through with it. After Kristen's breakdown and confession (with an amazing performance by Katja Herbers) David and Kristen kiss in the final shot of the season. It didn't feel cheesy. It definitely felt realistic although I tried to warn them by yelling at the tv "DON'T DO IT". They didn't listen. This was a very intense episode as we dealt with cannibals and a new winged demon (maybe the devil). I loved sister Andrea in this episode. I hope to see more of her in the next season. Dr. Boggs is finally starting to think God is real. This episode and the private bathroom exorcism episode make me wonder if Kristen is starting to believe too.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

A great, fresh, and fun Marvel movie

[8/10 · 4 September 2021]

Although I found some of the backstory to be unnecessary, Shang Chi is a fun, action packed adventure, and a welcome Marvel newcomer. Simu Liu and Awkwafina make a great team and I look forward to seeing future adventures.