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The Borgias (2011)
The basic plot of the Borgias revolves around the pope who is super corrupt trying to keep himself and his family in power amist more and more enemies who would remove him.
My favorite characters are Cesare, Lucrezia, Cardinal Sfortsa and the French king (#1). I usually do not have such love for characters when watching TV.
Cardinol Sfortsa when he finds out that the pope has survived his poisoning responds that if an hour ago the pope was barely standing, by now he is probably having sex with a servant girl with wine in one hand and food in the other.
Lucrezia begins as a surprising naive character and evolves out of necessity into her family name (the Borgia name is synonymous with corruption and scandal).
Cesare, oh Cesare. Extremely competent, with a sidekick who does all the immoral killing necessary.
Yes, the family takes part in murder and war, but you empathize with them. They're trying to keep themselves in power and protecting their own. And hey, at least they care about the poor and they've never sent plague to anyone's house (they just kind of sent an entire army into plague city, but it's different).
Also Take Me To Church is their freaking theme song. Bet you the show would've got another season if they changed their theme, mhm.
My favorite characters are Cesare, Lucrezia, Cardinal Sfortsa and the French king (#1). I usually do not have such love for characters when watching TV.
Cardinol Sfortsa when he finds out that the pope has survived his poisoning responds that if an hour ago the pope was barely standing, by now he is probably having sex with a servant girl with wine in one hand and food in the other.
Lucrezia begins as a surprising naive character and evolves out of necessity into her family name (the Borgia name is synonymous with corruption and scandal).
Cesare, oh Cesare. Extremely competent, with a sidekick who does all the immoral killing necessary.
Yes, the family takes part in murder and war, but you empathize with them. They're trying to keep themselves in power and protecting their own. And hey, at least they care about the poor and they've never sent plague to anyone's house (they just kind of sent an entire army into plague city, but it's different).
Also Take Me To Church is their freaking theme song. Bet you the show would've got another season if they changed their theme, mhm.
This show is filled with plot holes and logical inconsistencies and it frequently abandons its main characters (did the chief even get an ending??!). However, it also has pretty great world building and amazing characters and the word frak. I highly recommend never watching the last episode. Ever. Ever.
As for people who actually enjoyed the last episode, why do you hate these characters? As for the people who wrote the entire story arc of Starbuck and Apollo, you know the ones who were like I don't know what the bird meant but it's metaphorical and shit so we put it in and the ones who were like yeah we thought having no one know what happened to the best fracking character on the show was a GREAT idea - FUCK YOU.
I love this show. I loathe the writers.
As for people who actually enjoyed the last episode, why do you hate these characters? As for the people who wrote the entire story arc of Starbuck and Apollo, you know the ones who were like I don't know what the bird meant but it's metaphorical and shit so we put it in and the ones who were like yeah we thought having no one know what happened to the best fracking character on the show was a GREAT idea - FUCK YOU.
I love this show. I loathe the writers.
Anti-capitalist, anti-social, mental illness representation. So well acted. So good in the pilot but after a promising epic, society-critical start I'm not sure where it's heading and it's already brought in a random psychopath (people usually reserve those for their later seasons). The idea of a revolution against capitalist inequality actually based in the present shown on TV is, well, revolutionary, but it seems to be dragging its feet.
Humans (2015)
This show inspires you to want to binge watch it. Robots with feelings, you know the drill. But I think it's unique in the fatalism it gives to its human characters: What's the point of studying to become a doctor if a machine could do it better? You're obsolete. It would be nice if this more emotional aspect of the robot story was explored.
Salem (2014)
Janet Montgomery makes this show. She's a great actress. I think most everyone else is poorly casted, especially Shane West. It's kind of soap opery in parts. Basically anti-hero evil witches work to bring the devil to a Puritan Salem. They eat your flesh, get their power from sex, bathe in your blood, have familiars that cannibalize them. You know how it is.
Defiance (2013)
This show had some of the best world building I've ever seen. I really enjoyed that aspect. The acting is pretty shaky and it's a bit amateurish in the beginning but it improves over the episodes as it gets into gear. Really the bests parts of the show are its humorous moments and they make it well worth watching.
Follows the people of a town called Defiance years in the future after aliens of different species have come to live on earth.
Never thought I'd find myself liking so many of the characters.
But then it kills of a bunch of them and by season 3 I'm just kind of meh.
Follows the people of a town called Defiance years in the future after aliens of different species have come to live on earth.
Never thought I'd find myself liking so many of the characters.
But then it kills of a bunch of them and by season 3 I'm just kind of meh.
Friday Night Lights (2006)
First half of the first season is masterpiece. Then quality goes down. The knowledge that Tim and Lyla dont end up together rips out my heart and reminds me that shipping with these bastards is not healthy.
morningsong's rating:

Blindspot (2015)
First episode not very special and main guy not very distinguishable but I love Jaimie Alexander so we'll see. Not interesting enough to keep my attention.
Scream Queens (2015)
The cast attracted me to this of course but 1) I am not into slasher crap. I like shows like American Horror Story for the other things they have to offer and I prefer my scares psychological rather than gross. 2) If you want to watch horrible, bigoted people being horrible and bigoted this is the show for you. There may be some entertainment value in watching them be so openly, explicitly awful human beings but it's tiring fast. Wish I could get the hour of my life back.
The Blacklist (2013)
My love for this show is great and deep at times and at others I am bored.
morningsong's rating:

Jessica Jones (2015)
The storyline for season one could've been better but it's well casted and acted. Has a pretty nice mood too.
One of the things that continuously surprises and amazes me is JJ's compassion. She has such a rough exterior but where I'm so used to in other TV people taking for granted casualties, JJ tries to save every single person to a fault. She tries to save every life even when you would find it morally excusable to give one for the many. There are numerous murders but she cares, they're not faceless deaths. Her trying to keep Kilgrave alive makes sense then no matter how frustrating it is because she is actually rather a little naive and optimistic herself. Her 'leave no one behind' stance is refreshing, but can be so frustrating to watch when you know how easy it would be just to give a few for the many.
Plot holes: Why did they not think of plugging their ears before the last episode? Plus, JJ should have just gone into the woods and lured him there; less casualties. It wouldn't be running away, just creating a safer face-off space. And no matter Luke's issues with Jessica, he should have been brought in sooner. Her not wanting to involve him is again her trying to save every one which leads to more lives being endangered in reality. + Why is Simspon so obsessed with killing Kilgrave?
Think it would have been a nice twist, though they didn't really do it, to have a psycho claim to be Killgraved but then actually just be a psycho.
One of the things that continuously surprises and amazes me is JJ's compassion. She has such a rough exterior but where I'm so used to in other TV people taking for granted casualties, JJ tries to save every single person to a fault. She tries to save every life even when you would find it morally excusable to give one for the many. There are numerous murders but she cares, they're not faceless deaths. Her trying to keep Kilgrave alive makes sense then no matter how frustrating it is because she is actually rather a little naive and optimistic herself. Her 'leave no one behind' stance is refreshing, but can be so frustrating to watch when you know how easy it would be just to give a few for the many.
Plot holes: Why did they not think of plugging their ears before the last episode? Plus, JJ should have just gone into the woods and lured him there; less casualties. It wouldn't be running away, just creating a safer face-off space. And no matter Luke's issues with Jessica, he should have been brought in sooner. Her not wanting to involve him is again her trying to save every one which leads to more lives being endangered in reality. + Why is Simspon so obsessed with killing Kilgrave?
Think it would have been a nice twist, though they didn't really do it, to have a psycho claim to be Killgraved but then actually just be a psycho.
Nikita (2010)
When I first watched it I think I judged it too harshly for it's gimmicky intro. The intro really doesn't work but it seems to be done by a different team than the rest of the show. And the oversexualization of (mostly) Nikita is ridiculous and again gimmicky feeling. But otherwise great spy action story. Good chemistry. Well cast. A few times the acting gets borderline but there's some great stuff too. No obvious filler episodes at least in the first season. Goes along at a nice pace.
plot holes: 1) lack of cameras. 2) alex's recalcitrant expressions not setting off any red flags.
-More filler towards mid-end of S1 but always with some character development.
-1x16- michael finds out and its golden.
-The actress who plays Alex would make a good robot, just in the scenes where she's hiding her emotions, she's very good at it.
-Michael really isn't a very moral character. He only cares about the harm division has done when it comes back to himself.
-why not use tranq.s on divisdion agents if not trying to take out little men?
-Shaky writing in season 2 but still enjoyable.
plot holes: 1) lack of cameras. 2) alex's recalcitrant expressions not setting off any red flags.
-More filler towards mid-end of S1 but always with some character development.
-1x16- michael finds out and its golden.
-The actress who plays Alex would make a good robot, just in the scenes where she's hiding her emotions, she's very good at it.
-Michael really isn't a very moral character. He only cares about the harm division has done when it comes back to himself.
-why not use tranq.s on divisdion agents if not trying to take out little men?
-Shaky writing in season 2 but still enjoyable.
The Musketeers (2014)
-Doesn't take itself that seriously. Kind of silly/campy in Xena style. Good ships.
-Ugh please let it get many more seasons. I need more Annamis and for it to get more developed. And I need Porthos to get a ship.
-Season 3 will be a change from the evil corrupt person whispering in king's ear ruining everything plot. It will be interesting. Have to say wouldn't mind more casual episodes of the musketeers helping people, with character and ship development of course.
-And more complaining about Annamis being underdeveloped: shown having very few interactions and yet kiss suddenly in 2x4. In 1x9 he's just basically had a relationship breakup with his great love and from 1x1 as well and it's just poorly edited timing if we're supposed to believe he just suddenly jumps from one to the other.
-Why would they work for the evil cardinal, even though know he killed his friends and treats them as expendable. In another show they would be rebelling or unionizing.
-Bothers me how the queen is in the beginning of the season. She's in scenes but doesnt say a word, like a prop. I really need her to be featured more. She's a great actress/character.
-Some iffy writing plot holes. Too many to go into. Like in 1x10, Aramis praising the queen's judgement right after pardoning the Cardinal who has killed a whole bunch of people including his friends and attempted to kill her. Blind mercy on her part maybe or a bit of unethical strategizing for France. And Aramis's acting as if they shouldn't look for the reason behind their orders after realizing what happened to his friends? And again in 2x1- actually praying for god's mercy for the cardinal??
-Comedic moments. So much side eyeing in this show.
-Ugh please let it get many more seasons. I need more Annamis and for it to get more developed. And I need Porthos to get a ship.
-Season 3 will be a change from the evil corrupt person whispering in king's ear ruining everything plot. It will be interesting. Have to say wouldn't mind more casual episodes of the musketeers helping people, with character and ship development of course.
-And more complaining about Annamis being underdeveloped: shown having very few interactions and yet kiss suddenly in 2x4. In 1x9 he's just basically had a relationship breakup with his great love and from 1x1 as well and it's just poorly edited timing if we're supposed to believe he just suddenly jumps from one to the other.
-Why would they work for the evil cardinal, even though know he killed his friends and treats them as expendable. In another show they would be rebelling or unionizing.
-Bothers me how the queen is in the beginning of the season. She's in scenes but doesnt say a word, like a prop. I really need her to be featured more. She's a great actress/character.
-Some iffy writing plot holes. Too many to go into. Like in 1x10, Aramis praising the queen's judgement right after pardoning the Cardinal who has killed a whole bunch of people including his friends and attempted to kill her. Blind mercy on her part maybe or a bit of unethical strategizing for France. And Aramis's acting as if they shouldn't look for the reason behind their orders after realizing what happened to his friends? And again in 2x1- actually praying for god's mercy for the cardinal??
-Comedic moments. So much side eyeing in this show.
And Then There Were None (2015)
When I read a review saying it lacked likeable characters I was like nahh, I've liked fictional murderers before, it's fine. But no, really. All the characters are horrible people and though a part of me liked the whole Philip-Vera thing, they all really got what they deserved. I guess it will make a mystery for the cops that find it but the ending leaves me feeling like... what was the point really? Definitely felt creepy at parts and it's well acted. Don't understand why they wouldn't stay together or build a life raft or why two deaths in one night didn't feel more than coincidental to them in the beginning.
morningsong's rating:

Togetherness (2015)
Very realistic portrayal of relationships with the occasional hilarious moment. New favorite show.
Faking It (2014)
Season 3 has been so damn good. That scene in 3x3 where they confess their feelings to each other back to back to a slow version of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", their "so" "so" match.
morningsong's rating:

Feel like this show's been getting worse. I love the emotionality of Marty looking into the camera, his monologues. The show is well-acted, good chemistry. Bitter, confident, cursing, a bit morally questionable characters. But they're made too unlikeable to the point of no sympathy. Lots of casual sexism, lots. Don't really know why I watch any more. For the actors basically.
Despite the repetitive drama drama, the lack of communication (with so many one liner storm offs) and the romanticization of highschool, this show has actually really authentic moments, an endearing 'awkward' theme, and cute slang... But weirdness with the writing in the last season. The scene where Jenna tells Matty she loves him but she's scared how he'll affect things if he comes there/she doesn't want him there was so good. It was painful and honest and no one was really at fault; it was just hard. But then it somehow gets turned into Jenna just doing it for Matty's good and not letting him run away, which is might have been in part, but I think it makes it too easy. + That scene where they were spending their last moments together in the car just felt really true to life, beautiful, sad.
The Path (2016)
It's actually quite original. Best when it's about the family dynamics once a husband starts having doubts about his faith in a global warming inspired neoreligion. Some good acting. Idk if the husband is supposed to be the lead but the wife steals the show. There's also added forbidden love drama with the son and an old flame connection between the wife and the religion's leader. Likely to be cancelled unfortunately. I think they erred when they went for the shock factor of making him a murderer, but we'll see where it goes.
Very well acted but too much soap opera, jealousies over her coming back (the once boyfriend's wife, the cop's partner, the sister's fiance) etc. The type of drama that doesn't feel meaningful but shallow.
-Richard Rankin is so pretty in this. Damn that accent.
-I had no idea Jodie Comer was such a good actress. But also ugh, every time it shows her fingers being fingerprinted it's like looking at bones she's so skinny.
-There is a reoccuring victim blaming theme that feels done up to create suspense over her motives but is really absolute ignorance over how trauma works.
-Seriously every actor is well cast. Except the bad guy; that is too much creepy.
-Ends very suddenly with a lot of loose ends in the relationships. Thought there would be another episode to tie things up but no. Can't really recommend it.
-But the actor chemistry was good and Richard Rankin.
-Richard Rankin is so pretty in this. Damn that accent.
-I had no idea Jodie Comer was such a good actress. But also ugh, every time it shows her fingers being fingerprinted it's like looking at bones she's so skinny.
-There is a reoccuring victim blaming theme that feels done up to create suspense over her motives but is really absolute ignorance over how trauma works.
-Seriously every actor is well cast. Except the bad guy; that is too much creepy.
-Ends very suddenly with a lot of loose ends in the relationships. Thought there would be another episode to tie things up but no. Can't really recommend it.
-But the actor chemistry was good and Richard Rankin.
Altered Carbon (2018)
1) As a woman I can't even tell you how depressing it is to see another male-centric, male dominated sci-fi world which depicts its dystopian seediness through more male bullshit.
2) The longer hair suits Joel Kinnaman extremely well. He's somehow gotten hotter than in The Killing?? + That soft voice of his. Glad he got a leading role.
3) Appreciate the multiculturalism.
1x4: Weird that she would prioritize denying that she knew him over the whole mass-killing thing. But also the beginning of the ship so nice.
-Has a The Host kind of romance thing going on and it's v. shippable... But also technically her boyfriend isn't dead in this world so...?
-Continues in the tradition of many of its sci-fi predecessors by not really knowing the difference between explicit sex scenes and sexual chemistry, 'cause nobody wants to watch bodies just slap against each other. Not as bad as others shows have been though.
-Joel Kinnaman's expressions are great.
-He could of made her go away by telling her the truth but he decided to totally push her away.
-That Quel would suddenly reveal she's against immortality and have it be suddenly taken well... just feels like bad writing.
-Kovacs was an asshole to his sister. Like you can see when he doesn't include her in the group that he 'ever' loved and lost, his his willingness to die without a thought of her for his 'family' etc. Def weirdness going on there. But she's obviously crazy too. This makes the root of the show a dysfunctional sibling relationship, one where you don't fully understand the logic of their actions bc they're fucking crazy. And when your baseline story is a soap opery weirdness, it's hard to take the rest seriously as good writing.
-Depicts a lot of violence against women and yet by leaving unspoken that much of the fucked-upness in the world panders to male associated desires, basically invisibilizes it under 'crazy rich people'. (The streets advertize female prostitutes and fight rings to men and thus seem designed for men. We are introduced to a club where men go to kill women for kicks, etc. But it is never specifically portrayed as a violence against women issue, just a 'seedy' futurist world.) In an interview Dichen Lachman had good things to say about the show and how it challenged violence against women but...? The fact that we have another sci-fi show depicting a future like this shows how easy it is for writers to envision and take for granted that sexism. Whatever.
-Nice at least to see the characters react with horror to the situation.
-Has this abused woman rising from the flames into warrior story arch which is... ok ok.
-Yeah, that scene was gross. Really did not need to see. Gross ass violence.
-Has comedic moments but then cuts right into serious drama.
-Over all, just not good. Really really not good.
-I mean you could say the world corrupted the sister so that the easiest way she could see to make money and create security for her and her family was by torturing and killing other people, but like...
-It doesn't make sense from what we're shown of his character that his double would really just go and relax on a beach while everything was happening.
-The ending scene with the rich family is like- who the fuck cares.
-If I could do it again I would watch up until 1x5ish and then just stop.
-Any season 2 needs new writers.
2) The longer hair suits Joel Kinnaman extremely well. He's somehow gotten hotter than in The Killing?? + That soft voice of his. Glad he got a leading role.
3) Appreciate the multiculturalism.
1x4: Weird that she would prioritize denying that she knew him over the whole mass-killing thing. But also the beginning of the ship so nice.
-Has a The Host kind of romance thing going on and it's v. shippable... But also technically her boyfriend isn't dead in this world so...?
-Continues in the tradition of many of its sci-fi predecessors by not really knowing the difference between explicit sex scenes and sexual chemistry, 'cause nobody wants to watch bodies just slap against each other. Not as bad as others shows have been though.
-Joel Kinnaman's expressions are great.
-He could of made her go away by telling her the truth but he decided to totally push her away.
-That Quel would suddenly reveal she's against immortality and have it be suddenly taken well... just feels like bad writing.
-Kovacs was an asshole to his sister. Like you can see when he doesn't include her in the group that he 'ever' loved and lost, his his willingness to die without a thought of her for his 'family' etc. Def weirdness going on there. But she's obviously crazy too. This makes the root of the show a dysfunctional sibling relationship, one where you don't fully understand the logic of their actions bc they're fucking crazy. And when your baseline story is a soap opery weirdness, it's hard to take the rest seriously as good writing.
-Depicts a lot of violence against women and yet by leaving unspoken that much of the fucked-upness in the world panders to male associated desires, basically invisibilizes it under 'crazy rich people'. (The streets advertize female prostitutes and fight rings to men and thus seem designed for men. We are introduced to a club where men go to kill women for kicks, etc. But it is never specifically portrayed as a violence against women issue, just a 'seedy' futurist world.) In an interview Dichen Lachman had good things to say about the show and how it challenged violence against women but...? The fact that we have another sci-fi show depicting a future like this shows how easy it is for writers to envision and take for granted that sexism. Whatever.
-Nice at least to see the characters react with horror to the situation.
-Has this abused woman rising from the flames into warrior story arch which is... ok ok.
-Yeah, that scene was gross. Really did not need to see. Gross ass violence.
-Has comedic moments but then cuts right into serious drama.
-Over all, just not good. Really really not good.
-I mean you could say the world corrupted the sister so that the easiest way she could see to make money and create security for her and her family was by torturing and killing other people, but like...
-It doesn't make sense from what we're shown of his character that his double would really just go and relax on a beach while everything was happening.
-The ending scene with the rich family is like- who the fuck cares.
-If I could do it again I would watch up until 1x5ish and then just stop.
-Any season 2 needs new writers.
Imposters (2017)
The writing in season 2 ruined the show but it had a great premise and great characters.
morningsong's rating:

Good Trouble (2019)
Actually a really good pilot. Really well edited. But becomes bad writing and drama for dramaās sake pretty quickly.
Children Ruin Everything (2022)
I adore this show. Itās special. With a title like āChildren Ruin Everythingā youād expect a run to the bottom for dramaās sake show alla Shameless. But it doesnāt. It shows trials and tribulations but always balances that out with joy and genuine intimacy.
In a world where shows portray only the chase of love as worth the viewerās time, this show shows the joy of actually having love. It portrays a couple who are actually partners facing problems together, rather than breaking up the moment they get together or have to face anything.
Ugh I love them. And it really highlights whatās wrong with the rest of TV.
It reminds me of Friends but with kids. Just everyday stories with people who care about each other.
In a world where shows portray only the chase of love as worth the viewerās time, this show shows the joy of actually having love. It portrays a couple who are actually partners facing problems together, rather than breaking up the moment they get together or have to face anything.
Ugh I love them. And it really highlights whatās wrong with the rest of TV.
It reminds me of Friends but with kids. Just everyday stories with people who care about each other.
morningsong's rating:

The Hating Game (2021)
Hollywood doesnāt make good rom coms anymore so this is a rare treat.
The way she and the writers treated the secondary guy was super awful but otherwise a nice movie.
Iāve rewatched it a few times and read the book at this point and itās literally the most solid rom com Iāve seen in years.
The way she and the writers treated the secondary guy was super awful but otherwise a nice movie.
Iāve rewatched it a few times and read the book at this point and itās literally the most solid rom com Iāve seen in years.
morningsong's rating:

Beautifully done movie. Well acted. The love story was very rushed though and didnāt seem to do the characters theyād set up justice. Wouldāve been better as a short series.
morningsong's rating:

Persuasion (2022) (2022)
I can understand why so many people dislike this movie. Iāve never read the book but I can tell at the least that it is a very āmodernā period drama. The costumes, mannerisms, and speech are not in line with the era. It doesnāt have the same romantic class or charm most period dramas have.
I have to say I did enjoy the semi A Series of Unfortunate Events vibe in the beginning and her breaking the fourth wall. It was a cute dynamic.
In general, Iām not a fan of Dakota Johnsonās acting. But the actor they cast for Wentworth had the absolutely most perfect puppy dog forelorn expressions. His edible expressions are the best part of the movie.
The movie was also a lot of tell, not show. Everyone tells us how wonderful Anne is, even strangers who have just met her x).
She never went to see her hurt friend? Okay.
There are also just little annoying plot holes where youāre not sure if heās heard what sheās said about him or not. I mean she tells one of his colleagues sheās felt sad for 8 years and he never hears of it??
The breaking of the fourth wall was too much in the end, too constant, to the extent it took you out of the story.
Also the love story was wrapped up way too quickly, considering he was with another woman for most of the movie. The sudden nothing is what you thought wrap up was very cheap.
His being romantic with her friend while having feelings for her was also a crappy thing to do to her friend.
It just feels very meh in the end to watch two people not able to communicate their feelings, almost fall in love with others, and then decide at the last second to get together. Itās not exactly peak romance.
Her character is framed as so strong and amazing but thereās a cliched weakness in her inability to tell him how she feels and just lay it out there. Iām honestly tired of characters who canāt openly communicate and then the whole plot is based on that.
I also just couldnāt stand how she would talk about her feelings about him so obviously and in front of him but not to him and with seeming no awareness of what he would understand. It gave me so much second hand cringe.
morningsong's rating:

The Proposal (2009)
The Proposal sets up a great premise but itās undone by its childish shallowness. Rather than properly developing their love, which is kind of the whole basis of the engaged before love trope, itās made into insta-love. The lead male literally declares that his deep loathing turned into love because of a single kiss and a few words. They could have made her character be cold and aloof, without her being cruel, insulting and selfish. But thatās what they chose, and then that allās supposed to be forgotten because sheās also human. Monsters are human. The cruel are human.
There is just no genuine logic or intelligence to the script.
Even his familyās interpretation that she left him at the alter because she loved him is a leap.
If you want to watch the engaged before love trope, itās carried out much better in the Turkish show Sen Kal Capimi (although you may want to consider it wrapped at episode 12).
What makes this movie worth watching is the charisma of the actors.
There is just no genuine logic or intelligence to the script.
Even his familyās interpretation that she left him at the alter because she loved him is a leap.
If you want to watch the engaged before love trope, itās carried out much better in the Turkish show Sen Kal Capimi (although you may want to consider it wrapped at episode 12).
What makes this movie worth watching is the charisma of the actors.
I freaking loved this special. And I rarely outright love things, okay. Iām a picky, snobby person.
Hasan Minhaj managed to combine laugh out loud comedy with heart felt moments and drama. It is an art to be able to navigate those changes in tone, and few are willing to bother. He would make me laugh and then almost make me cry. You hear the phrase ākeeping it realā around, but he really, really does it. He talks about the issues heās experienced in his life- horrific racism, death threats, infertility, addiction to fame etc. And he makes you feel the real pain and depth of these issues, while also making you laugh. That takes a lot of skill and really good writing. Props.
He also really made me respect his wife lol.
Although I still canāt understand why he wouldnāt just wipe his daughterās boogers away.
There were some stories I felt like he moved on too quickly from. I felt some things needed more resolution or couldāve used a better conclusion, like the very end of his show.
But over all, great special.
Hasan Minhaj managed to combine laugh out loud comedy with heart felt moments and drama. It is an art to be able to navigate those changes in tone, and few are willing to bother. He would make me laugh and then almost make me cry. You hear the phrase ākeeping it realā around, but he really, really does it. He talks about the issues heās experienced in his life- horrific racism, death threats, infertility, addiction to fame etc. And he makes you feel the real pain and depth of these issues, while also making you laugh. That takes a lot of skill and really good writing. Props.
He also really made me respect his wife lol.
Although I still canāt understand why he wouldnāt just wipe his daughterās boogers away.
There were some stories I felt like he moved on too quickly from. I felt some things needed more resolution or couldāve used a better conclusion, like the very end of his show.
But over all, great special.
morningsong's rating:

Okay I haven't watched a show that was so well done / that I liked so much in a while. Original story, likeable characters, intrigue. Love it.
But Chloe Grace Mortez is 25 and has a baby face that makes her look even younger, and the guy who plays Wilf is 36. Seeing them kiss made me feel sooooo uncomfortable. They should've cast a younger actor for him if they were gonna do that. I like their characters but that's an 11 year age difference and she already looks like a child.
After the first few episodes the show really drags. I love how unique the characters are. It's really, really well cast and seeing their interactions is just a joy. But the storyline is very slow moving.
Also it's got a pretty ableist sideline that's pretty disturbing but will see what they do with it.
But Chloe Grace Mortez is 25 and has a baby face that makes her look even younger, and the guy who plays Wilf is 36. Seeing them kiss made me feel sooooo uncomfortable. They should've cast a younger actor for him if they were gonna do that. I like their characters but that's an 11 year age difference and she already looks like a child.
After the first few episodes the show really drags. I love how unique the characters are. It's really, really well cast and seeing their interactions is just a joy. But the storyline is very slow moving.
Also it's got a pretty ableist sideline that's pretty disturbing but will see what they do with it.
Okay, this show is complicated. Because on the one hand it's kind of bad and B-movie esque in parts. On the other hand, it's original and well done in a lot of ways. The world has magic but there isn't the bunch of special effects you would usually see in magic shows. It's a realistic world with realistic acting (really the acting is solid). And then sometimes there's a bit of magic, usually associated with violence. And there's something about that realism which makes the magic seem a little more ridiculous, but also more grotesque.
Really over all, the show is solid with some b-movie parts. I just keep being scared it's going to go off the rails.
I'm usually not one for watching horror and this show definitely has undertones of it, but there are usually only a couple horror esque moments per episode so I keep on.
Honestly, when they introduced Gabriel's character is when I started to really be into this show. The humor of his character is not something you come across often. It's really well written comedy at times. And original world building.
Again, I'm not a fan of horror and gore so that aspect of the show isn't for me, but it's got a lot of other stuff going on. Forbidden love, found family, warring magical bloodlines etc.
The premise of the show is that some really evil witch had a child with a good witch and that child was then raised by the good witch's family in the hopes that one day the child would kill his father as prophesied.
The main character was raised in such an abusive environment and even horribly abused by his own sister. He was raised in an environment of people who shunned him because of what they thought he would become magically. And then there's all this suspense/ dread of wondering if his magic will make him an evil person. To be raised in an environment where people expect you to be evil but you don't want to be... It's psychologically interesting and a bit heartbreaking. The show has made really interesting characters.
I'm on episode 5 and I'm already going to call it: I think his sister is also the daughter of 'the devil' and she will be the one to kill him. Or else just turn evil. Idk there's a lot going on with her.
+The writing really starts going downhill in E6. Sure develop something with Gabriel and Nathan, but they don't actually develop it. Gabriel is shown as suddenly affectionate and calling Nathan someone important to him, but like why??? There's not enough shown to explain that. I ship their thruple sure but it's not written well.
It also made no sense that Nathan would blame Cecelia for what happened. I get he's supposed to be developing anger issues but it really made him less likeable as a character that he just suddenly attacks people who have been pretty much on his side. And then Cecelia's speech where she was sympathetic to the blood witches seemed to come from nowhere. Urgh. It's a lot of tell but not show.
+Okay, when they really start having Nathan be violent towards innocent people is when you stop having a character to root for. Kind of ruined the show. It couldnāt stop itself from being gratuitous and stupid. That he feels bad for killing people doesnāt take away from the fact he did it.
+Towards the end there are a lot of plot holes and unexplained things. Like why canāt he just suck his familyās blood off Gabrielās shirt? ( I know.) Why does Soul go from kind of evil to inhumanely evil? Why did Annalise say she loves Gabriel when theyāve barely developed a relationship between the two? Why did it go pure B movie? x-x Why does this feel like itās based off of a book? Please let there be a book thatās better, that I can read.
+I really liked the fairytale aspect of Gabrielās storyline. How he writes down the names of the people he loved in a childrenās book so that when his memory is erased he knows something was taken. It has that mix of beauty and heartbreak which makes a memorable story.
Honestly someone needs to make this actor the lead of his own show. Heās hilarious and can act.
Really over all, the show is solid with some b-movie parts. I just keep being scared it's going to go off the rails.
I'm usually not one for watching horror and this show definitely has undertones of it, but there are usually only a couple horror esque moments per episode so I keep on.
Honestly, when they introduced Gabriel's character is when I started to really be into this show. The humor of his character is not something you come across often. It's really well written comedy at times. And original world building.
Again, I'm not a fan of horror and gore so that aspect of the show isn't for me, but it's got a lot of other stuff going on. Forbidden love, found family, warring magical bloodlines etc.
The premise of the show is that some really evil witch had a child with a good witch and that child was then raised by the good witch's family in the hopes that one day the child would kill his father as prophesied.
The main character was raised in such an abusive environment and even horribly abused by his own sister. He was raised in an environment of people who shunned him because of what they thought he would become magically. And then there's all this suspense/ dread of wondering if his magic will make him an evil person. To be raised in an environment where people expect you to be evil but you don't want to be... It's psychologically interesting and a bit heartbreaking. The show has made really interesting characters.
I'm on episode 5 and I'm already going to call it: I think his sister is also the daughter of 'the devil' and she will be the one to kill him. Or else just turn evil. Idk there's a lot going on with her.
+The writing really starts going downhill in E6. Sure develop something with Gabriel and Nathan, but they don't actually develop it. Gabriel is shown as suddenly affectionate and calling Nathan someone important to him, but like why??? There's not enough shown to explain that. I ship their thruple sure but it's not written well.
It also made no sense that Nathan would blame Cecelia for what happened. I get he's supposed to be developing anger issues but it really made him less likeable as a character that he just suddenly attacks people who have been pretty much on his side. And then Cecelia's speech where she was sympathetic to the blood witches seemed to come from nowhere. Urgh. It's a lot of tell but not show.
+Okay, when they really start having Nathan be violent towards innocent people is when you stop having a character to root for. Kind of ruined the show. It couldnāt stop itself from being gratuitous and stupid. That he feels bad for killing people doesnāt take away from the fact he did it.
+Towards the end there are a lot of plot holes and unexplained things. Like why canāt he just suck his familyās blood off Gabrielās shirt? ( I know.) Why does Soul go from kind of evil to inhumanely evil? Why did Annalise say she loves Gabriel when theyāve barely developed a relationship between the two? Why did it go pure B movie? x-x Why does this feel like itās based off of a book? Please let there be a book thatās better, that I can read.
+I really liked the fairytale aspect of Gabrielās storyline. How he writes down the names of the people he loved in a childrenās book so that when his memory is erased he knows something was taken. It has that mix of beauty and heartbreak which makes a memorable story.
Honestly someone needs to make this actor the lead of his own show. Heās hilarious and can act.
Wednesday (2022)
A total disappointment and a waste of time for anyone who is older than ten years old. The writing is childishly simplistic. Every time I hear the characters refer to "the outcasts" and "the normies" it's like I'm watching a PBS special. It's hard to summarize all the ways the show is just bad. Eg. When people are revealed as villains they do a total 180 from the characters they portrayed before. It's just that kind of writing. Romantic relationships rise and fall but you don't really care about them. The acting isn't great. Etc. It's just a really B level show.
The Addams Family is one of my favorite movies and this is absolutely not on its level.
I also think it's a weird choice to make the Addams family be mostly good people who are just gothic and interested in the morbid. And it reflects in the casting of Jenna Ortega. She has a kind face so even when she plays dark, it looks played. And I'm sure that was a choice to make Wednesday seem softer for this new storyline, but for me it just doesn't work. It doesn't feel authentic to the character I know.
Idk it's almost like the old Addams Family made you feel how being different could still lead to love and belonging, but this version just tells you it. It's a big difference.
Also I don't know who did the casting, but they seriously messed up. Jenna Ortega is TINY and watching her kiss that other actor, there is a huge size difference there. It looks like he's with a child.
The only good thing I have to say about the show is that it has cutely morbid one liners. Eg. "I don't bury my hatchets, I sharpen them." "It's a quid pro quo for almost getting him disembowled."
The Addams Family is one of my favorite movies and this is absolutely not on its level.
I also think it's a weird choice to make the Addams family be mostly good people who are just gothic and interested in the morbid. And it reflects in the casting of Jenna Ortega. She has a kind face so even when she plays dark, it looks played. And I'm sure that was a choice to make Wednesday seem softer for this new storyline, but for me it just doesn't work. It doesn't feel authentic to the character I know.
Idk it's almost like the old Addams Family made you feel how being different could still lead to love and belonging, but this version just tells you it. It's a big difference.
Also I don't know who did the casting, but they seriously messed up. Jenna Ortega is TINY and watching her kiss that other actor, there is a huge size difference there. It looks like he's with a child.
The only good thing I have to say about the show is that it has cutely morbid one liners. Eg. "I don't bury my hatchets, I sharpen them." "It's a quid pro quo for almost getting him disembowled."
Disenchanted (2022)
The first half was sweet and kind of original. The second half was very paint by the numbers. Long songs about the "power of love". I zoned out. But then there was the whole you're my daughter even if you're adopted message that actually made me cry. I could see this being a great movie for young adopted kids. But over all, it was too basic for an adult audience.
This movie was so bad it made me want to abandon mainstream television altogether. Bring on the arthouse, oscar cry-dramas. Maybe they'll still be slow and boring but at least it will have a deeper meaning. This film was just a nothingness. Like dressed up air. It was sexist and trite. Like a maze that loops around and then gets you to your final destination but you don't care. The majority of the characters were unlikeable, shallow caricatures. I didn't care if they all died, but unfortunately the hydrogen explosion miraculously spared them.
I understand there are people who would enjoy this type of movie. I'm just officially done with them.
I understand there are people who would enjoy this type of movie. I'm just officially done with them.
morningsong's rating:

Dash & Lily (2020)
Dash and Lily is a Christmas rom com by the numbers with a nice diverse cast, so-so acting, and writing that feels like it belongs in a children special for those ten and under. Itās sweet with Christmas charm and a little bit of humor, but even for me, a lover of Christmas and rom com tropes, the bad, shallow, incredibly corny writing made this next to unbearable. A prime example being when Nick Jonas appears in the last episode for a cameo to inspire the main male lead to be himself and go after the girl.
In the last episode we also watch the main female leadās grandfather declare that if she blames all her behavior on her love interest, then the grandfather wonāt ship her away to Fiji. Itās like what? What? Say the boy made you do it? What kind of accountability are you teaching to these kids? Thatās incredibly psychologically unhealthy, and writing wise, just ridiculous.
The show also features 17 year olds who are more well read than most adults. I truly donāt understand why they wouldnāt just write them as college characters.
There is zero depth. The show ends with them finally getting together with a kiss and thatās it. No exploration of their relationship no hahahaha no.
In the last episode we also watch the main female leadās grandfather declare that if she blames all her behavior on her love interest, then the grandfather wonāt ship her away to Fiji. Itās like what? What? Say the boy made you do it? What kind of accountability are you teaching to these kids? Thatās incredibly psychologically unhealthy, and writing wise, just ridiculous.
The show also features 17 year olds who are more well read than most adults. I truly donāt understand why they wouldnāt just write them as college characters.
There is zero depth. The show ends with them finally getting together with a kiss and thatās it. No exploration of their relationship no hahahaha no.
morningsong's rating:

Alchemy of Souls (2022)
10/10. No notes.
Just kind of ignore season 2's existence and you're good.
Just kind of ignore season 2's existence and you're good.
morningsong's rating:

Very meh. Pretty to look at but I found nothing to invest in in the story. Tom boy girl oppressed by society but period era. I'm all for the theme but it just didn't get me emotionally invested.
morningsong's rating:

Bros (2022)
This movie had the worst acting Iāve seen in a very long time. It was definitely not a good movie. That being said I could tell it was made with a lot of heart and I really appreciated getting to know more about gay history and culture. I wouldāve turned it off otherwise.
However, I think itās a shame that this film feeds into gay male stereotypes. There have been several studies that found that the majority of gay men are actually not promiscuous and that it is a minority of gay men having all the sex. But this film makes it seem like being a gay male is almost synonymous with promiscuity and that monogamy is the exception, when the opposite is true. Just a weird quirk of a film meant to educate about LGBT culture.
However, I think itās a shame that this film feeds into gay male stereotypes. There have been several studies that found that the majority of gay men are actually not promiscuous and that it is a minority of gay men having all the sex. But this film makes it seem like being a gay male is almost synonymous with promiscuity and that monogamy is the exception, when the opposite is true. Just a weird quirk of a film meant to educate about LGBT culture.
morningsong's rating:

Shiva Baby (2020)
This movie has so many twists and hilarious cringe. I am awed by its intelligence as much as it makes me want to die from embarrassment.
The main character presents herself as some suave call girl on her way to law school but is actually still very much a young adult having her parents pay for everything and without even her own bank account. Yet she gets involved in twisted shit, finding out the guy who pays her to āhelp her schoolingā (ugh) is actually married with a new baby.
She then childishly insults his wife, throwing her supreme kindness in her face, for no good reason but an inability to cope with the fact that sheās screwed her own self over and gotten herself into this garbage. Kill me. The main girl goes from bratty and troubled to unlikeable. Also how is she studying gender studies with that attitude?
But I could relate so much to the claustrophobic judgement of those around you while you flounder to find whatās meaningful to you.
I could relate to this bitch until she tried to sexually service the guy in the bathroom for some who fucking knows self destructive reason that wasnāt even mutually pleasurable. Like bitch, at a funeral? Chaos is entertaining, but thatās beyond.
I liked the first half of the movie and thought it was original and well crafted. People acted like normal people in chaotic circumstances. But then it went off the rails and the main character became totally unlikeable, and for reasons never explained. A case of great set up and then not knowing what to do with it.
Shame. The relationship between her and her ex girlfriend is also very poorly explained and seems to go from hot to cold purely on the whims of the writers.
Creating emotionally charged situations in character relations and then just leaving them hanging also really annoys me.
Idk why it seems to happen to me a lot that Iāll see a story going in a cool or promising direction and then itāll go somewhere so much weaker and Iāll be like why? Just why? You had such a great buildup, come on.
The main character presents herself as some suave call girl on her way to law school but is actually still very much a young adult having her parents pay for everything and without even her own bank account. Yet she gets involved in twisted shit, finding out the guy who pays her to āhelp her schoolingā (ugh) is actually married with a new baby.
She then childishly insults his wife, throwing her supreme kindness in her face, for no good reason but an inability to cope with the fact that sheās screwed her own self over and gotten herself into this garbage. Kill me. The main girl goes from bratty and troubled to unlikeable. Also how is she studying gender studies with that attitude?
But I could relate so much to the claustrophobic judgement of those around you while you flounder to find whatās meaningful to you.
I could relate to this bitch until she tried to sexually service the guy in the bathroom for some who fucking knows self destructive reason that wasnāt even mutually pleasurable. Like bitch, at a funeral? Chaos is entertaining, but thatās beyond.
I liked the first half of the movie and thought it was original and well crafted. People acted like normal people in chaotic circumstances. But then it went off the rails and the main character became totally unlikeable, and for reasons never explained. A case of great set up and then not knowing what to do with it.
Shame. The relationship between her and her ex girlfriend is also very poorly explained and seems to go from hot to cold purely on the whims of the writers.
Creating emotionally charged situations in character relations and then just leaving them hanging also really annoys me.
Idk why it seems to happen to me a lot that Iāll see a story going in a cool or promising direction and then itāll go somewhere so much weaker and Iāll be like why? Just why? You had such a great buildup, come on.
morningsong's rating:

Puppy Love (2023) (2023)
Lucy Hale has become the modern queen of rom coms. She choses her projects well. You would expect that the small release nature of this movie would put it with the likes of other awful B-level Hallmark-esque rom coms, but this movie is actually pretty good! It would fight for its spot with the likes of Harry Met Sally. Mostly well-acted, well-written and hilarious in parts. I laughed more during this movie more than any other all year.
One of the rare cases of the movie being better than its trailer.
That being said, the couple is kind of toxic. The guy's yelling when he's upset is basically emotionally abuse. Plus, he puts her into an eviction situation which could have led to her being literally homeless with her dog, and yet she's the one who apologizes. Like what?? He's not just quirky and socially awkward, he's a walking red flag.
The first half of the movie was much stronger, with the second half dissolving into bare bone paint by the numbers cliches with no subtlety. The dude had such basic musical skills and she was crying like she was looking at god x-x.
One of the rare cases of the movie being better than its trailer.
That being said, the couple is kind of toxic. The guy's yelling when he's upset is basically emotionally abuse. Plus, he puts her into an eviction situation which could have led to her being literally homeless with her dog, and yet she's the one who apologizes. Like what?? He's not just quirky and socially awkward, he's a walking red flag.
The first half of the movie was much stronger, with the second half dissolving into bare bone paint by the numbers cliches with no subtlety. The dude had such basic musical skills and she was crying like she was looking at god x-x.
morningsong's rating:

The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022)
Based on the title and the plot, I expected this show to be a childish teen soap opera, and I avoided it for that reason. Then the trailer for season 2 came out and it was just so beautifully done, I found myself wanting to save the trailer itself as a beautiful piece of art. And when I caught myself wanting to call a movie trailer art, I figured maybe I should actually check out the show.
The main plot of the show is ridiculous but it works in the context of a show truly based on growing up. That the characters act immature sometimes feels less obnoxious and more true to life. The show is actually REALLY well acted and well written. It has beautiful cinematography and a fantastic pop soundtrack. I'm sure the music cost this show a lot and I am glad they paid it.
I swear to god one of the main characters of the show is nostalgia itself. It really makes you feel the vibe of your childhood summers. It just gives such a special feeling. It's that quality that raises the plot so much higher than it would've otherwise been. It has a natural realism to it.
The main plot of the show is ridiculous but it works in the context of a show truly based on growing up. That the characters act immature sometimes feels less obnoxious and more true to life. The show is actually REALLY well acted and well written. It has beautiful cinematography and a fantastic pop soundtrack. I'm sure the music cost this show a lot and I am glad they paid it.
I swear to god one of the main characters of the show is nostalgia itself. It really makes you feel the vibe of your childhood summers. It just gives such a special feeling. It's that quality that raises the plot so much higher than it would've otherwise been. It has a natural realism to it.
morningsong's rating:

Love Reset (2023)
I love Jung so Min so much. She emotes incredibly and is a fantastic actress. Idk why they chose the lead guy. Heās kind of like a stone. I know theyāre supposed to be very different but idk he really is just like the potato x).
I loved this movie. It was so funny and sweet. The ending was cliched and the breaking of the fourth wall was strangely written. But I can see it now being one of my favorite movies.
I wish the ending had shown them working on their problems and getting to a healthier place. It really feels missing from the ending and makes the movie less satisfying as a love story.
PART 2????
I loved this movie. It was so funny and sweet. The ending was cliched and the breaking of the fourth wall was strangely written. But I can see it now being one of my favorite movies.
I wish the ending had shown them working on their problems and getting to a healthier place. It really feels missing from the ending and makes the movie less satisfying as a love story.
PART 2????
All I remember about this movie was not finding it likeable enough to remember. But when a clip of it came up on my feed recently, I was reminded of its existence. I've re-read the books recently and the actors have chemistry so why not rewatch an old rom com? But oh boy. The movie does not follow the plot of the books. It's also cringe moment after cringe moment after cringe moment. Yes, there's a lot of cringe in the original books but the movie doesn't give you a space to breathe.
I don't know why movie higher ups buy the right to a very popular book series and than decide to totally change the story. It's a shame.
And while yes, book Becky is a bit ditsy, it's played up even moreso in the movie to the extent that it almost feels like Isla Fisher doing a satire. Book Becky was successfully working in finance, while movie Becky can only write a financial article if it's explicitly talking about shoes or cashmere. It's like they took what was already an idiosyncratic character and pushed her traits to the extreme so she's just a cartoon, with no room for complexity. As if the audience wouldn't get the message otherwise that she prefers fashion to finance if she had any specific skill in it.
Kinsella's comedic voice and charm are also completely missing here. And that voice is arguably more of what's made her a best selling author than her plots.
I don't know why movie higher ups buy the right to a very popular book series and than decide to totally change the story. It's a shame.
And while yes, book Becky is a bit ditsy, it's played up even moreso in the movie to the extent that it almost feels like Isla Fisher doing a satire. Book Becky was successfully working in finance, while movie Becky can only write a financial article if it's explicitly talking about shoes or cashmere. It's like they took what was already an idiosyncratic character and pushed her traits to the extreme so she's just a cartoon, with no room for complexity. As if the audience wouldn't get the message otherwise that she prefers fashion to finance if she had any specific skill in it.
Kinsella's comedic voice and charm are also completely missing here. And that voice is arguably more of what's made her a best selling author than her plots.
morningsong's rating:

Miss Congeniality (2000)
Itās actually aged quite poorly. The amount of sexual harassment and predatory workplace conduct in here is just insane. Thereās literally even a scene where a male agent takes credit for a female agentās ideas, and even though itās played off as comedic, itās shown multiple times throughout the film that only the male agentsā insights are respected. Her voice alone is ignored unless a male agent backs her. Supposedly bc the female agent is a wild loose canon for saving someone from chokingā¦ Okay. Therefore she canāt have an intelligent thought?
Anyway, the film is absolutely carried by Sandra Bullock and her charisma and comedy. It also stands out as rarety in Hollywood representing non- hyper feminine women and normalizing what is closer to actual human experience than what is usually shown on the screen.
Anyway, the film is absolutely carried by Sandra Bullock and her charisma and comedy. It also stands out as rarety in Hollywood representing non- hyper feminine women and normalizing what is closer to actual human experience than what is usually shown on the screen.
morningsong's rating:

Glad I rewatched the second one. Is actually an example of a pop feminist movie alla Legally Blonde. Very female focused and went in the opposite direction of the weirdness of the first. When was the last time you watched a comedy with a female lead and the main relationship is her friendship and not a romance? The movie literally ends with Bullock showing up as a role model for the younger generation of girls.
Plus, Sandra Bullock shines in the role. A rare case of the sequel being better than the first. It's even funny in that quippy one liner way.
Plus, Sandra Bullock shines in the role. A rare case of the sequel being better than the first. It's even funny in that quippy one liner way.
morningsong's rating:

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