"To rule Nassau, you must know her"
Note: This is a show for mature audiences ONLY. Rating is TV-MA...in other words, 18+...I think.
A show that just gets better and better. It gives no quarter in terms of story, and it still leaves you wanting more. To be honest, in times between the early to the middle of the season, I was less hooked with the show. It felt like it had lost the wind. But the final few episodes struck me hard. And the finale was as brilliant as any I've ever seen, with both spectacle in visuals and substance in narrative.
The series began by introducing some very great characters (like Woodes Rogers and Edward Teach) who play a significant role throughout the season. It also sees more familiar characters in a different state/situation altogether. It was very interesting with all the pieces set in place, but afterwards, the wind began to die down.
And by that I mean the narrative slows its pace, and the plot takes time to unfold. There were still some great character moments/conversations, but it took its time, and there wasn't really anything very eventful. Not like Season 2, where we find surprises in episode 3, episode 5, etc.
But towards the end of the season, the show really picks itself up. The major characters began crossing paths one way or another, and there was a lot of interesting clashes (and team-ups, too, for that matter) between these major characters.
And then the finale really outdid itself. Episode 10 was one of the best season finales I have ever seen. There was a lot of fight sequences (both ground & naval), and yet it was the least interesting thing of the episode. Because the narrative that drives it is even better. More so, the characters that drive this particular narrative. I won't spoil it in here, but it perhaps is the best interaction between two characters I have ever seen...ever!
VERDICT:
If you have seen past seasons, then by all means, this is a must watch! March on through the series, because the end of the line is as rewarding as it gets.
If you have yet to watch the series at all, then I really do recommend to follow up and catch-up before its too late. 28 episodes isn't that much. Take your time to watch it. But of course you have to be okay with the theme & concept of the show (pirates and all) and also be aware that this is a mature & bloody show.
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"...it won't be to wage war, it would be to win one"
Elektra, Stick & The Hand
Like I said in my non-spoiler review, the subplot involving Elektra, Stick & The Hand is not particularly satisfying for me. Maybe its because the other subplot involving Frank Castle is much more interesting. Or maybe because the enemy is neither frightening nor charismatic. But I would say its more of because it plays out a bit too messy, and in the end, it wasn't clearly explained. I thought it was trying to play more of the mystics/magic that exists within the MCU - which, for the record, I don't quite like to see in this show...especially as the more interesting characters (The Punisher, Kingpin, etc) lives in the real world.
But in any case, I thought, fine, seeing as this is Marvel, then the mystics/magics part may be inevitable. Even more so when we see the 5 kids (that were drained), etc. I thought something big is going on. But nothing is explained of it, even by the end, and we have yet to see anything mystical or magical. Maybe we'll get to see this in Season 3, especially since...
Elektra died. Although for comic book fans, this wouldn't come up as very surprising. Because she did die once (and is then resurrected...obviously) in the comics. The only surprise for me is that it happened this soon. And so clearly, I wouldn't be surprised if she was resurrected in Season 3 with the mystics/magics thing. I just hoped her storyline will be much more interesting than what we got in Season 2.
Frank Castle (The Punisher)
I wasn't very familiar with Frank Castle before the show...but now I'm a big fan of him. So, the show did something right. And its not just down to Jon Bernthal or how badass he looks/speaks/fights. I mean, Jon Bernthal deserves a lot of the credit for that...but I am honestly surprised with the story arc of Frank Castle in this show.
We see him in the beginning just being a one-man army who kills gangs, but after a few episodes, he was captured. I didn't expect it to happen that soon, but his story arc at that point was just beginning. Then we have this trials, where he began to recall of his family, looking for answers...and most of all, develop a relationship (on some level) with Karen Page. Mind you, I really loved that bit. I really loved when Karen Page and Frank Castle connects on some level, and begin to understand & respect each other.
Then of course, things turn out (unsuspectingly) quite differently in episode 8...and we get to see...Wilson Fisk (a bit more on that later). But still on this subject, I love seeing Frank Castle face down with Wilson Fisk in that prison. And then, yes, thanks to him, Frank Castle is out, and then of course, had to cross paths with Matt Murdock again.
The more pleasing bit is seeing Frank Castle don The Punisher suit with the skull on his shirt. Even more pleasing, however, is seeing him help Daredevil towards the end, and Daredevil himself acknowledging it. Its a nice closure seeing these two really understanding and respecting one another. I just hope we go into Season 3 with these two being more of allies than enemies.
And I hope I'm not the only one wishing to see Daredevil team up with The Punisher to take down the Kingpin (and Bullseye?). Well, a man can hope, right?
Wilson Fisk
And yes, one of the biggest surprises in the middle of the series. We see Wilson Fisk again! And he even gets to the use the name 'Kingpin' in there somewhere. Two moments to talk about Wilson Fisk.
The first is the staredown between him and Castle. I like how Castle doesn't fear Fisk, but Fisk respects a man of Castle's talent and intends to put it to good use. But more importantly, when Fisk says that when he gets out of prison, he intends to "not wage a war, but win a war"...that to me is really defining his character. He tends to have these henchmen deal with Daredevil first, then but of course, after gathering all his strength & resources...he will rise again and bring the world (or just New York) to its knees. So, definitely expect him to be back sometime in upcoming seasons.
The second moment will be when Matt Murdock himself came over to visit Wilson Fisk. You start feeling good especially when Matt goes on about taking the Fisk down with a letter and a $6 postage. But then Fisk himself stands up and shows his hand. He's got power over the prison now... the guards, the inmates, etc. That really shows the resources he's got, and in that moment, you can feel the fear in Matt - how powerless he is. And if anything, it only further strengthens the notion that Matt will not be able to take down the Kingpin within the law...he has to do it as Daredevil (outside of the law). But, yes, he is still in prison and he has that much power/resource already. Surely Matt would dread the day he comes back to the world and unleashes hell.
Speaking of which, Fisk has begun to look over the files of Matt Murdock again. Will he discover the identity of the Devil of Hell's Kitchen, then?
Season 3?
I know I kept saying Season 3 or Upcoming Seasons throughout, and I clearly know that a third season hasn't even been greenlit. But surely a show this good would have, right?...right?
If for nothing else, I really would like a third season just to see Frank Castle again...unless he somehow appears in his own spin-off show. But seriously, with Elektra yet to be revived, Kingpin yet to come out and unleash hell upon NY...definitely Season 3, right, Netflix?? #fingerscrossed
"Son of Krypton versus Bat of Gotham"
Maybe its because I'm a fan, or maybe I appreciate too much the visual spectacle that I see (which I can never get in other mediums)...but I really had a great time with this film for me to really complain about the negatives. I can feel the incoherencies, and I can definitely list down plot holes or moments that just don't work...but there are great moments now and again...and the last hour of the film is just too fun to worry about the negatives.
Like I said, I can totally understand people's complaints about this film. It is incoherent. I can feel that. The many jumps between scenes don't really allow people to breathe in what has happened. Sometimes, it just gets confusing. The same goes for some of the scenes that just don't really work for the film. And I have a particular concern on those dream sequences. And don't even get me started on the many plot holes within the film. But in the end, I'm just having too much fun to worry about all this.
The first half of the film is pretty mixed for me. It is hampered by a lot of the issues above, but I enjoy some of the great moments, too. And many have said this, but I will join them in the chorus: any scene involving Bruce Wayne/Batman is cool. This is a great iteration of the character, despite the many versions of the character in the past decade or so. Especially interesting are the scenes between him and Alfred (Jeremy Irons).
Now the last hour or so, beginning from the Batmobile sequence, is just brilliant and a lot of fun. The Batmobile itself is cool and that particular sequence is fun. And then not long after, there was one rather shocking scene that really kicked off the intensity & action of the film. From then onwards, its a matter of witnessing one of the greatest battles in the big screen, and just a pure visual spectacle to behold. Let me also say that I can still list down some plot holes all the way to end of the film, but again...I was just having too much fun to nitpick the negatives at that moment.
Oh, and I have to mention this, but the score/music by Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL is brilliant. And in the movie itself, it really increases the excitement & intensity of the action sequences. Loved them.
In the end, this movie is really straightforward to review. There are negatives, especially in relation to the narrative. Incoherencies, plot holes, unnecessary scenes. But there are positives too and they involve the visual spectacle (that a director of Zack Snyder's calibre can bring), and some very great comic book moments.
But personally for me, I enjoy the movie way too much that I'd have to nitpick to feel the negatives (at least at the moment of watching). And as a film, I can accept that it is nowhere near great...but as a cinematic experience, I think it's a must see!
VERDICT: 7.5
The Jungle Book (Apr 15-USA, Apr 15-UK, Apr 7-Singapore)
Unlike some (or most) people, I am totally unfamiliar with this tale. It was never part of my childhood, so the only perspective I have about this film are from the trailers alone. And maybe the movie news, etc. As per my movie knowledge, Jon Favreau is a damn good director. And there is an overwhelming talent in the voice cast of the animals with Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, and many more. Surprisingly, this is one of the rare films that casts a racially correct actor (an Indian actor) for the human boy...not that it ever bothered me, anyway.
Now, but about the film, per se...I think it looked fine. The trailers showed great potential and what the theme & tone of the film is about. But I won't be terribly excited about this film because it didn't look like my kind of film, and plus, it doesn't have any sentimental value for me. But the curiosity is there. So for sure, I'll check it out.
Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owgrkAQ-Log (Teaser Trailer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtR9tqPa48s (Super Bowl Trailer)
Criminal (Apr 15-USA, Apr 15-UK, April 21-Singapore)
This film isn't a high-profile big budget blockbuster. Heck, I didn't even know this film exists until I saw the trailer. But the trailer did enough to get me interested with this film. Although, it did remind me a bit about one of Ryan Reynolds' recent film - Selfless - seeing as they both revolve around having a person's mind inside another person's body. But this film seem to have more emphasis on action. I'm hoping it has.
Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNfRQ4NBjUU (Trailer #1)
The Huntsman: Winter's War (Apr 22-USA, Apr 4-UK, Apr 14-Singapore)
I don't really recall a lot about the predecessor of this film, but I don't think its that bad, actually. So, I thought, "Hey, maybe this film will be interesting". And looking at the cast involved in this film, and I was like, "Yeah, awesome!". But then the trailer came out and then I went, "You know what...I'm not interested".
I saw the trailer but it neither hooked me nor intrigued me. The plot doesn't look like it made any sense. I'm not even sure which side these two queens are on, what is happening in this place, etc, etc. I'm pretty sure we're supposed to root for Chris Hemsworth's character, but I don't even know what the hell is happening, and his character doesn't even look like a character easy to root for. He just looks like a badass fighter, but I'm not sure what his character motivations are. All the characters in this film are unclear in situation & motivation, and that just kind of puts me off this film. How bad is it when I don't care about the characters even before the movie begins??
Trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAvCgVR0gIM (Trailer #1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POs2lEv7_6U (Trailer #2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sanyhhLa5Ok (Trailer #3)
Other Movies:
Collide (April 1)
-No trailer whatsoever but it is supposed to be an action film with some household names in the cast...
Ratchet & Clank (April 29)
-All I know is that this is based on a platforming video game series...I'm curious, but not interested...
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvWRilQ9lnI)
"One batch...two batch...penny and dime"
13 episodes of the second season of Daredevil, and my weekend is over. But it was well worth it, because I really enjoyed the show. There were bits here and there that I don't quite like, but there were also some very great moments, and more importantly, some great characters.
Before I get on with my main point, let me just say this: the action sequences are very well done. It was solid, brutal, yet it looked awesome at times. My favourite was in episode 3, and I think you'll know it when you see it. I can speak about action sequences, fight choreography, etc, but with shows like this, the main point is usually with the plot and the characters...for which I say:
Overall the plot is good enough, and I like how things transpired towards the end. But the subplot with Elektra & The Hand isn't particularly satisfying for me. In fact, it looks a bit messy, and things aren't clearly explained. On the other hand, the subplot & character development of Frank Castle (The Punisher) is brilliant! There really is a proper development & change from how we see Frank Castle at the start of the show to how we see him by the end.
Even if we look to Daredevil himself, there isn't really anything we haven't seen before. The conflicts that Matt Murdock has isn't something really new. But the same can't be said for Frank Castle. We really get to understand the character and see him face different sort of challenges/situations. He really stole the show for me.
That being said, the show itself, otherwise, is really fun and is paced a lot faster than its first season was. On a general plot level, maybe the first season still fared better, but this second season progresses faster, and you see a lot of things happening to these characters. And it really is a good show to watch.
VERDICT:
Really recommended. I wouldn't go as far to say "must watch", but I really do recommend it. If you have time to spare, do watch this show. It really is a good show overall, and you won't regret watching it...even if you're not a fan of the comics.
"You're the only one"
I am seriously glad that Daredevil Season 2 came out this weekend to wash away the bad taste left after watching Allegiant. There are some interesting moments in this film...some cool scenes to see...but the worse part is that I just don't care. And I don't say that because I'm trying to sound like a jerk or something...its just that the film's characters didn't hook me enough to care about what transpired on screen.
In fact, I'm not going to be a total jerk and I'll begin by acknowledging the positives within this film. Firstly, I have to say (without spoiling anything), the concept of what's happening with Chicago and the reasons behind it are pretty solid. When it was explained, I went, "Wow! That makes complete sense". And its a concept that isn't common among movies, so I was initially glad to hear that concept. Unfortunately, the film didn't really tackle it much, and quickly went off to a different direction. But it really is a strong concept/theme for the plot. (Or maybe I should be crediting the book for this point).
Apart from that, there are some cool action sequences...mostly attributed to the weaponry/technology that exists in that world. Also, the exciting music/score really helps. It made the action look & feel cooler.
But the failings of this movie are unfortunately critical elements of a film. Firstly, the plot. The plot itself is as generic & as predictable as can be. There really is no bit that would surprise you. But it would usually be okay if you still have interesting characters to root for. But, no. The main characters are not interesting nor relatable nor likeable. I watched these characters do this and that, but I couldn't really care if they win or lose. If anything, the only interesting character is Miles Teller's character, and he is just a supporting character and not someone we ought to root for.
So, its like watching all these characters do one thing after the other, but you don't feel part of the journey. There are some cool scenes to see...cool action to watch. But in the end, it's just like watching some cool shit happening to some strangers in some distant world. Even Star Wars is in a galaxy far, far away but it made me feel like home. In any case, I'm glad Daredevil is in town. And if you have Netflix, that is what you should watch this week. Unless you're a proper Divergent series fan...in which case, by all means, it would not be the worst film to watch.
VERDICT: 4.5
"How about you spare me the chit-chat?"
This franchise shows no signs of slowing down. This third film isn't as memorable as the first two films, but I really still thoroughly enjoyed Kung Fu Panda 3. It is still a very solid animation flick for a variety of audiences (in other words...kids, teens & adults altogether will enjoy this film). Its funny, its action packed, and it has heart, as well.
From start to end, it really is a thoroughly enjoyable film. It brings back all the good qualities that made this series successful in the first place. And probably the best thing about this film is that it knows its characters well, and it brings them back as how we remember them. Po is still very simple-minded & grounded, and we love seeing him like that. He's still very easily surprised, and its fun to see that. Master Shifu is still wise-yet-playful, and he really is one of the funniest characters in the film.
So, its these characters and characterization that really brings the best out of this film, and even without anything groundbreaking really happening, its still fun to see how these character deal & react to different situations...humorously, too, most of the time. This film is not afraid to have the most fun out of every situation, and that's what makes it entertaining.
The only thing I find lacking is the plot itself. Its very predictable and it seems to run out of ideas on how the scenes should play out. Its still funny & enjoyable, but story-wise, it feels like nothing new. But on a broader level, the story acknowledges what happens in the first two films, and then drives the story from there. And for Po, at least, it puts him into some rather new places & situations for him to deal with. Also, there is heart in how things played out in the end.
In the end, it isn't the most spectacular or memorable of films, but it is still a solid entry in the franchise, especially following the first two films. It lacks slightly in plot, but its best strengths come from the characters (and characterization), and most importantly, how it just tries to have the most fun of every situation...even with the most wisest of characters. A solid & entertaining animation flick.
VERDICT: 7.0
