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Reviews
Kuolleet lehdet (2023)
One star for the dog, another for the song
No niin...well. It is a thoroughly depressing depiction of modern welfare society which actually is not too far from the truth and yet its hyperbolic lifelessness is offensive.
The forced boomer-trauma narrative was fine even in mid 2000s, but in 2024 it seemed like a choice in poor taste. Surely there are many talented screenwriters and cinematographers in Finland that could help Herra Kaurismäki find some connection to the world and reality.
It is not post-war nor 90s depression. If audiences would like to be reminded of "how bad it was back then", there are already more than a dozen of these films.
Unfortunately, the actors and locations were lost without hope in the story which is sort of a cry for help.
Political commentary is done better with some research and there are for example many stories of Ukrainian refugees that would bloom in the similar way the story from The Other Side of Hope (2017) unraveled.
I hope modern Finland can be discovered at the same depth as Aki Kaurismäki once pictured it during the end of the 20th century. New times call for new narratives and new voices - relevant to the present not due to insertion of news headlines but due to its important message that supports diversity, especially in times when public awareness is needed.
Your Christmas or Mine 2 (2023)
Christmas Comes Home
It stood out to me that several of the scenes implied political connotations. Hayley was waving her blue post-Brexit passport at the airport. Then, on the way back, on the plane the boys were chanting "leave means leave" as a part of a very flat joke. Finally, it seemed to push the traditionalist narrative that urges brits to stay home for Christmas in their small towns, not spending their hard-earned pounds on expensive lodging in Europe. Basically, this film works wonders for polarization. Apparently you are either staying in the moldy barn or exclusive luxury resort, no other options. Comedy is grotesque, I know, but this was a bit too far(right) for me.
The next big issue in question is complete absence of chemistry of James (Asa Butterfield) with female characters. It just seems like every kissing/make out scene is forced and awkward to the maximum. It could be a very interesting and inclusive representation of inexperienced young adults - however, it is not the character's quality, but rather actor's vibe. James and Geoff are both unbearable to watch and not solely because of their plot lines. It is just madly basic acting. In an attempt to show anxiety, Asa makes grimaces of fear and disgust, and in moments where a loving look and a slight smile is expected, he ends up with puppy eyes and a pirate grin. I did not enjoy his acting outside of the role of Otis.
The only thing I liked was the way Alex Jennings delivered his lines during the father-son conversation. This scene was the most heartfelt and kind. Two stars for that scene, one for Klaus, and another star goes for the ending - it was definitely surprising.
Unfortunately, the feeling of being cozy and charmed after watching a Christmas movie is becoming a commodity. Where did all the magic go?
Extraordinary (2023)
Friends meet Sex Education
It is a fun series, loved the premise and the arc with Carrie's abilities. For me the whole Kash side story was forced, something just didn't click and was neither funny nor informative. I also cringed hard at the Jizzlord nickname. Comedy is definitely on the downfall on TV because jokes about asses and sex in general seem to be the funniest stuff. Overall, the vibe is nice and warm. However, if not for Carrie's caracter, I wouldn't watch the full season. Jen is a true antihero, it hurts to watch her make so many bad decisions.
For Season 2 I hope there will be more cats, more superpower exploration (like, are there rules? Any kind of law enforcement on how people use their powers?), and less nerdy/boring side quests. The cliffhanger promised some drama which is cool.
On the Verge (2021)
"It's not feminist, but I guess it is fresh"
Amazing show about life, perfectly written and directed. Acting is very good, I can believe these ladies live in LA. A satire and metaphorical self-irony of Julie Delpy is crisp and what this world needs right now. I loved the subtle actuality of the plot, with many important social issues brought up in an honest and nonchalant way, a European way, one may say. Sometimes it gets too real on the "you Americans" thing, which is quite toxic imo. Funny, realistic, and diverse TV series debut. Brava!