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Rise of the Guardians (2012)
One of the best animated movies of my generation
I hit the jackpot growing up and getting to see some amazing animated movies in the theater: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Shrek 4, How to Train Your Dragon, Frozen, this... what an epic run of movies, and so many others too. I will never forget seeing the opening scene of this movie in the theater... absolutely enchanting.
This was one of my favorites growing up and I just rewatched it today with my dad and yep, still holds out. I teared up at the end. Everything about this movie creates a sense of child-like wonder: the animation, the themes, the plot, the voices... it's all a magical mix of nostalgia and genuine good story-telling!
Jack is SUCH a good main character. We follow him as he tries to learn who he was and why people can't see him. He longs for connection and finds it at the end, learning about who he was and what his purpose is. It was a beautiful journey for his character, and was a rewarding arc for him (and the audience) to go on.
The movie is dark and sad at times, and I applaud a kid's movie for getting this creative!! Everything from the designs of the characters and their houses and what they all do, the lore of the world (based on the books too), the conversations and moral dilemmas between characters... it's all so creative and cool that I would LOVE a TV show or sequel that expands on the world!!
Over all, AMAZING movie. Pulls at your heart and makes you feel like a kid again, whether you saw it as a kid like I did or not. It still holds up, still has a powerful story and message, and still makes me tear up to this day.
Beautiful movie.
Dune: Part Two (2024)
Mad for personal reasons
Ok, before people get mad at me, from a film making standpoint, this is an AMAZING movie. The scenery/sets, the music, the cast, the plot, the fight scenes... all really good stuff. Objectively, this is a GOOD movie.
Here are other stuff I liked before people get upset: I really liked Fade and Chani. Both of them were well written and acted. Fade was fantastic, and I loved the changes to Chani's character from the book. I laughed when she left Paul at the end. As she should!! I liked how she had her own views and didn't just blindly follow Paul. Speaking of Paul, wow, the scene where he spoke to all the Fremen was great. Actually, ALL the actors did a great job at portraying their characters.
I also want to say that I read the book and loved it. I also watched the original 1984 movie and loved it. So, what went wrong?? Well...
Now, here's what I DIDN'T like about this movie. Let's just say that I'm mad for personal reasons. My sister was named after Paul's sister. This new movie not only didn't say her name at all (Alia), but they cut her out of the movie by making her not be born yet. I don't want to sound petty, but she had such an important part in the original that cutting her out completely changed the story!!
With all the talk of having Jessica and Chani do more in this adaptation (which I like!!), cutting out Alia killing the Baron and making Paul do it was very backwards thinking. Paul already kills Fade, why make him kill the Baron too?? And he just walked in and stabbed him with everyone watching??? HUH?? Very anti-climatic... at least make Jessica do it if you had to change it! Alia killing the Baron is so iconic!!
So yeah, I'm upset that Alia was cut out. At least she WAS still in it... there were other stuff I didn't like too. I thought the first half was very slow paced. And I LIKE slow movies!! But this one felt like they were in the desert for way too long... that's what happens when you stretch a movie into two parts. Also, the end battle was like 15 minutes tops?? With all the build-up, it could have been longer. And then it just... ended?? Without SHOWING it end?? They just said "the battle's over". What???
Anyway, that's my take. I'm being honest. There were stuff I liked and stuff I didn't, but I'm just personally mad that they cut out my sister's namesake. I'm glad other people liked it though, and I'm glad it was made and adapted for a modern audience, but I recommend reading the book. It still holds up!
Ore dake Level Up na Ken: The Real Hunt Begins (2024)
Absolutely EPIC
This episode was absolutely EPIC.
The start fight was awesome with the spider, but I think we're all here for the epic final fight: when Jinwoo fought the other hunters.
Where do I even start with this masterpiece of a scene?? Oh yeah, the MUSIC!! It added to the fight SO WELL and amped up the epicness. And the animation when Jinwoo swooped in on the mage and beat the other hunters was INCREDIBLE! The production team really outdid themselves!!
I read the manhwa before watching the anime, and don't remember this scene being particularly memorable in it. Sure, it was a cool fight, but after the spider, fighting humans seemed less cool. HOWEVER, seeing it in animation, with the music and the movements, made it my favorite fight by far (so far).
The narration as Jinwoo was beaten down, saying he'd use the system because it was using him. It made him kill the hunters, for after all, it was kill or be killed. His humanity being tested as he was forced to kill another human. It was the contrast of the cool fight and Jinwoo dealing with his own morals and morality that made this scene stand out. He's not killing just to kill, and he's not doing this lightly.
Star Wars Rebels: Twilight of the Apprentice: Part 2 (2016)
The best episode of the whole show, and one of the best Star Wars content ever made
The best episode of the whole show, and one of the best Star Wars content ever made in general.
Maul AND Vader in one episode?? Absolutely LEGENDARY.
Ahsoka vs Vader is so powerful and emotional. It is probably my favorite lightsaber duel in the whole Star Wars canon, right up there with Obi Wan vs Anakin and Luke vs Vader. The dialogue breaks my heart, seeing the two old friends reuniting and fighting. When Ahsoka breaks his mask and she calls him "Anakin..." and he says "then you will die." Chills and tears. And what a cliffhanger!! I remember the debate around "Ahsoka Lives" for years.
Despite all the amazing returning iconic characters, this is where the Rebels characters shine too. Kanan is blinded and starts his new arc, and Ezra may or may not fall to the Dark Side under Maul... say what you want about Rebels, but this episode was amazing in every way and blew the expectations out of the water. Since Clone Wars finally got its ending, I look back fondly on Rebels and its cast of characters, but this episode stands out as the best one in the show by far. After a season of build-up/set-up, the pay-off was insanely satisfying.
Abbott Elementary: Smoking (2024)
SO FUNNY
This episode was so funny, it might have been the most funny one yet. I love this whole show and all the characters, but this one really brought out their personalities and their interactions with each other. After two seasons of build-up, the episodes in season 3 have shown off both the characters' and their actors' chemistry. The scene where the teachers were talking about their "drug" use was hilarious. And the kid filmed it? SO FUNNY. This is one of my favorite sitcoms and each episode gets better and better with the quips and script.
The show also knows when to slow down and be serious, and I loved the scene where Gregory and Melissa talked to the kid who smoked and didn't want to suspend him. It was really sweet. They're all really good teachers, and the show shines when it balances the comedy with the serious moments.
The Lion King (1994)
One of the best FILMS ever made
Not only is this one of the best animated films ever made, it is one of the best FILMS ever made in general. Where do I start with this masterpiece??
The plot, loosely based off of Hamlet, is very engaging. Simba is a great main character as we follow his journey from childhood to adulthood. As a kid, he wanted to be king, but after his dad died, he ran away and literally turned away from his destiny. He had to learn that he had to come back and be king, because it was his responsibility as well as his birthright. The character development is amazing and done so well, which makes the end SO satisfying.
The songs and score are absolutely epic. All the songs are iconic. And the SCORE is BEAUTIFUL. When Simba walks up the rock at the end... oh man, I get chills. Every. Single. Time. Tears have been shed. Beautiful.
The animation. The voice acting. As I said, the music. The plot. The emotional journey. The humor. The iconic characters. The character development and relationships.
Every kid was heartbroken when Mufasa died, but this is not just a film for kids. My parents saw this in theaters when it came out, and even though I grew up with this movie, I still watch it to this day. It's one of my all time favorites. It's definitely Disney's best film.
Oh, and the sequel is JUST AS GOOD!!
High School Musical (2006)
Musical masterpiece
I don't care how "objectively good" this movie is. I don't care if nostalgia blinds you. I have no nostalgia for this movie. I watched it when I was IN High School, so thankfully I didn't have false expectations about High School because of this movie, lol.
Anyway, I genuinely believe that this movie is a masterpiece. It's a campy coming-of-age film without swearing and sex. It's a film for any age, because almost anyone can relate it to. It is a fun time that doesn't take itself too seriously, and neither should you.
Troy is a great main character. I love how he wants to sing, and his fears are very real. Just let the boy sing!! His friends were horrible, I would have ditched them. Oh yeah, and Gabriella is there too I guess. Don't get me wrong, she's a good character, but she doesn't do TOO much and is overshadowed by Troy. We all know the REAL stars of this movie are Sharpay and Ryan. They were robbed, lol. Also, the fact the whole movie is setting up the CALLBACK and we never get to see the ACTUAL musical is a crime.
The songs are ICONIC. "We're all in this together", "Get your head in the game", "Breaking free", "What I've been looking for (Sharpay and Ryan's version)". These are all bops and are absolutely legendary musical numbers. The "Musical" part of the title really shines in this movie.
All in all, this movie is a fun time and is very silly and campy in the best way, but with a deep message underneath of going after what you want without worrying what other people have to say. Following your hobbies and dreams without letting society and your peers get you down. I think a lot of adults could stand to relearn these things. It is a high school musical masterpiece.
And even though I hold no nostalgia for this movie, it defined a generation of kids and teens, and the whole movie SCREAMS early/mid 2000s. What a time to be alive. Take me back please!!
Teen Beach Movie (2013)
Fun time
I have no nostalgia for this movie as I didn't watch it growing up (even though I was the target audience at the time). However, watching it now as an adult, I can't help but laugh and smile. It radiates nostalgia nonetheless. I've probably watched it 10 times now and I have to say its one of my favorite movies.
I watched this movie when I was depressed and it instantly made me feel better. It's a fun time. The songs are SO catchy (my favorite is "Crusin for a Brusin" or however you spell it). The plot is SO stupid, but it's so bad it's good, you know? In fact, it's MEANT to be campy. And it absolutely works.
The characters are all great and even though the ones from Wet Side Story are supposed to be stereotypes, I love them the most. Mac and Brady are good main characters, don't get me wrong, but I like the characters from Wet Side Story way more. They're all hilarious. Sometimes I found myself wishing the movie was JUST about them, although obviously the whole plot is Mac and Brady getting trapped inside the fictional movie.
The subplot with the mad scientists kinda makes you stop and think "huh?" but otherwise its a campy beach movie reminiscent of not only the 1960s, but the bygone era of the 2010s. If you want a good time, watch this movie, but don't think too much about it. It's meant to be silly!
Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway (2008)
One of my favorite "movies", despite its flaws
I gave this a ten because of how important this play is to me. It's one of my favorite "movies", despite its flaws. I watched it for the first time almost ten years ago in school. I loved it since then and have watched it once or twice a year ever since.
This is my favorite version of Rent. While the original cast is OBJECTIVELY the best, since this was the first production I watched, this is my favorite cast. They all capture their characters so well. The movie is good too, but they cut a lot out of the play version, and this one has it all ("Goodbye Love", "Halloween", etc.)
Speaking of which, I LOVE THE SONGS!! Seriously, the lyrics and music are so so good. I love the rock vibe, they're all so catchy and fun, my favorites being "What You Own", "One Song Glory", and "Another Day".
The story is raw, gritty, and real. It is so sad and emotional, but uplifting at the end. It shows we have to live in the moment, and we have to live every moment like its our last. This play captures real life: poverty, illness, love, sex, addiction, depression, etc. It focuses on being an artist, either diving into work to block out the pain or, in contrast, doing NOTHING. Roger and Mark are two sides of the same coin and must learn to meet in the middle, to pursue their artistic work without "giving up" or "selling out."
Speaking of characters, Roger is my favorite. His depression is so real, after getting over his addiction, he now has aids, and knows he will die soon. A lot of the characters have aids, and they all have different perspectives in their illness (whether to give up or live it up). Roger and Mimi could be considered toxic, but to me, they are so REAL. They are my favorite couple, but let's also mention all the gay couples!! This was a big deal when this play came out in the 90s. While there are some stereotypes in here, the fact that there are openly queer characters in this is amazing. This was when I first learned about gay people (shocking, I know). Also, I am queer myself, so this movie was not only a wake-up call, but an awakening.
So, this play is NOT perfect at all. But it is so meaningful to me. The message is so important, the songs are all great, the acting in this version is AMAZING, the characters are all so REAL, and the story is what stands out. My favorite musical hands down, and one of my favorite "movies" (I'm so glad this was filmed!!)
Thank you, Jonathan Larson!
Handsome Devil (2016)
A really wholesome movie
This was a really wholesome movie. It's one of my sister's favorites, so I gave it a watch, and I really really liked it!
I loved the friendship between Connor and Ned. Some people probably shipped them, but I really like how they DIDN'T get together. I liked how Connor was confirmed to be gay and it never said what Ned's sexuality was. There was no queer baiting. Their friendship was really wholesome, and the movie reversed a lot of stereotypes while also being a very realistic take on being young and gay. It was really well done, touching, sad, and uplifting at the same time.
I LOVED the english teacher. He was so fun. It was really cool how he was gay too, showing a gay adult that Connor could talk to. The part where he talked to Connor on the field gave me chills. "It gets better". So sad but SO good.
My only complaints were: 1. I wish Connor apologized to Ned as well, for ignoring/ditching him. 2. I hate how Ned outed Connor against his will. I know that was a big part of the story and it all worked out in the end, but oh well.
Speaking of the end... wow, the end brought me to tears. Everyone standing on Connor's side, literally and figuratively, and Connor making the winning kick. Truly a movie about being true to yourself and triumphing.
Ordinary World (2016)
Billie Joe Armstrong
I came here for Billie Joe Armstrong. Billie is amazing, he's one of my favorite singers, and Green Day is my favorite band. I was excited to watch him in this movie and he did not disappoint.
It was a simple and fun movie, and that's all I wanted from it. I had a really fun time. The message was sweet, the acting was good, and the plot, although simple, was pretty entertaining. It lived up to the premise in a wholesome albeit expected way. Sure, it wasn't anything outstanding, but that's not what it was supposed to be.
Let me say I really appreciate that he DIDN'T cheat on his wife. I hate when movies do that. I forget Billie's character's name, but he was a pretty stand up guy all things considered. Sure, he should have put in more work, but I think he learned that in the end. The only part I didn't like was when his wife said something like "I didn't know I had 3 children." Like sir, you're not a child, you have to help out your wife more! XD
Overall, it was a fun time. I also LOVE the song Ordinary World, made for and with the same name as this movie. One of my favorite Green Day songs if I'm being honest. So, if you're a Green Day and/or a Billie Joe Armstrong fan, you will enjoy this movie. I definitely did!
13 Going on 30 (2004)
I freaking love this movie
I freaking love this movie. I LOVE cheesy movies (rom coms, chick flicks, Disney Channel original movies... you get the drill). But this one is one of my favorites.
First off, Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo have SUCH GOOD CHEMISTRY. They were both really good actors. I love the trope of old childhood friends meeting again years later, and this movie not only did that, but with the obvious twist (the premise of the whole movie). The best part of the movie were their conversations/interactions, my favorite being the dance scene.
The only reason I didn't give it 10 stars is because of the tropes, but I'm not too upset about it because it IS a romance movie, after all. For one, I hate cheating and love triangle plots. I am able to look past this because the rest of the movie is amazing and a feel-good masterpiece.
The message is really good: don't rush to grow up, don't be mean to your friends, be true to yourself, and be a good person. I think everyone needs to learn this lesson at some point. And that ending, wow. Tears were shed.
Poor Things (2023)
Actually a lot better then I thought
I don't like sex scenes in movies, period, so this was a lot for me! However, I knew what I was getting into and wanted to see the movie because of the good reviews. Just my personal choice, I know some people like sex.
So, what did I think of the movie? It was actually a lot better then I thought! Right off the bat: yes, it is VERY weird that Bella is, for all intents and purposes, a literal child. So this made it even more disturbing. However, it is SUPPOSED to be disturbing, creepy, uncomfortable, etc.
The acting, as everyone said, was amazing. Emma and Mark were the highlights for sure. They both played very different characters then I've ever seen them play before, and they seriously did an amazing job.
Also, the movie was really really funny, especially Emma's and Mark's interactions/reactions. Everyone in my theater was cracking up. The movie was also very deep and had a good message. The scenery/setting was amazing and beautiful. From a film making stand point, it was wonderful.
The story is where I get tripped up, but oh well. I already established that this movie was not made for me. It WAS very weird, creepy, sexual, etc. However, it WORKED. If you know that the movie will be like this going in, and you're ok with that, you will have a good time. I did.
Black Mirror: Beyond the Sea (2023)
Wow
I took points off because of the sexual scenes (not for me). Luckily, it wasn't super graphic.
The rest was really good. The acting was top notch. I watched this episode because I love Aaron Paul (obviously Breaking Bad, Bojack Horseman...) so I wanted to see his other stuff. And of course, he knocked it out of the park here. It's hard to play two characters and he nailed it. The scene where he cried by the tree was wow. Everyone else was great too, but I came and stayed for Aaron.
Some people are complaining that it was too slow or too long, but I liked the pace. I like slow things that take time to tell the story. I think all the minutes were needed to show the guy painting and getting closer to the wife (I forgot the names, oops). In some ways, I do wish they did MORE with the time they were given. There were a lot of other things to explore with the premise of the episode.
Also, wow, that ending. I did not expect that at all. Dang. I fully thought he was going to lock Aaron Paul out of the spaceship and go back and pretend to be him so he could be with the wife. Obviously, this isn't what happened.
Now Aaron's character is left with the blood of HIS family on HIS hands. Even though he didn't actually kill them, he physically did, and to make things worse, he now has to stay on the ship with the man who DID kill his family. "You have no idea what it's like to be me." Well, now he does! I'm not even a fan of horror but this was a really good twist. I will be thinking about the ending for a long time. I like stuff that make you think and stay with you.
17 Again (2009)
Surprisingly Wholesome
I actually really enjoyed this movie. It was surprisingly wholesome. Zac Efron did a great lead performance, but no surprise there. He played a dad really well, considering he was also playing a teenager.
I really liked how the plot of the movie wasn't him trying to play that final basketball game, but he instead realized he had to help his children. That was really cute and I'm glad he realized he had to be a better dad by learning about their lives.
My favorite parts were when he stood up to the bully and when he made the speech in health class (he was speaking from experience, lol). I also love how he became friends with his son and realized how his son was treated at school, he was being a good friend and dad there. He also gave good advice to his daughter. I can't believe she was dating that guy and let him bully her brother, lol.
The only parts I didn't like were when he tried to get with his wife as a teenager and when his daughter tried to get with him. Sure it was bound to happen, but it was still creepy. Oh well. I also thought the plot with Ned trying to get with the teacher was really creepy, but I loved how she was a nerd too.
I'm glad the movie ended happy, and I hope that Mike and Scar can work out their problems. Mike's speech to her at the trial was very wholesome. I do wish they went back to watch their son's game at the end though, and I wish afterwards we got to see him back home with his family. I hope Mike will be a better dad and husband in the future.
Also, RIP Matthew Perry, he did a great job in the few scenes he was in.
Inception (2010)
Coolest, most creative movie I've seen in a long time
Inception is the coolest, most creative movie I've seen in a long time. The concept is crazy, but it works really well for the tone and pacing of the movie. I love how it was never explained how the technology to enter peoples' dreams was created, it just exists in the world of the movie, and its brilliant. What a cool concept!
Now, I know Leonardo DiCaprio is considered one of the greats, but I've only seen a few of his movies and they were never my favorites (Titanic, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Great Gatsby, Romeo and Juliet, etc.) however, he was AMAZING in this lead role!! I really cared for his character right away, and his motivation to get back to his kids was really sweet. Leo played a desperate father perfectly, and the emotions he portrayed really moved me. What a great actor.
The plot of this movie was intriguing and surprisingly deep. I really like how the movie told you bits and pieces of the world-building and the characters as you went instead of giving it to you all at once. Trying to piece everything together was a fun part of the movie, and some of those reveals had me floored. All the twists and turns made the movie engaging, and I didn't find myself bored at all during its 2 and a half hours + run time. The ending was really interesting and profound and I will definitely be thinking about it for a long time after. Amazing movie.
Doctor Who: Heaven Sent (2015)
The best episode of the show
This is, in my opinion, the best episode of the show. Now, as of writing this, I have only watched it once a few years ago, but the episode has stayed with me and my opinions have not changed.
Everything about this episode is fantastic. The slow pace is warranted as it displays the brilliant writing, acting, and directing. Peter Capaldi is absolutely amazing as The Doctor, and this episode is his time to shine. Everything about the neatly crafted story is a masterpiece, leading to the climactic ending.
I think its time for me to watch this episode again, but any Doctor Who fan should watch this episode at least once. Amazing.
Get Out (2017)
Stays with you
Really really good movie. This movie stays with you after you watch it, I know it certainly did for me. I will be thinking about this movie for many years to come. Everything from the acting, the writing, the directing, the way it was filmed, etc. Was amazing. It all came together to make a thrilling, horrifying, and powerful movie. I am a white woman and this film really opened my eyes. Even though it is fictional, it is not far off from the real world. I was on the edge of my seat the whole movie even though I got spoiled for the twist (I obviously won't spoil it here). We read the screen play in class a few years ago and I knew it was finally time to sit down and watch this masterpiece play out, and I was not disappointed. A really deep, scary, powerful movie. 10/10.
12 Angry Men (1957)
Really good movie that still holds up
12 Angry Men is a really good movie that still holds up. I watched the movie 1. In my quest to watch all the top 10 rated movies on IMDB and 2. I had my own jury duty coming up (it got canceled the day before, lol).
This movie is really captivating and engaging even though its just in one room, but this is what made it good. I love movies where characters talk, and since this was the whole movie, I was not disappointed. All the characters stood out even though there were 12 of them (hence the title), although I will admit that I got some of them mixed up here and there. The whole flow and plot of the movie was really captivating, and the end result was really powerful. It shows the goodness of humanity, ones own moral code, and the workings of the US Jury system (whether it "works" or not). Great movie.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Better then I thought
I liked it better then I thought I would! I'm not a big fan of action movies unless the action is 1. An important part of the story and 2. Mixed in with good character interactions/meaningful moments. That being said, I think this movie was missing a bit of both things (action and character moments) but for what it's worth, it was still a fun time! Harrison Ford did a really good job in this movie, and I think it was an overall good send off for the character. I liked seeing old characters back too, but since I have no nostalgia for Indiana Jones it didn't hit as hard as it was probably supposed to (lol). I liked the new characters too, and I really didn't feel like they overshadowed Indy. Wombat was probably my favorite female companion for Indy because they weren't romantic (that got really old really fast). Overall, it was a fun time, but a bit slow and underwhelming. Oh well.
Unicorn Academy: Unicorn Academy (2023)
GREAT MOVIE
GREAT MOVIE. This movie was really good and I loved it. I really like the fantasy vibes and the colorful colors. Sometimes we need wholesome things in life. I am 22 years old and had a really good time with this heartfelt movie. I love all the characters and they were all so cute. The unicorns are amazing and I don't like horses but I l love fantasy animals (including unicorns). The villain (Ravenzella) had a fun show that made me crack up. I like the aesthetic and the concept even though it is cheesy. It was a great movie overall and fun for kids and adults. The movie made me cry and I loved the bond between the main character (Sophia) and her unicorn (Wildstar). 10/10 will watch again someday.
BoJack Horseman (2014)
Really good show that makes you think
Bojack Horseman is a really good show that makes you think. While the humor is not for everyone, the deep moments are what make the show memorable. Bojack is a serious look at depression, anxiety, fame, addiction, and other subjects that a lot of other shows either 1. Don't talk about or 2. Don't talk about correctly. It's crazy how an animated show about a talking horse can tackle these subjects so well. And yes, it is layered in the humor, but the show knows when to take something seriously.
All of the characters are likable, even when they are not good people (or in some of the cases, animals). Bojack himself is a very bad person, but the show doesn't justify his actions. He tries to be a better person, which is what makes the audience relate to him. All of the characters are not perfect people, which is what makes them so fascinating. This show is a character drama where all the characters have difficult relationships with each other, and the show is not afraid to explore those relationships, whether they are toxic or wholesome. And that's what makes the show so interesting.
Also, a round of applause for the best asexual representation I have ever seen in media (I'm asexual and wow, Todd was done SO right).
Lady Bird (2017)
Really good movie
This was a really good movie. The ending made me cry. I don't even have a rocky relationship with my mother like that, but it was still so relatable. Being a teenage girl is hard, and at the same time you think the world revolves around you (it doesn't). I say this as I was once a teenage girl. I love how the filter on the film looks like photos from the early 2000s... it makes it feel so nostalgic. All the actors did an AMAZING job, especially the lead. I gave it an 8 because of the tropes included in the movie (mean girl, ditching best friend, etc.). But like I said, the whole thing felt so REAL and relatable. The ending made me absolutely bawl my eyes out. It was a beautiful movie with great actors and director.
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic: The Last Problem (2019)
Amazing ending!
This was an amazing ending! I still can't believe the show managed to pull off a perfect finale. While the show wasn't as good in the last few seasons (in my opinion), it managed to pick up in season nine, and deliver an amazing send off for both the audience and characters.
While Twilight becoming the ruler of Equestria wasn't executed the best in the beginning (Celestia and Luna just announcing they were retiring without giving Twi much of a choice), I love how this finale focused on Twilight coming to terms with the big change and accepting it. Even though she has to move away from her friends, they will still see each other, and even though the coronation wasn't smooth, her friends were still there by her side. It's honestly beautiful.
And oh man, the end song gets me every time. I watch the final scene/song at least once a week, and I've cried every time. It's so beautiful to see all the characters that we met throughout the 9 seasons and how their lives were all changed for the better by meeting the mane 6 and experiencing friendship. The whole ending is full circle from season 1 when Twi went to Ponyville and made friends, and now her student is doing the very same thing.
I don't think there will ever be another show like MLP, and this finale was the perfect send off for the show. I started watching when season 1 was first airing and the finale came out my senior year of high school. It was a magical ride, and of course, friendship is magic.
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Secret Box/Band Geeks (2001)
we're all here for Band Geeks
I'm only reviewing Band Geeks, but the Secret Box doesn't bring the rating down at all. Let's be real here, we're all here for Band Geeks.
Band Geeks is, to put it simply, legendary. It has already gone down in history since it came out over 20 years ago, and it becomes more iconic with each passing year. As many people have said in their reviews, the episode is not only considered the best Spongebob episode, but one of the best cartoon episodes ever PERIOD. I completely agree.
There are so many parts to this episode that make it the best, (the humor, the ending, etc.), but I don't think I need to repeat all the reasons why, or summarize it. Go watch the episode if you haven't, but only watch it once you've seen a few episodes before it to get an idea of the show and the characters. It will be more meaningful if you have the context!