thespira's Reviews

Lovely Runner (2024– )

9/10

13 May 2024

I haven't laughed and been so excited by a comedy since True Beauty. The latter had a lot of common points: super cute lead couple, a coming of age story. The added bonus here is the time travel which I love. The whole ensemble is really likeable.

The music industry ties a lot with another great drama this year: Twinkling Watermelon: the music and the time travel.

Kim Hye Yoon and Byon Woo Seok are the perfect couple and their chemistry is electrifying, despite a sizeable height difference 😁

All these combined make this drama a highly bingeable and rewatch series.

Not a surprise this drama achieved one of the highest ranking !

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Amidst a Snowstorm of Love (2024– )

4/10

Sorry but this drama is boring

7 March 2024

Sorry but despite all my best efforts I've dropped the drama. Everything is wrong. The world of snooker is boring as hell, the characters fly all the way to Finland to eventually meet only Chinese people and not take advantage of this beautiful country. They eat all the time just for the sake of it and there is a lot of empty moments. Yes the main couple is sweet etc but it's a far cry from a hit like Hidden Love.

All the secondary characters are superficial as well.

My last straw when he takes her to see the sky in a special island. They are blatantly in France in Annecy! There are many other c drama out there that deserve more attention.

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Shōgun (2024–2026)

9/10

Beautiful reboot

5 March 2024

I was already a fan of the first series back in the 80s and they finally did made it true to the massive book from James Clavell. The book is yet a small part of the quadrilogy about Japan that the writer did. James Clavell spent a long time in Japan and the description and knowledge of the Middle Ages there is striking.

What I really liked was the fact they we finally see more of the Japanese system of domos and the ultimate seat the Shogun. The Japanese actors shine. What a joy to see Hiroyushi Sanada again. I loved him in the Last Samurai and a joy to see. I really look forward to see the rest of the episodes. 3 so far. It's hard to wait !

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The New Look (2024– )

4/10

Not convinced

18 February 2024

I think my expectations were too high for this series. Especially since I just finished the excellent Cristobal Balenciaga series on Disney +.

The first thing that strikes me was : why taking French actors playing French, real life, characters talking in English ? With a very heavy French accent as well ? Why not speak naturally French? Why is Dior played by a non French actor ? I really don't get that choice.

In the Spanish series about Balenciaga, people spoke multiple languages and this is what subtitles are for. It gave much more authenticity.

Second, the series revolves mainly about what happened during the war for Dior, Lelong and other like Chanel and Balmain. Where is the fashion ?

Surviving at all cost during the occupation was also treated in the Disney plus series but is really the main subject in this one. Fortunately it's "inspired" by true events and I would be interested how they did their research ...

I've seen Juliette Binoche in much better roles, Zabou Breitman is under utilised and John Malkovitch ... I don't understand what he's doing there ...

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Lessons in Chemistry (2023)

8/10

Somewhat different from the book

16 January 2024

Warning: Spoilers

My mistake. I am reading the book at the same time almost as I'm watching the show. I know. It's not the best decision but couldn't wait to finish the book to see the adaptation. The show is very good but differs from the book mainly by the fact that some hard events in the book have been airbrushed to have maybe a more family oriented show. In the book, Elizabeth is much tougher because of sexual abuse which is hardly brushed in the show. It was really common at the time especially in a men's world like TV or a lab. I also don't understand why the character of Harriet Sloane is completely different. In the book, she is in a loveless marriage with a horrible husband which drives her out of her house and into Elizabeth's and hence forms a strong friendship. Her activism in the show is more "modern", she is also a lawyer therefore independent from her husband who also has a career yet part of a minority in segregated America. It's another angle but she appeared more fierce in the book. So when she and Elizabeth come together they are unstoppable.

So yes. The show is close but don't forget it's an adaptation even with the writer as head exec producer. Would love to ask her directly !

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Maestro (2023)

5/10

Beautiful but...

21 December 2023

I think I my expectations were totally wrong for this movie. I don't really read reviews as I want to discover a movie for myself. I didn't read either if Maestro was a biography or not. And thought it was. I realised after 10mn that it was going going to be the love story between the great composer and Felicia.

The movie is beautifully shot in black and white most of the time. It's very aesthetic up to the 4/3 format of old times. The lights the references and the music of course, everything is there.

But the main plot lacks rhythm for me. I thought it was too wordy (if that makes sense). I think that Bradley Cooper could have been a bit more dynamic in his story telling.

I'm not saying it's disappointing or anything but I dropped it midway of my viewing as it didn't do it for me.

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007: Road to a Million (2023– )

9/10

Beautifully done

11 November 2023

I usually don't watch shows like this but the 007 got me.

I love the Bond franchise but I'm not an avid fan. I watched the show with the Xray on and I learnt a lot of things about the locations and all the Bond references that are scattered along.

The participants casting was really good. I loved the Bone brothers and the nurses as well. Average people like us with very general knowledge, a knack for solving mysteries and stay chilled in all circumstances !

I loved this show and I really hope the second season will as well curated as this one. The Barbara Brocolli producing credit is definitely a quality warranty !

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Blue Eye Samurai (2023)

9/10

Simply perfect

7 November 2023

I second all the other reviews here. 8 episodes carefully curated by the creators who displayed fantastic research on the Edo period combined with masterful animation. I loved the show, the arc, the characters, the graphics and the music of course. It has its moments of gore as well. Tarantino would love this !

I particularly loved the care taken when showing the Edo period, the Floating World and the world of samurai. The costumes of the geishas were beautiful the armours of the warriors impeccable and the actions scenes looked like a video games sometimes.

Really a must see for anyone interested in feudal Japan and anime.

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Ten Percent (2022)

5/10

Nice try but not as entertaining

28 April 2022

I'm a big fan of Call my agent so obviously I was attracted to see what the Brits would make of it!

But even with the similar setting, the same actors egos and dramas it's not as chirpy and well let's say it FRENCH ! The British cast is still to stiff to match the French original.

Good try though!

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Dear Mother (2020)

7/10

Quelle rigolade

15 January 2022

Warning: Spoilers

Jean Louis and his wife are desperately looking to revive their couple and their life. They seek guidance from a guru (Nicole Garcia) who suggests to see where Jean Louis comes from ie "the origin of the world". They then have to hatch a plan to take a photo of Jean Louis' mum (Hélène Vincent hilarious) special parts. Absurd and really funny. A great Vaudeville to enjoy.

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The French Dispatch (2021)

8/10

A visual feast

18 November 2021

I was waiting for some kind of visual explosion as per Wes Anderson's style. I love his movies because they are a joy for any photographer. Every scene is polished and nothing is left to imprecision. I was not disappointed.

The story revolves around the final issue of the French Dispatch and the loooong string of actors depicting the 3 main sections of it. I recognised 25 of them including some French actors : Guillaume Galliene-delacomediefrancaise (!) Cécile de France, Mathieu Amalric, Hippolite Girardeau, and of course Lea Sedoux. It was like being at a posh festival de Cannes.

I loved the quirky town of Ennui sur Blasé which reminded me of my home town (Paris) when I was young. So much details! The old buses the "égouts" flowing with the serpillière to constrict the flow of water. Add a bit of Aznavour and "Aline" in the soundtrack as well for a bit more retro.

So many details!

The movie is still a bit lengthy but it's quickly forgotten by the quirky ambiance of this bilingual, black and white/colour 4 1/3 format joy.

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Kiss Me Kosher (2020)

8/10

All the tropes !

7 November 2021

I had a lot of fun watching this Vaudeville with all the ingredients of a good comedy. An Israeli lesbian wants to marry her German non Jewish girlfriend who comes to Tel Aviv to move on with her. The families are hilarious and they tick all the boxes. A very nice movie indeed !

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CODA (2021)

8/10

Good remake for once

24 August 2021

I loved La famille Bélier so I was a bit worried when I saw there has been a remake of the movie. It's the Russian roulette with remake and they are usually terrible. But very good surprise there. I missed Marlee Matlin who I discovered long ago in the Children of a Lesser God. I was happy to see her again in a comedy like that. Representation is important and this kind of movie is a good way to do it. Kudos to Emilia Jones who learn the ASL to do this movie (same as the French actors who had to learn as well as they were not deaf).

The transfert from farmers to fisherman was really good as it shows the additional struggles of the family. All in all a success I'd say.

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In the Heights (2021)

9/10

Worth going back to the movie theatre for!

20 June 2021

Warning: Spoilers

What a joy to see that warm feeling movie! I love salsa and South American music so that was a treat for me. The music score is perfect (bought it already). It reflects all influences of South American music: salsa, merengue you name it.

The ensemble scenes are beautiful with very nice effects as well. I loved the scene at the pool and the "Carnaval del Barrio". Very West Side Story as well! For me the one who stole the show is Abuela Claudia. Her solo "Paciencia y fe" was an absolute joy.

The only negative point is the length of the movie. It's could have been a bit shorter. The story drags a bit after a while but the music keeps you focused. I couldn't wait for them to stop talking and start singing!

All the actors were amazing. I was chocked to see Mark Anthony looking so sickly... he was barely recognisable .... Anyway. Go and see this movie when the weather is gloomy. It will give you warmth and the good vibes you need.

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Madame Claude (2021)

3/10

Boring

2 April 2021

I started watching as the story of Madame Claude is quite famous. I dropped the show after 30mn. Too much sex and no story line. Actors are not even good.

It's a hard pass... don't loose your time.

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Lupin (2021– )

7/10

Omar Sy does it again

10 January 2021

The first episode is a bit slow but I kept watching to see how Assane was going to carry out his vengeance. The rest of the cast is illegal, particularly the cops who are not really good at acting. They over play their part and it can be a bit annoying. But it still a very enjoyable watch.

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Staged (2020–2023)

9/10

Finally something funny in these trouble times

9 January 2021

Now that is funny ! Michael Sheen and David Tennant bickering over a pseudo play they have to rehearse (season 1) and it's remake (season 2) is genius. It's witty, ingenious and very creative. The whole thing is shot via zoom ish production and i binged the 2 seasons in a day. Bite size episodes help ! The second season is the perfect alibi for some great cameos (won't spoil the names) so I highly recommend it as a lockdown activity !

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Soul (2020)

8/10

It's another hit!

29 December 2020

Warning: Spoilers

I love Pixar and I love Jazz so i was happy to see Soul to be finally released (even if it was not in cinemas). The story is compelling as usual and the characters are endearing. The body swaps are funny and the whole "get your spark" is clearly a good message in these trouble times. Kudos to them for finishing the movie at home as well (you need to stay until the very end of the credits to see that). Did I spot a little homage to Miyazaki with the little new souls really looking like the ones in the Studio Ghibli movies? Anyway, a thorough joy in a much needed dark times so go ahead you won't be disappointed.

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The Prom (2020)

5/10

Over played ans disappointing- same old thing again

11 December 2020

I'm a bit tired of Ryan Murphy doing the same thing all the time. I really loved Glee and thought it was groundbreaking but this movie is so disappointing. Okayyyyyy it's about inclusion , I'm all for it trust me and it's a good start. The cast was promising too. I think Meryl Streep can play anything and she can sing. James Corden is a great talk show host but not a good actor. Nicole Kidman seems completely lost and does not bring anything to the table. Shame. The only positive point is the two girls who are truly a revelation.

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Ava (IV) (2020)

4/10

Disappointing

8 December 2020

I love Jessica Chastain and I thought a good spying/action movie would really suit her. It does. But the story led absolutely nowhere and her character terribly lack depth so I really couldn't get attached. The rest of the act is just supporting this very unconvincing story. Shame because Malkovitch and Farrell are also good. So all in all a waste of time. A lot of blood and action scenes for a very average experience.

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The Queen's Gambit (2020)

9/10

Gripping-Binge worthy

29 October 2020

I was always drawn to series or documentaries about chess as I find this world absolutely well.. out of it. People playing this sport are not wired like us mere mortals. So I started to watch the first episode and binged the whole season of course. The 60s' allowed fantastic sets and wardrobes and I loved it (reminded me of the sets of Mrs Maisel). Beth is a complex character. She's cold and warm at the same time. She shows no mercy during tournaments but she's sensitive (and a bit awkward) after the match. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Emily in Paris (2020– )

4/10

Clichés over and over again...

3 October 2020

I'm still surprised how American people see Paris. It hasn't changed for decades! Paris is again presented as a cliché where our heroine can sway around the city dressed like nobody does in reality. And everybody seems to be fine with it. Which they are not. Parisians are judgmental and sometimes condescending (I used to be like this).

This series is full of the same cliches that have been used time and time again in romantic comedies : the unfaithfulness of the French, their love for food etc. Being an (ex) Parisian myself i would have expected something a bit more real, at least in terms of her experience. Yes, they mention Parisians (not all French) are mean and come to work much later than Good Americans who are still represented as "know it all" and want to teach the poor Europeans how it's done... so nothing new under the sun here... I've watched 2 episodes and I'm already bored...

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Mulan (2020)

4/10

Stick to the animation

6 September 2020

I was expecting a lot from this action remake as Mulan is one of my favourite. Despite a great cast and beautiful scenery the film lacks everything. Particularly songs. I think. The animation version was at least joyful. I'd rather watch the Chinese version (2009) of it which is a 1000 times better and pays both homage to the heroine and her identify without forcing the cultural brief.

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The Red Sea Diving Resort (2019)

6/10

Lacks authenticity

18 August 2020

Overall a very good movie but I was disappointed by its lack of authenticity. It's a story about An Israeli operation, with Israeli agents and yet, you don't hear a single word of Hebrew in the movie. The director was born in Israel and still gave this movie a very American feeling. Pity I think.

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Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)

9/10

A great finale

7 January 2020

I went for the last hoorah and came out with tears in my eyes. What a finale! There is humour, love, action everything you expect from a Star Wars Movie plus a few surprises as well. It's the end of an era. They will all be missed. But don't miss them first

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