Change Your Image
j_ulderich
Reviews
One Piece (2023)
How.is.it.this.good???
I attempted to watch the anime twice, but just couldn't get into it. Then I saw how Cowboy Bebop was massacred by Netflix, so to say I started this series with apprehension is an understatement. But hey, I kept reading that they delivered on this one. So I figured I'd give it a shot.
Wow.
Raw, goofy, unrestricted fun. Entertainment even! I'm definitely not shocked to learn that the creator, Eiichiro Oda, was heavily involved, even prompting reshoots when the narrative/characters seemed to drift. The story is tight- characters are consistent, the writing is simple and not over cluttered.
The acting is also incredible. The performers sell these over-the-top personalities when needed, but also show great emotional range when the audience is privy to their vulnerabilities.
All of that aside, this would be meaninglessness if not for Oda's underlying tale. The heart of the story, which I'd long heard about in the anime, is on showcase with this adaptation. The story of following one's dreams and defying oppression cuts through the noise of most entertainment with a sense of sincerity that is touching.
Very, very well done. I can't wait until season 2, but I in the meantime I guess there's an anime out there that deserves a third chance.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
So much promise....squandered
There is so much to like about this show. McGregor, Blair, and Ingram turn in great situational characters. Chow at the helm, whose episodes in Mando season 1 were two of my favorites- we know she's capable of directing content that is rich and well paced. And lets no overlook the appearance of Vader, with the voice of James Earl Jones, is enough to smooth over several rough edges.
Unfortunately, thats where we're left after 3 episodes. The writing is sloppy. Like, plot holes aplenty, sloppy. We're supposed to believe that the tunnel in episode 3 provides a way for characters to pass by one another in opposite directions and arrive at destinations either ahead/behind the others without any sort of explanation. I tire of even attempting to type it. Believe me, the implausibility is enough to interrupt your viewing of the episode.
Speaking of poor writing- the face off between Vader and Obi-Wan, (which has a tremendous build up by the way- kudos there!), ends with Vader unable to either a) force pull Obi-Wan back across the fire, b) extinguish said fire (as he had just done), or c) walk around the fire with his troop of storm troopers and overpower the lone droid there to secure his prey (and please don't explain that Tala was any sort of threat to Lord Vader). It is such a glaring and painfully inadequate conclusion to a scene that was appropriately menacing and tense. Where in the writers' room was the voice of reason with the conclusion of this scene? Who failed to mention that the Emperor had no clothes?
Don't get me wrong, I'm still on the hook for watching the whole season. I'm interested to see if there will be any sort of plausible reason to suddenly reintroduce the Grand Inquisitor (not holding my breath however). Blair steals nearly every scene she's in, and I really enjoy the intrigue of the Reva character (although I am likewise preparing to be underwhelmed by the written backstory, given how well Ingram delivered thus far on what she was given in comparison to the poorly executed writing that sporadically rears its ugly head).
I can't help but notice that Dave Filoni's and Jon Favreau's names are absent any credits (aside from 'thanks'). I'm sure they don't have enough bandwidth to be involved in all Star Wars series/movies going forward, but any they do not will likely be B grade content like this. It can't all be Clone Wars and Mandalorian, but it should be.
Outer Range (2022)
Where have I seen this show before?...
Great build up, use of tension, numerous questions.
Vague, meandering writing with nothing really buttoned up at season end. Where have I seen this before?
Oh yes, it was "Lost."
Not wasting numerous seasons on this- too much quality programming elsewhere. Shame, it had potential.
The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
meh indeed
Partway through episode 1, we said, 'surely Favreau and Filoni aren't party to this.
*sigh*
Where to start? Horrible fight choreography (seriously, we've seen musicals with better), scenery/costuming that appeared poorly-fan made, or the presence of forced current cultural reference (i.e. Extended parkour sequence, tagging).
We had hoped after he whacked Fortuna that we'd have an edgy Fett at the helm. Instead, we get backstory where its not needed on the back of toothless Boba.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Sabotage (2013)
Too on the head
The Russo Droid, really folks?
Good story premise, but I didn't tune in to watch a CSI episode. Here's hoping similar lazy writing techniques are absent from the new season.