Obi-Wan Kenobi is a show hard to review as its own thing. While lately a good chunk of Star Wars is an act of accounting for missing parts in the timeline and universe, Kenobi has especially little space to experiment—its plot is so heavily stuck by continuity that there are practically no surprises to be had. We know who can and cannot die in any scene; even people who don’t know Star Wars well will have a general idea of what will happen in this plot.
To review Foundation, I must reveal my lack of foreknowledge. I’ve not read the books; I’ve heard amazing things and that they’re a seminal work of science fiction, but never ventured there myself. I probably should now: if they’re better than this show, they’re probably incredible.
Perhaps the most notable thing about Andor is how immediately it establishes itself as different from the usual Star Wars fare. What little I’ve seen of more recent Mandalorian projects suggests this isn’t an isolated affair, but it is to me.
It’s been a long time since the first season of The Mandalorian came out. And, while I finish tackling reviewing some of the newer Disney+ Star Wars entries, let’s look back at what worked in the first three episodes and how much the series has (or hasn’t) changed.
I dismissed Lockwood & Co. during my first exposure to it. A random segment of the show I walked past didn’t impress me. But now, having seen the first three episodes, I must admit how wrong I was. This is not only one of the best recent paranormal thrillers/horror urban fantasies, but it’s a good show in any context.
I’m late to the party to review Thor: Love and Thunder. So late that I’ve been spoiled somewhat by consensus. Going in, I knew people didn’t like the goats and that the comedy was apparently overbearing.
The most impressive thing about Solitary is how few resources were used to make it. It’s microbudget, finished remotely due to the pandemic, and still a good film.
The Girls Are Never Gone is an interesting blend of concepts attached to a traditional ghost story. From The Twisted Ones to Horrid to even aspects of Harrow Lake, I already knew this story’s bones.
I wish I had more nice things to say about The Twisted Ones. Given how impressed I was with The Hollow Places, I expected another creative cosmic horror with a breezy pace. And while I will ultimately have several nice things to say about the book, it’s a step down in quality.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is perhaps the Marvel movie most affected by a real-world event. There’s no way to even examine this movie without taking into account the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman. It feels inadequate to say that his portrayal of the character gave joy to so many people and that he will be missed by the world.
Almost two years ago to the day, I reviewed Kid Cosmic. I said I wasn’t planning on continuing the show. Well, apparently, I lied. While eating dinner one day, I pulled it up and basically binged.
Strange World wears its influences on its sleeve, and it informs a ton of the movie’s pacing, sense of adventure, and how it approaches danger in any scene. It’s based on old-school pulp comics, novels, and radio plays—even as someone who didn’t grow up with that being commonplace, it’s obvious.
