kaoko Reviews

Maestro (I) (2023)

The opening quote is important when watching this film

[7/10 · 31 January 2024]

The opening quote beautifully sets the stage for what you're about to see: "A work of art does not answer questions, it provokes them, and it's essential meaning is in the tension between the contradictory answers" - Leonard Bernstein

That quote seems to directly guide the directorial choices that Cooper made for this film. Each scene gives an intimate peek at the relationship between Bernstein and his wife, Montealegre, with no harsh judgements on the emotions of either. The acting is brilliant, and Cooper has done a staggering job capturing Bernstein's voice and mannerisms.

It was a bold choice to largely forego a fleshed out story. At times it pays off, and others it feels disengaging. I can't say that I was terribly entertained while watching, but I was impressed with the craftsmanship that went into every aspect of it. And I love to see a film take chances and bring me something new.

It's a Wonderful Knife (2023)

Fun start and all downhill from there

[5/10 · 24 October 2023]

We saw this as our local theaters "mystery movie" where we get to watch a movie before it comes out for a discount, without knowing what movie we're going to see. It started out as a promising comedy/slasher spin on "It's a Wonderful Life", but as the movie went on it made less and less sense and went from slapstick funny to just dumb. Instead of just an alternative spin on the main characters life, the second half tried to incorporate supernatural elements to explain the ridiculous plot twists but they just didn't work and fell flat. Even at $5 watching this movie just wasn't worth it. I can watch better movies on streaming services at home.

The Invitation (II) (2022)

A fun, creepy ride!

[7/10 · 27 August 2022]

I really liked this! As a fan of older British/Hammer horror, this was such a throwback. Too many homages to count. If you're a fan of more modern horror films like Get Out or Ready Or Not, this will likely work for you as well.

The leads were charismatic and the secondary characters were interesting and had a place central to the plot. No real gore or extended horror scenes, so this would likely work for teens.

Sure you can pick it apart until it's in tatters, but why do that? It was absolutely entertaining. My only complaint was that the two minute epilogue felt out of place and unnecessary.

American Experience: Riveted: The History of Jeans (2022) Season 34, Episode 1

An Honest look at an American mainstay

[8/10 · 18 August 2022]

I'm not sure why people find a factual look at history so uncomfortable. Just because you don't like it, doesn't mean it didn't happen. It is clear in modern times that history has always been told by those in power. The poor have long been unable to tell their side of the story. I find a fresh re-examining of things that we've all taken for granted quite refreshing. And finding out new information, and having what I thought I knew challenged, is exactly why I watch documentaries in the first place.

Station 19 (2018–2024)

Ridiculous, contrived plot

[3/10 · 26 May 2018]

I really wanted to like this show, since I'm a big Chicago Fire fan. But the initial plot device, the in house competition for captain, is so implausible that I just want to cringe every time they come back to it. The previous captain promotes his own daughter on a whim so she can jump up 2 ranks? Not happening in the real world. Any big city would have protocols in place for any promotions, and the union would be all over this.

And I don't understand how, given that the creator is a woman, she always manages to create likeable men but horribly unsympathetic female characters. It sets the stereotypes of career women back 50 years to present them all as badasses at work, but as petulant irrational harpies in their real life. The same has happened on Grey's over the past few years. We started that show with strong amazing women in Bailey, Meredith and Christina. Only to sub in Amelia, April and Jo who treat the people in their lives horribly. I love the style of the shows, but give us some women we can admire and would actually want to spend time with. The women in this fire house are just terrible people and their acting skills aren't helping any. The actor playing Warren is making everyone else look bad when he is on the screen.

Yo Gabba Gabba! (2007–2020)

This show rocks!

[9/10 · 7 September 2009]

My 1 yr old son loves this show! I like that it teaches him something in a light hearted way every episode. I also like how it plays up creativity and individuality. What I LOVE about it is how it falls outside of the mainstream for kids shows. Most are just too cutesy and generic for me to enjoy watching over and over. This one definitely falls outside of the box. The guests are usually alternative music groups or independent film artists. One of the strangest and funniest episodes centered entirely around Jack Black, who seems to be a friend of the show. It's true that the costumes and effects are very low tech, but I can find that anywhere if it were important to me. The bold colors, fun music, and good messages more than make up for what it is missing. And I just love the weirdness :)