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Reviews
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
Boldly Expanding Horizons: Star Trek: Discovery Delivers Dynamic Characters and Thought-Provoking Exploration
"Star Trek: Discovery" embarks on a thrilling journey that seamlessly blends traditional "Trek" elements with fresh perspectives on beloved characters, truly embodying the spirit of exploration. With each episode, the series delves deeper into the complexities of its characters, offering viewers a rich tapestry of dynamic personalities and intricate relationships. The well-written dialogue and nuanced performances bring these characters to life, making their growth and interactions both captivating and relatable.
One of the show's standout qualities is its exploration of psychological themes, particularly the profound impact of trauma on individuals and society as a whole. Through compelling storytelling, "Star Trek: Discovery" delves into the depths of personal and intergenerational trauma, offering thought-provoking insights into the human condition.
As the series progresses, it becomes clear that "Star Trek: Discovery" is charting a course back to the core principles of exploration and discovery that have defined the franchise for decades. While the path may be gentler, the sense of adventure is no less exhilarating, as the crew boldly ventures into uncharted territory, unafraid to confront new challenges and embrace the unknown. Overall, "Star Trek: Discovery" is a must-watch for fans old and new, offering a compelling blend of classic "Trek" adventure and innovative storytelling.
Saltburn (2023)
Seductive Intrigue: Barry Keoghan Shines in 'Saltburn,' a Bold Exploration of Social Class and Obsession
Barry Keoghan commands the screen with a performance that leaves an indelible mark in this strange and intense film. The movie exhibits a boldness in its storytelling, complemented by exquisite imagery and cinematography that elevate the viewing experience.
At its core, "Saltburn" presents a compelling exploration of social classes, infused with unexpected plot twists that keep audiences engaged. Keoghan shines as Oliver Quick, a complex character brought to life with depth and nuance, supported by a talented ensemble cast.
Writer-director Emerald Fennell delivers a daring narrative that draws comparisons to "Ripley," yet maintains its own audacious identity. The film's portrayal of Oliver's sinister machinations and twisted psyche adds layers of intrigue, creating a captivating blend of grotesque beauty and sublime wit.
"Saltburn" is a visual feast, underscored by superb performances and a storyline that delves into themes of obsession and ambition. While Keoghan steals the spotlight, the supporting cast, including Jacob Elordi and Rosamund Pike, deliver exceptional performances.
However, it's worth noting that "Saltburn" may not appeal to all tastes. Its exploration of bourgeois excess and sociopathic determination may be unsettling for some viewers. Yet, for those willing to embrace its dark allure, the film offers a mesmerizing journey that lingers long after the credits roll.
Sex Education (2019)
"Sex Education Season 4: A Balancing Act That Struggles to Find Its Footing"
In the fourth season of Sex Education, the series took on a commendable challenge, addressing a myriad of critical issues like 'menopause stigma,' 'shame about being in therapy,' and 'abusive relationships.' However, these important topics often felt shoehorned into isolated moments or episodes without the necessary background or character development. It's as if the creators wanted to tackle too many issues simultaneously.
For the first three seasons, Sex Education expertly blended humour and enlightenment, boasting a phenomenal ensemble cast. However, season 4 marked a significant departure. Notably, certain characters vanished abruptly, and the series veered from its typical comedic tone, embracing a much more serious and intense atmosphere. Sex Education has always been primarily a comedy with a hint of drama, but in season 4, this balance shifted, leaning towards a more dramatic presentation.
The final season delved into darker and weightier storylines, such as Maeve's mother's tragic death, Jean's postpartum depression, and Eric's internal struggles with religion. While the series usually strikes a balance between these weighty topics and humour, season 4 tipped further into drama, leaving behind some of the humour that had been a hallmark.
Additionally, the season seemed to have less romantic content, which is peculiar for a series rooted in themes of sex and relationships. It's unusual that season 4 featured a noticeable lack of romance.
Another structural issue in season 4 was the sheer quantity of storylines and characters. With new additions and expanded character arcs, the season followed the journeys of Otis, Eric, Maeve, Aimee, Adam, Michael, Jean, Jackson, Ruby, and Cal, among others. The inclusion of perspectives from Cavendish College, while providing a more inclusive environment, occasionally made the series feel overly crowded. It became easy for viewers to become disoriented or less invested in characters due to the multitude of parallel stories.
The series' expanded focus on diverse experiences, particularly LGBTQ+ narratives, was a significant change in season 4. While laudable, this emphasis sometimes made the show feel like it was ticking too many boxes, losing the intimacy that had made it compelling.
Unfortunately, an overcrowded cast meant that many characters and plotlines were underdeveloped. Iconic characters and storylines that viewers had grown attached to often lacked the room to breathe. Even key moments and character interactions felt rushed.
The 'religion story' involving Eric felt contrived and out of place, culminating in a decision to become a pastor due to a seemingly random heavenly intervention, which stretched the show's typically quirky boundaries.
Moreover, the adult world storylines didn't quite meet their potential, leaving characters like Maeve's college tutor portrayed by Dan Levy underutilized.
Sex Education scripts, which once brimmed with wit and levity, took a more earnest turn in season 4, often turning into lessons on life and morality. Viewers might find themselves longing for the earlier, humour-infused days.
Nonetheless, the series still managed to shine when it returned to its core cast, recapturing the magic that made it a fan favourite. These moments reminded us of the show's unique ability to blend humour and drama seamlessly.
In sum, while the final season had its moments, particularly when focusing on the central cast, it also carried the weight of multiple underdeveloped storylines and characters. It struggled to deliver the depth and humour we'd come to expect. The departure was less painful than it should have been, but there were glimpses of the brilliance that initially drew us in.
Star Trek: Discovery: Terra Firma, Part 1 (2020)
Enjoyable
I really like Michelle Yeoh's acting... she's great and I really enjoyed watching her character growing and taking different decisions because of time spent in our universe ... I admit that the episode ended abruptly but that's the only negative. I really hope it's not just a way to get rid of Georgiou and make a way for a well deserved spin-off.
And man... I so dig Captain Killy... way better than Tilly