What Are You Watching Lately? (Rants/Raves/Reviews)

[kyphysics]

I am looking forward to Marvel/Disney's She-Hulk (coming in August).

Was never a Stranger Things fan, but hear it's gotten massive views.

 

[Mondayman]

I mostly watch the price of gas, food, and rent go up continuously.

 

[pinball1970]

I am looking forward to Marvel/Disney's She-Hulk (coming in August).

Was never a Stranger Things fan, but hear it's gotten massive views.

I like the fact Kate Bush has had something of a renaissance because of the series. She is one of the UK's national treasures. One that most are not aware of.
I have seen some of the series, it looks pretty good. Quite dark.

 

[kyphysics]

I like the fact Kate Bush has had something of a renaissance because of the series. She is one of the UK's national treasures. One that most are not aware of.

Oh, she's from the UK? Didn't know that!

Also, the She-Hulk trailer makes it look light-hearted and funny.

 

[pinball1970]

I am looking forward to Marvel/Disney's She-Hulk (coming in August).

Was never a Stranger Things fan, but hear it's gotten massive views.

I have tried a few of the Marvel films but cannot connect with them. I never read the comics as a kid either.
What I have seen is a series called 'The boys,' it is more gritty and darker than the standard superhero stuff.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Just finished Stranger Things S4. Weakest season yet, but still good. Looking forward to the show completing next season. I'm on to Westworld season 4 next.

 

[Frabjous]

Just finished Stranger Things S4. Weakest season yet, but still good. Looking forward to the show completing next season. I'm on to Westworld season 4 next.

Agree, weakest but still good. They now have so many characters that they needed three plotlines. The Russian plotline was a waste of time and the 11 plotline was just mythology which will hopefully have a payoff in season 5. I am waiting on Sandman which comes out next week.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Agree, weakest but still good. They now have so many characters that they needed three plotlines. The Russian plotline was a waste of time and the 11 plotline was just mythology which will hopefully have a payoff in season 5. I am waiting on Sandman which comes out next week.

Agreed. I'm a little worried for S5 because the mystery is pretty much gone. S5 appears to just be a plotline wrap-up. I agree, the Russian plotline in retrospect has zero impact on the main plot.

 

[Frabjous]

I liked Eddie. Of course, Jim Carroll spoiled it way back in 1979
“Eddie got slit in the jugular vein
And Eddie, I miss you more than all the others,
And I salute you brother”

 

[collinsmark]

Rather than watching TV, I've taken up my old habit of replaying old video games. What I like to do, if possible given the game's character creation flexibility, is to create a player character based on some well-known person, and then play the game as best I can as that person, as if that person were to be somehow, inexplicably placed in that crazy situation. I'll try to make decisions on what I think that well-known person would do. It adds a whole new level to the gameplay.

As mentioned in another PF thread, I'm presently replaying Fallout: New Vegas, where you wander around a post-apocalyptic Mojave desert, trying to make the best in a decimated, post-nuclear world. Fallout: New Vegas is a game released way back in 2010, and it's good enough to replay many times over.

For those who haven't yet played Fallout: New Vegas, you must eventually side with one of the following factions:

• New California Republic (NCR): This is the default "good guys" faction. Well, it's mostly good. The NCR promotes democracy, freedom, and the rule-of-law. But this faction isn't perfect. The NCR has a tendency to be a bit imperialistic, aggressively expanding their territory. When the NCR annexes new territory, those in that territory have elections to decide whether to allow the annexation into the NCR, but the pressure the NCR puts on the people to join is large and sometimes crosses the line of ethics. And like any other imperialistic state, they have a tendency to overextend themselves, causing resource scarcity at their borders.
• Mr. House: Think of what would happen if a Howard Hughes -- or better yet, Elon Musk -- came to power and ruled over everybody as an autocrat, and is kept alive by his machines and advanced medical technology. That's Mr. House. In his early life, Mr. House founded RobCo Industries (prevalent in all of the Fallout games: RobCo invented the Pip-Boy, after-all). He's viewed as a genius by many people. Siding with Mr. House isn't necessarily a bad option; he has good intentions for the most part. But despite his "genius" and "good intentions" -- and like Elon Musk -- Mr. House is, in so, so many ways, a freakin' idiot. Sure, he was able to found an extremely successful space-rocket and robotics company, but that doesn't make him good at other things. His concept of equity is unwittingly so bass-akwards it makes me question how anybody, outside of a privileged few, would willingly follow him at all.
• Caesar's Legion: This is the default "bad guys" faction. They are bad. They're slavers. They are an unapologetic, totalitarian, authoritarian dictatorship. Their society is a slave army built on ruthlessly utilitarian principles. Captured women are forced to bear children and support the war effort. I have nothing good to say about the Legion. And don't go spouting any, "ohhh, but they make the roads safe," sort of bull-crap. Unless you're siding with the Legion as some sort of necessary challenge, or because you're an absolute completionist (and you have to side with every faction at least once, among multiple playthroughs), if you willingly side Caesar's Legion, it makes you a horrible person. There. I've said it.
• Yes Man: This is the wild-card faction: the faction you side with if you can't bring yourself to side with any of the other factions. This will produce the most "independent" outcome for New-Vegas. Understandably, many players will view this as the "best" option. But before deciding, you should ask yourself though, "does my character have the competence, or does my character even have the will, desire, and determination, to start a whole new system of government?" That's a lot of responsibility. Not that it really matters much in terms of gameplay; once the Second Battle for Hoover Dam is over and all is said and done, the game is over. But it is something to think about. You should really do some character introspection before choosing this option.

You can't finish the game without siding with one of the above factions. You must side with one, eventually.

Back to my current playthrough. Recall that I like to base my player character on some well-known person, and play, as best I can, in a way that emulates how I think that person would act. This time 'round I'm playing as US House Representative Ilhan Omar.

Lately, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (my character, not the real person) has been hanging around with Cass (full name, "Rose of Sharon Cassidy").

Cass and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (my character, not the real person) standing along the New Vegas Strip.

So, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (my character, not the real person) was almost all set to side with the NCR, but she's starting to get a little ticked at them. For example, in a conversation, Cass tells Ilhan Omar that Cass' mother is "tribal," and clarifies, "You know, like one of the tribes from the East - we got 'em out West, too. NCR's herding 'em up, though, 'domesticating' them [sarcastically]."

Well, Ilhan Omar (my character, not the real person), didn't like the sound of this "herding" and "domesticating" one bit. 'Sounds like forced re-education training. As a matter of fact, Ilhan Omar (my character) was right pissed about it.

Then again, it was probably just Cass being hyperbolic (Cass does that a lot). She does later mention that she views the NCR as family. A messed up family, but family.

So, the plot thickens. Will Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (my character, not the real person) continue to side with the NCR, or will she switch to siding with Yes Man. Time will tell.

 

[Quiented]

Last I saw were the Marvel announcements for this year and I don't see how they will have time to do everything in a quality way.

 

[kyphysics]

Last I saw were the Marvel announcements for this year and I don't see how they will have time to do everything in a quality way.

Well...people have definitely said Obi Wan Kenobi was underwhelming.

Loki's gotten good reviews in the past. Ms. Marvel usually gets bad reviews. ...The trailers for Andor and She-Hulk do look good, though. But, trailers can be deceiving.

 

[kyphysics]

Latest Andor trailer.

It's got Rogue One vibes. I love mythologies and histories...this looks pretty good, but trailers can sometimes be deceiving. I think the dark world of Rogue One is something I like more than the sometimes campy Star Wars themes. I actually hate camp. Never liked Guardians of the Galaxy for that reason.

I tend to like the more serious plots.

 

[DaveC426913]

I have tried a few of the Marvel films but cannot connect with them. I never read the comics as a kid either.
What I have seen is a series called 'The boys,' it is more gritty and darker than the standard superhero stuff.

Yeah, I liked The Boys. Only seen the first season though - can't convince the wife to try S2

 

[pinball1970]

Yeah, I liked The Boys. Only seen the first season though - can't convince the wife to try S2

It’s different I think.

Just what was needed with all this superhero stuff around.

Try and twist her arm or at least demand a solo spot with the TV to cram in a few episodes.

 

[Klystron]

I have tried a few of the Marvel films but cannot connect with them. I never read the comics as a kid either.

I was lucky in that my similarly aged next-door neighbor bought and shared the latest DC and Marvel comic books each week in the early 1960's, otherwise I read comics once a month at the barbershop. I read original Hulk, Fantastic Four, Spiderman, Iron Man and X-Men, among others. Stan Lee wrote fan information letters explaining characters and situations.

For example, Marvel writers Kirby and Romita considered DC's Superman too powerful, villains overmatched. The original X-Men divided up Superman's 'powers' among a group of teen mutants including psychic and love-interest Jane Grey (Some Superman plotlines provided telepathy.).

• Angel: flight though with large wings and a slender body.
• Beast: superstrength and agility but not indestructible.
• Cyclops: powerful eye beams but not x-ray vision.
• Iceman: icy cold 'super breath' but also an ice body analogous to Human Torch in Fantastic Four.

Kirby and Lee borrowed heavily from Superman's friends/enemies/nemeses Lex Luthor and Brainiac to create team leader and telepath Professor Xavier. This friend/enemy dichotomy persists within Marvel. New X-Men characters such as Magneto and Wolverine frequently begin as misunderstood villains before joining the cause.

What I have seen is a series called 'The boys,' it is more gritty and darker than the standard superhero stuff.

"The Boyz" can be entertaining though much darker and sexual than Marvel comic heroes. The Seven represent cynical commercial interests. Marvel heroes team up to save humanity. The Boyz (Seven) are predatory psychopaths directed by lies, deceit and exploitive capitalism. Female superheroes are ritually degraded and demeaned. The baby with murderous eye beams is worth admission price.

I have not read "Boyz" source material, if any, only watched the series.

 

[BWV]

I’m the opposite - love the MCU because it does not take itself too seriously and hate the dark cynical superhero genre like Dark Knight, Watchmen etc.

Loki was quite good, and introduces the main antagonist of the next Avengers cycle

 

[BWV]

Also, The Black Phone is a great horror flick

 

[DaveC426913]

I’m the opposite - love the MCU because it does not take itself too seriously

They had me at "shawarma".

They stole my heart and after that, could do no wrong.

 

[Klystron]

I’m the opposite - love the MCU because it does not take itself too seriously ...

The essence of Spiderman resides in quips, lighthearted jokes, quirky humor, and yet the original comic book series when Gwen dies in Peter's arms rivals the best love story tragedies of our culture. The vivid inks and expressive drawing emphasize Gwen's long fall from a Manhattan bridge tossed aside by the father of Peter's and Gwen's friend driven insane by chemical augmentation.

Peter snags Gwen in his web milliseconds before she strikes the East River but a fateful 'snick' betrays a broken neck, her frail human body unable to survive the terrible deceleration. MCU does not take itself too seriously and the comic book form rarely lends itself to serious drama, but Spidey's humor grows from unspeakable tragedy in the finest classical tradition.

I read that comic once as a ten-year-old but still remember the vivid emotions and story. Excellent art.

 

[kyphysics]

I’m the opposite - love the MCU because it does not take itself too seriously and hate the dark cynical superhero genre like Dark Knight, Watchmen etc.

What about Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy?

I have a hard time believing even the biggest haters of Batman/Dark Knight would dislike his masterpieces.

I didn't like Batman films/comics (despite liking serious toned comics over campy ones, in general), but loved his three movies.

 

[BWV]

What about Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy?

I have a hard time believing even the biggest haters of Batman/Dark Knight would dislike his masterpieces.

I didn't like Batman films/comics (despite liking serious toned comics over campy ones, in general), but loved his three movies.

they were watchable and have seen them all twice, but they try too hard. I am not averse to heavy dark movies, but good heavy dark movies do not feature a guy in a batsuit - you can only deconstruct the superhero thing so far before you make basic premise absurd

 

[DaveC426913]

What about Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy?

I have a hard time believing even the biggest haters of Batman/Dark Knight would dislike his masterpieces.

I didn't like Batman films/comics (despite liking serious toned comics over campy ones, in general), but loved his three movies.

There have been so many remakes I don't even know which set of remakes that is. I found them all forgettable. The only one I remember is Keaton.

 

[Klystron]

What about Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy?

I have a hard time believing even the biggest haters of Batman/Dark Knight would dislike his masterpieces.

I didn't like Batman films/comics (despite liking serious toned comics over campy ones, in general), but loved his three movies.

Excellent widgetry coupled with superb acting and directing make for exciting spectacle. Thanks to young relatives, we watched these movies on large screen with the best sound reproduction. Batman is marked by his colorful enemies and gleeful technology. These films deliver.

they were watchable and have seen them all twice, but they try too hard. I am not averse to heavy dark movies, but good heavy dark movies do not feature a guy in a batsuit - you can only deconstruct the superhero thing so far before you make basic premise absurd

Agree but do not concur. Revival of the Age of Chivalry genre reminds us that knights wore armor and helm (helmet mask) often emblazoned with a totemic sign. Bats use echolocation to navigate darkness. The Dark Knight graphic novels rose in popularity in answer to the light campy "Batman and Robin" dynamic duo motif. Crime fighting remains serious work, scarring the do-gooder along with the victims.

 

[kyphysics]

they were watchable and have seen them all twice, but they try too hard. I am not averse to heavy dark movies, but good heavy dark movies do not feature a guy in a batsuit - you can only deconstruct the superhero thing so far before you make basic premise absurd

I think the non-Nolan versions felt "obviously fake," whereas I think Nolan's rendition had that rare feel of realism combined with fantasy. I was able to "get lost" in the world building of the Dark Knight trilogy he created. His Batman had some funny lines too to break up the serious tone.

 

[kyphysics]

I quite liked She-Hulk Ep. 1.

Biggest gripe: it was short
Second gripe: unlike Netflix binge releases (I hear they might change this model), Disney+ shows get released by the week. Boooo...can we at least get 2 episodes?

Normally I don't like campy shows, but this wasn't really pure camp. It just had witty banter a lot of times.

Another gripe: Why are these Disney+ Marvel/Star Wars shows show short? ...like 6 episodes usually.

I know they are considered new shows and production was often done under limited COVID conditions, but still. . .Network linear TV can still manage longer shows.

 

[DaveC426913]

Another gripe: Why are these Disney+ Marvel/Star Wars shows show short? ...like 6 episodes usually.

I know they are considered new shows and production was often done under limited COVID conditions, but still. . .Network TV can still manage longer shows.

British shows have fixed story arcs with a distinct ending. Many consider this far superior to the endless purgatory of American series that seem to live on after they should have died - like zombies

 

[kyphysics]

British shows have fixed story arcs with a distinct ending. Many consider this far superior to the endless purgatory of American series that seem to live on after they should have died - like zombies

I don't mind "stretching" a franchise with things like prequels and sequels IF they are done well.

For example, I loved Rogue One. IMHO, one of the best Star Wars films ever made. If these pre-/post- films are done poorly, then sure it can feel like never-ending torture. . .

I actually liked Obi-Wan Kenobi and didn't understand the hate it got.

Another thing I don't understand that is a criticgism of some Disney stuff is these adults online (judging from their avatar photos) say these films/"TV series" have too much of a "kiddy" feel to them at times. I'm like WHAT? It's DISNEY! Yeah...that's what they do. It's a constant juggling act to create something that has a serious/weighty feel to it, while making it watchable for kids too. OF COURSE it's going to have some silly moments...if you can't understand and live with that, then go watch Netflix. It's crazy for adults to be making that criticism. I get saying the CGI or action sucked. I get saying the dialogue sucked. But saying you didn't like a Disney series, b/c it wasn't serious enough and had sometimes campy/child-like tenor to it is like complaining french fries don't taste good b/c they are fried. ...

 

[DaveC426913]

I don't mind "stretching" a franchise with things like prequels and sequels IF they are done well.

I meant more like Lost (which I never saw) and its ilk, where the primary story arc ends after a few seasons, but the producers say "we can squeeze more money out of it", so the writers just keep frantically writing right up until five minutes before shooting.

 

[Office_Shredder]

The 6 episodes works great because it's part of a larger franchise. We're going to see all these characters again, don't worry.

@kyphysics if kenovi was a standalone work I think it would be fine. The criticism is that it's supposed to be the story that connects kenobi in the prequel to kenobi in the ot, and if fails at that. He beats Darth Vader, again, and leaves him to be rescued, again? With no explanation why he doesn't kill him and learn his lesson? Leia's plea for help from kenobi in episode 4 makes no sense given their connection from this series.

I think in 10 years the show will be viewed more favorably. Similar to the prequels - the next generation won't demand the new content fits the old perfectly, they will view the two things on an equal playing field where neither fits the other perfectly.

 

[kyphysics]

The 6 episodes works great because it's part of a larger franchise. We're going to see all these characters again, don't worry.

@kyphysics if kenovi was a standalone work I think it would be fine. The criticism is that it's supposed to be the story that connects kenobi in the prequel to kenobi in the ot, and if fails at that. He beats Darth Vader, again, and leaves him to be rescued, again? With no explanation why he doesn't kill him and learn his lesson? Leia's plea for help from kenobi in episode 4 makes no sense given their connection from this series.

I dunno. Maybe he has a soft spot for Anakin? I actually loved the premise of Obi Wan...just think it was too short and could have used more story building.

I liked it still.

Would love to see a Black Panther show series. I know Wakanda Forever is coming out, but after that, it'd be cool to see a show too. Any guesses as to who the New Black Panther will be (claw at end of trailer)?

 

[pinball1970]

I meant more like Lost (which I never saw) and its ilk, where the primary story arc ends after a few seasons, but the producers say "we can squeeze more money out of it", so the writers just keep frantically writing right up until five minutes before shooting.

Yeah but there is something exciting about that. The writers are under pressure to be brilliant.
Lost was great, I recommend it.

 

[Jarvis323]

I actually liked Obi-Wan Kenobi and didn't understand the hate it got.

I lost interest in Star Wars TV series after watching The Book of Boba Fett. I just watched Kenobi though, and it's actually pretty good.

 

[DaveC426913]

I lost interest in Star Wars TV series after watching The Book of Boba Fett. I just watched Kenobi though, and it's actually pretty good.

I can beat that. I've watched only the first season of the Mandalorian and haven't seen anything since.

 

[kyphysics]

I can beat that. I've watched only the first season of the Mandalorian and haven't seen anything since.

I think you'd like Obi Wan. Give it a try.

Actors/Actresses are really good. How can anyone dislike Ewan?

 

[kyphysics]

I lost interest in Star Wars TV series after watching The Book of Boba Fett. I just watched Kenobi though, and it's actually pretty good.

Yeah. I totally understand how people watching Mando and Boba gave up on Star Wars. But, Obi Wan is a big cut above them, imho, in both production value, acting, and sentiment (everyone loves Obi Wan's character/history/legacy).

It's even funny too. I swear the stuff people criticize it for are so endearing to me. They say Leia is too smart for her age. I kinda agree. However, there are some really observant kids that can be obnoxiously "too adult-like" and funny that way. However, she's just a LILLLLLLLL bit "too smart" I would agree. ...At least for 10 years old - unless we consider her a genius.

People also say Obi Wan was a wimp...Okay...I get that criticism, but he did seem human. That's realistic and is a part of human psychology. People can, in fact, lose hope in life and become jaded...it happens. I didn't mind that, b/c having a never down/out-of-luck character who easily beats his foes all the time actually feels more fake to me. I was fine with Obi Wan's character development.

I also just thought the music and editing of the film were great. Visuals were awesome - way better than the trailers showed. And the music, acting, and cutting of the film made for some very intense moments for me.
In sum, it was funny when it tried to be and intense when it tried to be. Great balance. Great series. I have no idea what negative reviewers are talking about.

 

[kyphysics]

She-Hulk Ep.2 is out today (every Thursday).

Gripe: it's 31 minutes only. Ep.1 was 38 minutes. WAY too short!

 

[kyphysics]

Good lord! It's 23 minutes and 7 minutes of credits! what a ripoff

 

[Hornbein]

I just made a surrealistic video set to a piano version of Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb.

 

[kyphysics]

She-Hulk is light and fun, but needs more plot tension.

There needs to be either a real physical danger (she totally thrashed her first opponent without even a fight. . .can we at least see her capable of getting hurt?) and/or a real value/ethical one. . .something to up the stakes/tension and balance out the camp/fun.

Just my humble opinion.

 

[kyphysics]

Never heard of this. . .Looks interesting and different. More "adult-like" for a Marvel/Disney series.

 

[kyphysics]

Andor begins (today). . .

Coincidentally, my Disney+ subscription ended LAST night.

 

[Hornbein]

I love music. Youtube let's me explore all the world's music for free. Like Pinxi, a little girl in Wuhan who plays rock guitar with great skill, or a fusion band from Kazakhstan. But early in 2022 They changed the system. It would only offer me familiar things. Boring. I couldn't get anything new no matter what. Then after half a year of nothing but stagnant water its suddenly back better than ever. How about a mashup of anime music with Toto's Africa? Yay! I'm as happy as a pig in you know what.

 

[kyphysics]

Looking forward to checking this out based on trailer.

 

[Bystander]

on to Westworld season 4

Had to FF through it; dug out WH13, Librarians, & Leverage to get the baaddd taste out of my brain.

 

[strangerep]

Looking forward to checking out [The Peripheral].

I've now watched the 1st 2 episodes. I plan to keep watching.

So far I actually like it better than the Rings of Power with Psycho-Galadriel and Doogie Elrond. Season 1 never really gave an hint of WTH was the point of those dirty hobbits and the dirty Stranger with amnesia -- except maybe to generate social media traffic. I doubt the Stranger's purpose was to teach hobbits how to bathe -- although they did seem to develop cleaner habits over the course of a few thousand years, as depicted in LoTR.

 

[pinball1970]

A couple of 1950s films over the weekend.

The Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1956

The 27th Day 1957

Invasion of the body snatchers 1978 is one I had already seen, creepy as hell but this version was also very dark and sinister.

27th Day was interesting, reminded me of The day the Earth stood still, ”Humans sort yourselves out,” kind of a thing.

 

[Rive]

Orville

A bit of a light Sci-Fi: a bit of flirting with comedy: a sufficient dose of various/serious 'human stuff' - good one as a bedtime story for adults after a busy day with not much brain left.

 

[DaveC426913]

Orville

A bit of a light Sci-Fi: a bit of flirting with comedy: a sufficient dose of various/serious 'human stuff' - good one as a bedtime story for adults after a busy day with not much brain left.

I hear their latest seasons have dispensed with the comedy aspect and are going for a deadly serious vibe.

 

[Rive]

I hear their latest seasons have dispensed with the comedy aspect and are going for a deadly serious vibe.

I'm yet to see that
Worst case it'll turn into a morning dose of adrenaline instead to fuel the day