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Jul 24, 20243 min read
Film Review: Lumberjack the Monster
Mystery with elements of a horror-thriller framed in a fairy tale–like story. Nothing bad. Just flat. Plotting and themes are a bit clumsy.
150


Jul 5, 20243 min read
Film ● Review: Line of Duty
Implausible plot progression. Constant action with decent cast and performances can’t save it.
40


Jun 24, 20242 min read
Film Review: Trigger Warning
Predictable. Lacks action. Lacks tension. Disappointing no matter how much one loves Jessica Alba.
40


Jun 22, 20241 min read
Is an Unreported Crime Still a Crime?
Chicago, IL – Crime is reportedly dropping in some cities in the US. Some argue that leftist-run cities are simply not reporting the...
40


Jun 21, 20242 min read
Film ● Review: City Hunter
Tight action-comedy. It is a bit silly but it’s meant to be. Nicely lit and shot.
60


Jun 13, 20244 min read
Anime Review: The Grimm Variations
Not a bad effort but nothing special. Could have used other fairy tales since there are over 200 to choose from.
40


May 31, 20244 min read
J-Drama ● Review: House of Ninjas
Ninja family vs rival clan. Nicely shot. A few points regarding characters and conflict can be better, but intriguing and entertaining.
30


May 6, 20244 min read
Drama Review: 24: Legacy
Decent pacing but derivative. Needs more convincing firefights. Solid performances mask the cheesiness. Still entertaining and funny.
30


Apr 9, 20243 min read
Anime ● Review: The Big O
Mecha-noir set in a domed city. Interesting premise but too ambitious. Somewhat unfocused and themes insufficiently explored.
170


Mar 6, 20245 min read
Film Reviews: Code 8 & Code 8: Part II
Nothing particularly original but good pacing, production and performances. Overall, both films are still solid and enjoyable.
80


Feb 26, 20245 min read
K-drama ● Review: Strong Girl Nam-soon
Comedy tries too hard, mostly failing. Autopilot plotting. Characters are too simply written initially but are fuller in the second half.
80


Jan 30, 20242 min read
Film ● Review: Once Upon a Crime
Fairy tale–inspired crime comedy. Not bad but under-developed and fails to move on after hitting its beats so it loses energy.
30


Nov 13, 20233 min read
Film ● Review: Violence Action
Tries to be the “cute young woman assassin taking on the yakuza” action-comedy. Tries too hard to look cool. And fails. Messy plotting.
100


Nov 12, 20236 min read
K-drama ● Review: The Uncanny Counter
Nothing brilliant, nor does it need to be. Tries to be cool. Season 1 is not bad. Season 2’s plotting and pacing issues are more apparent.
70


Nov 9, 20233 min read
Film ● Mini-Reviews: Taken Clones and Derivatives
There are quite a few clones and derivatives of Taken since its release in 2008. Here are 35 mini-reviews.
280


Oct 30, 20234 min read
University by Bentley Little
Typical contemporary horror fiction in many respects but with well-written twisted dark/black comedy.
50


Oct 17, 20233 min read
Film ● Review: Re/Member
Despite being a time-loop story with a little clumsy structuring and cheesy montages, it is still a moderately enjoyable horror film.
110


Oct 9, 20234 min read
Film Review: Ballerina
Despite needing more action and attention to a few details, it is still a sufficiently satisfying revenge action-thriller.
60


Oct 4, 20231 min read
Film ● Mini-Review: Ballerina
Not a bad revenge film about a young woman going after those responsible for her best friend’s death.
80


Sep 8, 20234 min read
K-drama ● Review: Mask Girl
A tight narrative about an ugly woman’s desire for attention. Tragedy follows her decisions. Some plot conveniences but beautifully shot.
90


Aug 30, 20234 min read
J-drama ● Review: Burn the House Down
Tacky soundtrack. Lacks explanations re some plot points. Despite its problems, a tight narrative that is still mostly enjoyable.
90
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