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arnoud-bekker
Reviews
Star Trek: Picard (2020)
It's familiar faces and references but not yet what i love
I really love star trek of the 90's. There is some magic about it. The characters are rich, the stories are timeless. What i love about that era of star trek is very simple. It's about extraordinary people in a futuristic environment. People that managed to become the best version of themselves, while not being that different from anyone else. It's about exploration and the discovery of the mysteries of the unknown. The storytelling though, is what made it special. There is mystery and wonder, people who try to make the world better, it's Utopian, but often fits into what i believe. The narrative is positive, the storytelling mostly concludes in a good way. Either that, or you are left pondering a complex philosophical question, that can be equally satisfying. That is what i love about the 90s era star trek.
Now, season 1 of Picard is honestly missing some of that. I feel like i am watching the Marvel, Stargate, Star Wars version of Star Trek. Maybe because the writers hoped, that familiar faces and references to Star Trek lore, might be enough to attract the people whom truly love the franchise. At the same time, using action movie storytelling and cinematic, to draw in a new, maybe younger crowd. But I think they are wrong, it is not needed. The positive narrative, the bond between rich characters and the resolving of mysterious phenomena, worlds, alien life and interactions, is beyond age groups. As long as you can attach a philosophical question to it, something we can apply to our real lives. That is all the action and spectacle needed.
Season one had some real potential, but i really had to force myself through it.
Even though i muddled through, the last episode of season one, still ended very beautifully and left me emotional, the only part that felt recognizable. I have hope for season 2...
Severance (2022)
Started out good, cheapest way to end season possible
I like the premise it breaks my own brain in half just thinking about it. How evil you must be to do this to yourself. The mystery and creepiness of the whole workplace is also very interesting.
It's pretty slow and its very stingy with revealing anything. Just adding more weird and strange. I just hope it does resolve itself and not dangling the mystery forever in front of us.
Ted Lasso (2020)
Its wholesome and fun but not enough football
It started out very positive and fun. But eventually it became more of the same. I expected it to be more about football, but it turned into a generic sports drama. Still it is entertaining and might be the perfect thing after a long day. But just don't binge it, it ruined my experience.
James May: Oh Cook! (2020)
A real cooking show sort of
I like the show, because i can identify a bit with James. He is not an experienced cook, so he learns as he goes and teaches us some fundamentals at the same time. He does have the advantage of a good kitchen and professional help. But in the end he is stumbling through instructions, like most of us.
I think i learned more about cooking then any other show and I especially like him trying out dumb cooking tools, to make life as an amateur cook easier. He should do that more in the next season. Because most tools do not work, or work very briefly. A sharp knife has to date been the best advise. However, some tools do actually work and i would love to know about them.
Really hope there is going to be another season!
Clarkson's Farm (2021)
Interesting and hilarious
I love how Clarkson can do whatever the hell he wants and make it interesting and entertaining to watch.
I dream of saving up enough money and buying a small farm. Very romantic, but this show actually has some commentary on the reality of farming. And it is pretty harsh working the field. And very expensive. It gives some real insight and makes you respect the hard work that goes into it.
But it is very fun to watch Clarkson trying to make this all work. But Kaleb is obviously the hero of the story!
I don't really get why i like this so much. Iy's not Jeremy, because the grand tour kind of bores me nowadays. But this is the best thing i've seen in years and i wish there was more.
Invincible (2021)
Like comics, anime and adult swim finally agreed to show hollywood how it's done
Someone got it right, a good story, interesting characters. I love comics, but hollywood kinda ruined them. I didn't expect much from this. But the comic book aesthetic, did draw me in. Being very bored, i gave it a chance. It started out slow, like watching another edgy animated series. But it reminded me of adult swim and i really miss that. So i gave it a chance. The awkward 90s cartoon network animation, does bring up sentiment. But it seems they actually know how comics and storytelling work! It is a bit unnerving that amazone seems to be able to dredge up whatever made adult swim amazing and combine it with what makes comics amazing! They even managed to sprinkle in some of that japanese over the top and predictable coming of age magic. And... perversely, i don't care, it is what i want to see..
I have just one regret, i saw it too early. It has everything i like in fiction. Mystery, insanity, integrity.. coming of age and evil that could be anywhere and anyone. I just want to be 3 seasons into this, instead of 3 episodes. But it's better the nothing.
Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020)
Nostalgia with love and respect
I have fond memories of this game, i simply adored the original when i was a teenager.
I was obviously afraid to even try the remake. Would they destroy it like disney destroyed star wars? Another cash grab, for al the fans who would try anything to get this nostalgic sense of wonder and adventure they once experienced?
But i did try and square redeemed themselves in an epic fashion. This game is loyal to the fans and the original game. They didn't try to force it on a new generation with the gameplay they expect. Instead, they lovingly took what made the original so memorable. Tried to expand on what worked and what could be improved. At the same time reworking the story, to fit within a modern game and modern storytelling.
They succeeded beyond expectation. Even the music is perfectly improved. I am enjoying everything, experiencing this story i already know and love, in new ways as an adult.
Good job Square! More of this please(ff9)
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)
Superfun, cheesy and i am entertained!
It is just fun! I don't understand the low rating. It has great stage building. The songs are typical eurovision and guiltily enjoyable. Will Ferrel of course is watchable even embroidered in carpet. Bit besides that, it was truly a great comedy. I think one of the best i've seen in the last years, it even pulled my heart strings a bit there. Well done! Don't be so critical, just enjoy it in it's cheery glory.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: The Gang Turns Black (2017)
I like this very much
These people keep reinventing themselves. This is probably one of the most amazing, funny and touching productions i've seen in the past couple of years. The songs are actually very good, i hope they actually use them for a real theater performance at some point. But until that time, i am just grateful for this episode!