Change Your Image
insidethesun
Reviews
Zenra kantoku (2019)
One of the best things on Netflix right now.
The Naked Director is raw, fun, entertainment. Wolf of Wallstreet, for the porn industry in Japan. With a mix of The Social Network, because it was a failed relationship that led our hero on his journey.
First and foremost, watch with the original Japanese audio, English subtitles. The dubbing is horrendous and you will miss out on incredible tone and voice.
Acting is top notch. Story is well constructed and evenly paced. Highly bingeable series. After episode 2, each one ends in a fashion that leaves you hungry for the next.
This kind of entertainment wouldn't have the same reach, if it wasn't for Netflix. I love the risk their platform is willing to take and their ability to bring original, raw, content.
In the era of franchises and sequels. In this new era where people are starting to self-censor and be sensitive to entertainment and Art, Netflix remains free-spirited and wild. I absolutely love it.
Too Old to Die Young (2019)
You're either a fan of Refn or you're not, but if you are..
I want to keep this short and sweet, while maintaining a spoiler review that adds to what has already been said, without parroting others.
If you're a fan of Refn, then you'll absolutely love this. Experimental shots, dark light in contrast with neon fluorescents, slow burn pace with visceral violence, philosophical dialect and a soundtrack that goes ba ba bum bum bump.
I enjoyed every minute of it, but as others have said, it's around episode 3 to 4 where it hook, lines and draws most in. Still, I don't think the first two episodes should be ignored, and I wouldn't dare change the order.
Refn calls this his 13 hour movie and even premiered 2 episodes from the middle, skipping over the first 2 and telling all that this could be viewed in and out of order. That's cute and all, but I see no reason to avoid digesting this journey in order, at least for the first viewing.
Ed Brubaker has not been mentioned enough, and I think that's because most reviewers are confined to film or tv. Ed Brubaker, The co-creator and writer for this is the creator of several incredible graphic novels. He's used to working in a format that offers more freedom in the construction of stories. Together Refn and Brubaker take advantage of that and this is their result.
Miles Teller was excellent. I hated him, I felt for him, I hated myself for sympathizing or empathizing with his character. It was awesome that the art accomplished that, at least for me.
Take your time, chew slowly, make sure to swallow. If you're a Refn fan, you'll automatically love this. If you're not..I would start with Drive then jump right into Neon Demon before deciding whether this journey is for you. Valhalla and Only God Forgives will test your patience and prepare you for the slow burn.
Changeland (2019)
Just what I'd expect from one of my favorite (and very underrated) people.
From beginning to end, the film hits all the right notes, without lingering too long in any one place. There's predictable moments and classic tropes, but it also defies and breaks those barriers, carving its own path. One moment you'll be sure of what is going to happen next and it may or it won't and that can be a pleasant surprise.
For those who are on the fence, and not diehard fans of the people involved...I'm sure this will eventually be available on Netflix or Prime. Go ahead and wait, limit your expectations and investment before proceeding.
For everyone else, this film is exactly what you'd expect it to be. The length is short and sweet (by today's standards), but you'll appreciate the ride.
I imagine the poor reviews came from those who were focused on aspects they felt were important and didn't get the resolution they wanted. For those people, you missed the point. Green was my purposeful in what was shown and what wasn't.
I personally was happy with the acting. It was a little obvious to me that Culkin wanted his Bunny Ears in the film, but when that's the extend of "product placement," I have 0 complaints. I'll take that over BMWs and Apple products any day of the week, but that's me.
Tried to keep this spoiler free, so I'll just shut up and let you watch the movie.
How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) (2019)
Smart & Funny
This show almost mirrors The Social Network in terms of setup and structure and it works. Protagonist loses girl. Protagonist gains motivation to push himself harder than ever before, from losing the girl. Protagonist is on a mission to climb to the top, without any worrying about hurting those around him, all for his own selfish gain.
There's a lot of META humor within the show. Very clever writing, but there still exist moments within the story where you'll think, "well that's convenient."
As others have pointed out, this show definitely borrows from Breaking Bad. Protagonist continues to make decisions for his own self lush gains, without concern for those around him. I honestly cant wait to see how far our Protagonist will go. Oh and instead of the Protagnist having terminal cancer and being given a time left to live, it's the Protagonist friend who is dying and sick.