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FracturedPrism
Reviews
Black Mirror: Beyond the Sea (2023)
Predictable
Maybe it's the years of watching Black Mirror that have caused us all to cease being surprised by a lot of the newer episodes. Maybe it's because we've collectively experienced a pandemic now, so we're perhaps a bit jaded and certainly all too familiar with the kinds of choices humans can be pushed to take under duress. Either way, to me, this episode (and the last) felt disappointingly obvious once it got going.
In my head, five of the six stars I've given for this episode belong to Aaron Paul, who is an absolute phenomenon in this role. One goes to Kate Mara, who seems to often play hard-to-read or under-emotional characters, which works well here - the subtlety in the shifts of her facial expressions when her character attempts to hide her true emotional reactions or suddenly finds herself struggling with her own feelings is definitely worth watching and so well done, as are the moments when she's allowed to let loose.
As an elder millennial, I was so startled to see Josh Hartnett's eyes wide open at the beginning I had to take pause - literally. But don't worry fellow elders, because the classic, squinting, hurt, misunderstood 90's heartthrob we all knew (and perhaps loved) comes back to us soon enough.
The technological idea here is neat, but as others have pointed out, the way the technology is used generates some pretty big questions that certainly feel like plot holes.
I was disappointed by the ending for a number of reasons, which are difficult to elaborate on without including spoilers, but I'll simply say it didn't feel like the type of shiver-inducing, thought-provoking fare Black Mirror is known and loved for. However, if you're in the mood for something dark you haven't seen before, and you want to watch some truly great acting from Aaron Paul, and you're okay with not every Black Mirror episode being comparable to the best of the best they've done throughout the years - go ahead and give it a watch.
Shrinking (2023)
Almost perfectly imperfect
This show has a whole lot of heart. I should've known Brett Goldstein was involved! Moving, sometimes irreverent, messy, and real - at times you'll be moved to tears or laughter (and on occasion perhaps an amused state of "Did they really just do/say that?"). I gave it 9 stars originally, but took one off at the very very end for the abrupt change in tone and imo unnecessary plot push, obviously in hopes of a season two (yikes on bikes if that's how they decided to move forward with a second season though - talk about a mood shift for what could otherwise easily become a comfort show for many)
Bob's Burgers: Sexy Dance Fighting (2011)
Cap-oh-AY-ra
It's a great and fun episode! Classic Tina and Bob moments for sure. But I do wish they'd hired a Brazilian actor for the role of Jairo, or at least taught the performer how to correctly pronounce the word "Capoeira"
Apparently I didn't write enough characters for this review, so hey y'all. Hope you're having a great day watching the Belchers! Stay hydrated, reach out to old friends, get some rest, do something that makes you feel joy, and never forget to love yourself loudly and proudly.
You are without equal in the universe, and you better remember and act like it! There is always something to love <3.