The Acolyte - Star Wars series

 

I know this show took a lot of heat from Star Wars fans and from non-fans too. 

I liked it. Amandla Stenberg was great and a joy to watch through the 8 episodes. I liked that the show felt like a murder mystery who-done-it but with a Star Wars theme. I had fun trying to figure out who done it too.

I was blown away by Manny Jacinto. The last time I saw him was as Jason on The Good Place...this is VERY different from that role and he handled it perfectly. 

I like what to me felt like a different view of the Jedi, since I am not 100% invested in Star Wars overall, this view may hit a nerve with some fans. I figured it was just a story and they set it in a Star Wars theme. I will say that it did seem to run out of steam as it was going along. But at the same time I really wanted to know what was going to happen. 

We hadn't planned to watch it episodically, we thought we would wait and binge but then we started it before it was done and had to watch each Tuesday/Wednesday to see what happened. So to me, it can't be that bad. Would I watch it again? Probably not, unless I needed that information or memory jog for a second season or to tie to another show. 

I think if you watch it as a Star Wars murder mystery and don't worry about how it fits or doesn't into your story line of Star Wars, I think you might enjoy it. Again Manny Jacinto was crazy good, emphasis on crazy ;)

Was it perfect? No. Was it terrible? No. 

3 paws

Obi-Wan Kenobi - mini series

There is one main reason I wanted to post about this fantastic show.

Vivien Lyra Blair!!

She portrays 10 year old Princess Leia Organa and I would almost swear she is Carrie Fisher reincarnated! I 100% believe she will grow up to be Carrie Fisher's Leia. In fact, as we watched the last episode I kept crying because it made me miss Carrie Fisher so much.

Vivien is a key piece of this series and she holds her own so perfectly alongside such incredible actors: Ewan McGregor, Moses Ingram, Hayden Christensen, Jimmy Smits, Joel Edgerton and so many more.

I guarantee I missed a ton of great inside pieces in this show that linked to the movies, etc but it stood on its own to me even without knowing all the ins and outs. I did ask Brainwise a few questions to keep me on the right page though.

If you are a Star Wars fan, this is a must see. If you just a casual Star Wars fan, I still say this is a must see. It is well put together and it fills in some gaps and provides us the most perfect 10 year old Leia.

4 paws

The Marvels - Disney +

 

Three incredible actresses portraying three incredible characters. I absolutely loved all the scenes between the three leads. I hope they had as much fun together as it looked like in the film.

I loved how the movie fit into the timeline and it was good to see enough exposition to know what was going on for each character. 

I definitely loved the fangirling Ms. Marvel did over Captain Marvel. It was so real and true to her character and also felt like she was us in the movie. What a joy Iman Vellani is in the movie and from her own series. 

I was also thrilled to see Goose again  I loved how integral the cat was to this story 😉 Quite the clever storyline and use of the adorable cat.

There was really only one major part of the movie I didn’t like and it definitely didn’t seem to fit but overall I enjoyed the story. I’d love to see more of The Marvels working together in future movies. The three women were just amazing together. 

3 paws

Christmas Movies 2023 Part 1

Dashing Through The Snow - Disney +

Ludacris in a Christmas movie?? Yes, please. He is a joy in this role. I absolutely loved everything about what he brought to this role. He was a great Dad, wonderful social worker, and hilarious all around.

Madison Skye Validum, as the daughter Charlotte, was splendid and radiant. She just oozed happy and I would love to spend a day with her just to feel her joyous personality. She is an excellent actress too and brought everything needed to make her role believable and enjoyable.

Lil Red Howery was the incredible Nick, whose wardrobe was incredible. He was perfection in this role and think he got completely lost in the role as I had a hard time deciphering/rectifying who he was under the gorgeous robe.

I highly recommend this joyful movie that helps us all believe just little more in the goodness of this world and the magic we can find if we just look.

3 paws

Family Switch - Netflix

Jennifer Gardner and Ed Helms were hilarious and perfect in this movie. Emma Myers and Brady Noon were wonderful as their children in this movie. Except for one too over the top scene (and many might say there is more than just one), I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

Light and heavy all at once. A clever switcheroo that seriously looked so much fun to film. I can't imagine how much laughing there must have been on the set.

And even though you can figure the story out, it doesn't detract from the fun and the laughter that will be found during the movie. There is also an excellent rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town!!

3 paws

Merry Little Batman - Amazon Prime

Cute, funny, clever, fun and perfect for any DC or Batman fan.

I especially loved the change in animation for part of the story. It was perfect for conveying what was happening and definitely made me watch even more intently. 

There are a few scenes that could have been shorter but overall it was a fun and very different Christmas show. 

2 paws

Secret Invasion - Disney Plus

 

I love Samuel L Jackson and I love Nick Fury so I was very happy he had his own story to tell but this series could have been much much better. I don't even know if I know exactly what was the issue. It was definitely too quiet, slow and it definitely doesn't stand alone... not that it should.

It is shows like this that I am glad I don't try to tell the story in my post. I just state if I liked it and if you should watch it. I definitely could not easily describe what we watched and I would not watch this again but you should watch it if you are a Marvel fan and if you plan to watch more Marvel Universe. I am sure we will need this series to help with the upcoming The Marvels and who knows what else.

It is only 6 episodes, so it doesn't overly torture the watcher and on the good side there is lots of information about Nick Fury that, at least, I didn't know.

2 paws

American Born Chinese

 

Disney Plus

What a purely amazing and excellent series. I wanted to watch this from the moment I knew it existed. I did not know there was source material but once I knew that, I was even more intrigued.

I loved it! Each character and actor was perfect, I want to be their friends. 

I loved the family, the comics, the friends, the story, the filming, simply everything. I recommend this 1000000%. I believe there will be a second season, I will be there to watch it first thing. 

I absolutely loved the 2 main male characters. They played their roles to perfection. I was blown away by how much they portrayed real teenagers and all that it entails but also while portraying other roles that make up the story. I would love to go to their school.

4 paws

Tales of the Jedi

 

Animated shorts on Disney +

I am sure for deep dive Star Wars fans these would be met with joy. I however would say I made it through them. I didn't hate them, I didn't love them. 

One of my main issues was the animation itself. It was odd to my eyes and brain. I wouldn't say it was bad animation just odd.

I also had a hard time placing the people in the shorts. Meaning I didn't know who they were without looking up the cast and even if the short told me the people, I didn't know the timeline for where it all fit. So as I said earlier deep dive fans probably got a lot out of these, I had a harder time with them.

2 paws for me but 4 paws for fans

Andor (Star Wars)

 

I had heard great things about this show and although I worried I wouldn't be able to follow along, it couldn't be further from the truth.

Espionage filled, thrilling, excellent writing, amazing cinematography, great story and no need to worry about knowing Star Wars or not for the most part. Just sit back especially after the first 2 episodes that were a little slower than the others and let the story take you on a ride.

Every one was excellent in their roles. I love how everything comes together as you watch, even things you think don't mean anything, suddenly come to light an episode or 2 later. I feel like I have said that many times about Star Wars shows but I guess if it works, why change it :)

I'm sure if you are a Star Wars fan and know lots of the history, etc, this show might even be better for you but I liked that I was able to enjoy it and not miss out on things because I might not remember the history or some of the people.

There is going to be a second season and I am very curious what that will bring about for the show.

4 paws

Free Guy

 

Third of three movies of our Memorial Day Weekend.

And the BEST of the bunch! I mean this movie was hilarious, clever and amazing!!!

Ryan Reynolds is always a favorite and this movie was perfect for him or he was perfect for the movie, either way, he and the movie were perfection. 

Jodie Comer was amazing too. She had a huge role and she was incredible. I also loved the extra that you can watch about the making of her character - very interesting and insightful.

We laughed soooo much during this movie. We rewound at times because either we missed things from laughing or we just wanted to laugh all over again.

I can't believe we weren't spoiled at all on anything and I certainly won't spoil anything here but let's just say there was a great scene for Marvel lovers.

If you love video games, this is a must watch. I don't know much about the video game world but that did not hinder my viewing and loving of this movie. I can only imagine how much more can be seen and taken from this movie if you do know video games.

I can't wait to watch this again.

4 paws and a tail

 

Antman and Wasp: Quantumania

 

Second of three movies of our Memorial Day Weekend.

Much better than Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Paul Rudd is one of my favorites and he continues this love here. 

I love that his daughter is older now and a main character in the movie. She is funny and and excellent addition to the cast and story. 

Michelle Pfeiffer and Michael Douglas were excellent and I loved their story. It was great to see them in action, literally. It was good to get some background on Janet Van Dyne's time in the Quantum Realm. 

It was also great to see Katy O'Brian, who we love on many other shows, get a large and critical role in the movie as Jentorra. 

If you want a high action, fast paced movie, this is for you. And if you are a completist of Marvel movies, this is a must watch. 

3 paws

 

The Mandalorian - Season 3

 

By far one of my favorite shows of all time. I adore everything about this show: the characters, the stories, the music, the visuals. I don’t even know what else I can say to state how much I love this show. 

I laugh, I cry, I yell, I scream and I just coo all over for Grogu. 

I love how even the smallest parts of the episode mean something and ties things together, even things that may not have been shown yet. When you think “why are we seeing this now?” You realize an episode or so later “ooohhh that’s why.” It’s the long game sometimes when watching and I’m here for it. 

Katee Sackhoff is perfect as Bo-Katan and as much as I love Giancarlo Esposito I am so over Moff Gideon. Lol 

4 paws 

Black Panther - Wakanda Forever

 Dangrdafne review

What a wonderful tribute to Chadwick Boseman. So many tears. It truly was a wonderful story that included the loss of Chadwick and made it all work. I truly hope that the ceremony in the movie helped the actors deal with the loss. I felt that it helped me and felt that it allowed the public to be a part of the funeral.

I absolutely adored all the woman power in this movie. During the scene on the bridge I even said "there are three women of color as the main heroes in this movie!" I was blown away by the action and their stories. The actresses are excellent at their jobs and I am grateful for their portrayal of these incredible superheroes.

The costuming for this movie was beyond spectacular. Angel Bassett's outfits were out of this world beautiful and added even more to her beauty. I want to cosplay every outfit she wore. The white ceremony outfits were also simply beautiful and angelic. It was pure glorious beauty on the screen. I hope the costumers win the Academy Award for this movie.

I loved the music in this movie too. I feel like I don't recall lyrics in past Marvel movies, but I could just be misremembering, but each song really fit into the scenes and I definitely will seek out the soundtrack for this movie. I was a little thrown by the new Panther music but it does work very well. I do miss the tribal sound that was in the first movie but I understand why it wouldn't be in this one without Chadwick.

Namor was well done and the special effects for him were seamless and I was very impressed with how realistic he was. I did mention during the one underwater scene that even though I liked Aquaman, that this was the Aquaman movie that one was trying to be ;) Again I have no history with any of these characters, so I had no issues as some do and I liked the story and the portrayals.

I am grateful that some how I was not spoiled on anything in this movie and I will not spoil anything here now. I did figure out one thing while the movie progressed but I am ok with that. It is best if you can just watch and let everything unfold. I think it was an excellent story, told very well.

I do definitely wish we saw this movie in the theater, as I think it would have been all encompassing and hit even harder for the action but I am also so glad I was at home to cry throughout this movie.

Another excellent addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

4 paws

She Hulk: Attorney at Law Season 1

 Dangrdafne review:

I have never read anything with She Hulk and I don't know anything about her. I do love Tatiana Maslany though and she is perfect in this role. She perfectly portrays both Jennifer Walters and She Hulk. I am also a fan of Ginger Gonzaga from her other roles and I think she is wonderful as Nikki Ramos. And of course Mark Ruffalo is wonderful.

I did have to ask some questions of Brainwise while we watched and he added lots of back story and context that helped me with the series. He even pointed out some really, really good "Easter eggs" that weren't so hidden but I didn't catch them but appreciated them once I was made aware. Some I missed due to lack of knowledge and some I missed due to lack of memory from the other series that tie into this one. The length of time between the series and the other stories it was pulling from for the Easter Eggs was waaaay too long for my memory but when I was reminded of the connection, I was impressed and jealous of those who got to enjoy it in real time :)

The music in each episode is perfectly picked and always adds to the story. I will be on the lookout for a soundtrack.

I definitely had a hard time watching the horrific treatment of the woman characters in the show but that is the point. It just makes me so sad and that did hinder me being able to fully engage with the show and to fully enjoy it. And then reading some of the social media posts about the show made me even sadder and sick to my stomach. It is quite amazing how many males hate females or anyone that isn't male.

3 paws

Lightyear

 Dangrdafne review

I was really looking forward to watching Lightyear. I love the Toy Story movies (although truth be told we still have not see #4). I always thought my toys were alive and would do things when I wasn't looking. So the movies always fed my childhood dreams.

I like this clever take on an origin story for Buzz Lightyear. Seems very meta or something. I definitely enjoyed reading all the trivia on IMDB after the movie. Pixar loves their hidden "Mickeys". 

If you enjoy Toy Story or Pixar I recommend this movie. My absolute favorite part of the movie was Sox, the cat. Like Goose in Captain Marvel, he is a critical part of the movie. I also just think he is soooo adorable and hilarious.

I wish I hadn't read some of the reviews of this movie though. I don't understand why people just can't watch a simple animated movie and enjoy it. Not every movie will be award worthy or perfect. Anyway, I enjoyed the movie overall and I am glad we watched. Moreso than our last one, Thor: Love and Thunder. 

The movie is funny, heartwarming, clever and fun.

3 paws

Thor: Love and Thunder

 Dangrdafne review

I was really looking forward to this movie the other night. I had heard some not good things but I try to not let it get to me and form my own opinion. Well, after watching it ... I wasn't thrilled with it and I am sad for that. 

I think the first two thirds of the movie was meh and the last third was good and more like the Thor movies I like. It all just felt a little frenetic, thrown together and it spent more time on trying to get ideas into the movie rather than things that served the story.

I don't mind a humorous Thor but it has to work for the story and most of the humor just didn't work for me this time. Something was off. I also felt like some information was missing. How did God Killer figure out his end game? Brainwise filled in how it might have happened but it certainly was not in the movie.

The music was awesome! Guns N Roses used to perfection.

My biggest question is ... why Russell Crowe? Oh my that casting just did NOT work for me and what was up with the accent. I just didn't get it or understand. 

I'm grateful that the movie was only 2 hours long but honestly they should have made it longer and filled in the missing information... and removed some questionable humor. 

 The death and love themes saved this movie from being 1 paw from me.

2 paws

Encanto

 Dangrdafne review

What a glorious movie!

So lush, beautiful, happy, celebratory, deep, true to life and wonderful. 

I have recently admitted I’m not a huge animated Disney movie fan. This one bucks that trend. I bopped along with every song. I laugh, I cried, I cheered, I identified waaaay too much with these characters. 

Luisa’s song, Surface Pressure, may be one of my favorite Disney songs now. Just perfect! And a touch too true to life and on the nose for so many women and people overall. 

I highly recommend this movie to have a little Disney therapy and to dance and hum along for some great fun. 

4 paws 

Ms. Marvel

 Dangrdafne review

What a wonderful show! Diversity, culture, family, friendships, finding yourself, power, lessons to learn, history, healthy relationships, strong women, laughter, tears, and a comic book bought to life.

Excellent music and a great cast. Interesting story with lots of history and culture at the heart of it.

I do feel that they threw too much into 6 episodes and if you are new to the world, as I am, there are many things you don't understand and miss in each episode. Brainwise seemed to get a bit more from it as he has read the comics this is based on. Overall I think I followed along just fine and I don't think I missed anything crucial but I would say this show could have used 8 to 10 episodes and then they could have put in more detail and connections for those not in the know.

4 paws

The Book of Boba Fett

 Dangrdafne review

I truly love the world of this show and The Mandalorian. They are intrinsically tied together and they use each other well. Jon Favreau knows his way around this world and is a great story teller. He puts so much life into faceless characters and droids and makes you care for each character.

I will say I did not love this show as much as The Mandalorian BUT since I adored The Mandalorian more than I could have imagined, that leaves a lot of love to still be shared with Boba Fett :)

The story telling was verrrrry different and I had trouble sometimes remembering where we were in the time line but I had faith it would all shake out in the end and it certainly did and in retrospect I liked the way the story was told. I think if it were told traditionally it would have been too plain and boring for the story and would have been a disservice to the characters.

And of course, I don't think this is a spoiler and sorry if it is, I extra loved the episodes with The Mandalorian in them. I was grateful that I didn't have to wait for season 3 to see him again.

Ming-Na is incredible as Fennec Shand in this series and is a perfect match for Boba Fett. She is strong and powerful and a great leader. I believe I would still like the Fennec Shand character even without Ming-Na BUT it is definitely enhanced because of her. She just brings such power to her roles and I appreciate how hard she works to be true the characters.

Again the music was incredible. It was a whole other character in the show and I love everything about it. I love that the characters have their music and then how it is used in the episodes to enhance scenes and the story. I am in awe of the creativity and talent required to create the music and add it to each show.

I loved how much we laughed, cheered, yelled and cried, oh yes we cried... so much. I am 100% invested in this world, the characters, the music, the stories, and every aspect of these shows. Making family from non-related characters is my favorite and Boba Fett brings it all!!

I remember being in Star Wars Land in Disney World in Orlando FL in February 2020 for the first (and only) time and falling in love with it. I don't really know why overall but I just loved it. It was immersive and amazing and it played to all my senses. I get that same feeling watching The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. I am all in and I can't wait to see more.

4 paws and a tail

and an extra 4 paws and a tail for the episodes with The Mandalorian in them ;)

The Mandalorian - Season 2

You knew I wouldn’t/couldn’t wait to watch season two!

Everything I raved about in season one, stands true for season two. I.love.this.show.

The episode where we learn the Child’s name is just precious and stupendous. I could watch Mando and Grogu interact on the Razor Crest over and over.

I am still blown away with how I know exactly how the Mandalorian feels without ever seeing his face. The Tragedy episode was truly tragic and not in any way that I expected. 

I can’t believe I wasn’t spoiled too on a huge reveal in the last episode. And I was in heaven with one scene that included one of my favorite Star Wars characters of all the stories. Those who know me well might be spoiled now :)

I loved the addition of the other characters this season: Ashoka, Boba Fett, Bo Katan, continued Fennec, etc.  All perfectly cast and wonderfully portrayed. 

One of my favorite parts of this season was watching the women go off to fight and protect and the man go off to save the Child. Refreshing and so well done. 

I’m curious where season 3 will take us and I hope there is more Grogu. In the meantime,

This is the way … to the Book of Boba Fett … which I’m excited to watch now that I understand more about it from this series. And more Ming-Na, yes please!

4 paws plus a tail

The Mandalorian - Season One

I am in love 

The Child could get whatever it wants from me. Those eyes, the little hands, the ears, the cooing. I am simply in love.

And the show overall is absolutely incredible. Seriously just perfect to me. I love the music, the cinematography, the cast, the visual effects, the droids, the stories, the everything. I don't think there is anything I didn't like. Seriously, this was everything I love in a show. Perfectly put together.

I was completely invested in all the characters and their stories. I laughed, I cried, I yelled, I cheered. We watched the first 4 episodes one night and it made me sad that we had to stop and not watch them all. I was grateful we were able to watch the next 4 the next night. I don't think I could have waited longer. I had to know what else would happen.

I am in awe of Pedro Pascal as The Mandalorian in that we never see him but he sells everything about the character. It never bothered me that we didn't see him, in fact it added to my love of the series. 

I love the quietness of the series. I know that might sound odd but it was so easy to watch and easy to hear and follow. It was very much like an old western. I loved so many of the scenes during the episodes - the traditional Star Wars scenes of character outlines against a large scenic back drop. I loved that the music never overpowered the scenes and in most cases it felt like another character. 

Be sure to watch the credits each episode to see the concept art they show. It’s incredible! 

I also got bonus Ming-Na! This is the way.

I am ready to start Season 2!!

4 paws and a tail