agentmiky

Ryan Reynolds might truly be the Marvel messiah. In recent years, the quality of MCU projects has really wavered. So, HE just had to come onto the scene! Add to that the return of one of the most beloved and iconic characters in comic book history, Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman... and you’ve got half the success guaranteed right there! The third installment isn’t much about the story (but let’s be honest, Deadpool never really focused on that), but rather about breaking the fourth wall, a ton of effective quips, and, last but not least, the return of characters that we, the viewers, adore (especially appreciated was the bespectacled guy who pretty much kickstarted the entire Marvel universe back then). The chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman is unmatched. All of this is accompanied by a top-notch soundtrack and impressive action scenes (like the opening with NSYNC or the fight in the "infamous" Honda Odyssey). Yeah, I really enjoyed this. In the end, it’s a bit disappointing that the main villain failed to make an impact and felt incredibly dull. But I won’t let that spoil it. The new Deadpool gets an 8/10. P.S.

I’ve just finished one of the most acclaimed Netflix series of the year, and I have to say, I’m fairly satisfied, although I do have a few criticisms. First, I have to commend Richard Gadd. Playing the lead role in this crazy story about stalking (which he actually experienced :O), writing the script, and directing it is not something you often see (and he succeeded on all three fronts). That definitely deserves praise. But for me, the undisputed gem of the series is actress Jessica Gunning. She took on the role of the crazy and emotionally unstable stalker in such a way that my jaw almost dropped. So why am I not rating it higher? I often didn’t understand the decisions made by the main character, and at times, the pacing also stagnated. Still, it’s an interesting contribution to the genre. After all, this phenomenon, which is so widespread nowadays, deserves more discussion in broader circles. I’m giving it a solid 6.5/10.

Or how to ruin everything... That's how I would describe the final 4th season of Umbrella Academy. Yes, it disappointed me. Completely. After three seasons, you grow attached to all the characters, and then as a viewer, you're handed this ending? I don’t get it... Even the villains were weak compared to their predecessors (and that so-called new character? Laughable). But let’s talk about a few positives. A few storylines were well-executed (Number Five was by far the best this time around). Klaus was tragically underutilized again (it’s a shame they mishandled him so much in the last two seasons)... And Diego? They turned him into a thoroughly unlikable guy in every way. It really frustrates me. The creators botched the ending... A bit like GoT... Sigh. I’m giving it a 4/10.

The most anticipated film of the year has finally hit domestic and global screens. Since the first announcement, I've been following every update from the shoot. As more and more information about the new Alien began to surface, my expectations kept climbing higher and higher. After watching it, I can definitely say that Fede Alvarez did not disappoint. The return to the proven roots, namely the dense atmosphere of the first film, was almost spot on. Why almost? I was a bit disappointed that Alvarez relied heavily on fan service, with scenes we've seen in some form before. I had hoped for a few fresh ideas from his repertoire (the acid scene and the X-ray were certainly pleasing, but more would have been better). As for the characters, the main heroine Rain was surprising, but David Jonsson as the android was the standout for me. He handled his role excellently. Technically, I have no complaints. Audiovisually, the film kicks the ass of most of its sci-fi competitors (video game players might notice that Alvarez drew a lot of inspiration from "Alien Isolation"). And the story? There's nothing particularly innovative for us as viewers, but the ending did catch my attention. I didn't expect such an ending for Romulus, not even in my wildest dreams. That deserves a thumbs up. So, in conclusion, it is a technically excellent and atmospheric product with a brilliant final 20 minutes. However, I didn’t experience a real WOW effect while watching. Still, it is a more coherent genre film than Prometheus and Covenant combined, that’s for sure. I give it 7.5/10.

Doug Liman has disappointed me for the second time this year. Unfortunately. After a poorly executed remake of the 90s action classic Road House, he now tackles an action comedy that initially seemed like an intriguing project on paper. The cast, in particular, promised a quality viewing experience. But that script never materialized. I haven’t seen such a weak and ineffective film in a long time. The first third was bearable and even had moments that entertained me. But what happened in the second half left me stunned. It felt like the screenwriters had gone on strike and handed the script over to their little kids. I can’t otherwise explain the poor story and, in a word, the disastrous ending. I give it 3.5/10. P.S. It's a shame about Matt Damon and Casey Affleck... They really tried :(

HBO has once again excelled. It has combined a truly breathtaking true story from the end of the last century with the fresh setting of neon-lit Japan, where everything significant revolves around the workings of the Yakuza. I must say, the very first episode under Mann's direction hooked me completely. I just wanted more! The first season is indeed more of a setup, an introduction, but in the second season, everything goes completely off the rails. The characters become endearing, and the creators have made sure they are not one-dimensional, soulless figures (for me, Yakuza member Sato is probably the standout, though the main antagonist Tozawa also had his merits). The grand finale even includes some action. Technically, it’s a flawless piece of work... The real Jake Adelstein was indeed a brave young journalist. To take on one of the most notorious gangs in the world is truly remarkable. I recommend it. I give it 8/10.

Guy Ritchie once again relied on a tried-and-true formula: using the world from his four-year-old film The Gentlemen and turning it into a full-fledged TV series. And it worked! The Gentlemen leans on that distinct, sarcastic British humor we all know... all wrapped in Ritchie's typical style, which has little competition in the audiovisual realm. Moreover, the series boasts a top-notch cast, where I enjoyed every actor on screen, whether they played a main character or just a minor role for a few minutes. Story-wise, Ritchie also tries to work his magic. Some twists you can predict, sure... but at other times, you'll find yourself shaking your head in disbelief at how Ritchie, that old fox, has outsmarted you again. I'm genuinely looking forward to the second season. For me, it's a solid eight. 8/10

I had never heard of the real case of Reena Virk before. But while watching this series, I understood why the creators chose to adapt it. The acting, in particular, is incredibly powerful and has a strong emotional impact. The emotions work, the twists can shock you, and the final courtroom scene makes you reflect. So why not a higher rating? I was a bit disappointed that it turned into more of a social drama halfway through, at the expense of a classic detective story. However, the last two episodes thankfully balanced it back toward a solid crime drama. For me, it's a solid 6.5/10.

The prequel to the Game of Thrones series turned out surprisingly excellent. I was a bit worried about jumping 200 years back in the storyline, to characters I knew nothing about. But the final result hooked me in completely, and I'd be lying if I said otherwise. I really appreciated that the series didn't rely on excessive action but focused more on modest dialogues in enclosed settings. Watching the vast amount of intrigue and betrayal never gets old; I enjoyed it thoroughly. Of course, the visuals also offer a spectacular view. Paddy Considine absolutely shines as King Viserys Targaryen. Portraying a man slowly dying of leprosy with such finesse left me in awe (if he doesn't receive an award for this, I'll be genuinely surprised). The rest of the cast also delivers stellar performances (Daemon FTW!). As for the main plot, it builds up nicely, with the duel between the Targaryens and the Hightowers escalating to insane levels by the end. I'm looking forward to the second season; the ending was incredibly enticing. For me, it's an 8/10.

A Killer Paradox intrigued me with its premise, featuring a police officer on one side of the law versus a murderer on the other (who is also the main character). It's essentially a back-and-forth game of cat and mouse. However, the writers sometimes completely fail in their storytelling (so many unrealistic situations and glaring coincidences... that's unforgivable). Fortunately, the technical aspects of the series and the absolutely brilliant ending saved it, which was executed flawlessly (I was left with my mouth wide open during the final episode). The conclusion of the story itself made sense (the slight opening for a second season was appropriate). So, I might give a potential continuation a chance. The first season gets a 6.5/10. P.S. Woo-shik Choi in the lead role is unbeatable!