I am pleased to announce that Aaliyah Harris has joined me to talk about the latest blockbuster, Avengers: Endgame!
Heads up, there will be MAJOR SPOILERS in this article. ***
0 Comments
Love, Death & Robots is an animated anthology series of flash fiction from Netflix (I mean that they are ultra short stories and not fan fiction stories about the Flash). How would I rank and review all 18 episodes? Like this: 18) Alternate HistoriesA fascinating and famous concept is tackled in a deliberately nonsensical fashion. The humour is also juvenile though the cameos of other historical figures and current celebrities is certifiably cool. 17) When the Yogurt Took OverA delightfully wacky concept is unsuccessfully implemented in this episode. The script is fantastically witty though. 16) Beyond the Aquila RiftThe character interactions aren't wholly believable in this episode though the ultimate reveal is unpredictable and horrifying despite the narrative frequently broadcasting that all isn't as it seems. The nudity is also a bit superfluous to the story though the lovemaking sequence does have a narrative purpose (even though it initially seems cynically tacked on). P.S. Thom's Catholic faith is evidenced by the totem he keeps though his belief isn't expanded upon. 15) Shape-ShiftersThis is a relatively straightforward story that is complimentary to such fantasy monster flicks as The League of Extraordinary Gentleman and Van Helsing; which is to say it's very entertaining without being particularly insightful. It does have a theme about prejudice but it's so broadly implemented that it's not particularly meaningful. The episode also contains stereotypical military bater though it's convincingly carried out by the actors. 14) Helping HandWithout sacrificing a spoiler, I can say that this is like a take on Gravity. The story isn't unique though the acting, visuals, and pacing are phenomenal. 13) The Secret WarThis narrative is conceptually and executionally middle-of-the-road. However, the episode is far from being artistically poor. The visuals are wonderful and I love the portrayal of Russians as people instead of vodka guzzling, women objectifying, or violence loving caricatures. 12) BlindspotIt's like a climactic action sequence out of a Jetix show (remember that program on Fox)? The episode is knowingly cheesy with fun action beats and with the added benefit of one-liners that would have plenty of company if it were spoken in the 1980s. 11) Lucky 13This episode's action beats are tropes yet Samara Wiley's acting is Emmy worthy. Actually, I'm not sure if the animators used motion capture for the role or if they just used her likeness along with her vocal talent; the animation appeared so realistic that my brain tricked me into believing that I was watching a live-action episode about halfway through the story. Anyways, the acting from Wiley was groundbreaking whether it was truly from her or simulated by the animators. 10) Sucker of SoulsThe retro 2-D animation is completely enrapturing with its winning blend of comic book and anime aesthetics. The "camera pans" and musical cues illicit genuine tension too while the interpretation of a mythological being is wickedly distinct (though the creature lacks certain necessary traits). Thus the redundant opening scene, whiplash swerve into gallows humour, and generic plot reveal aren't enough to derail the episode's effectiveness to entertain. 9) Three RobotsThe episode's charms are born from the characters' sitcom-like banter. Their interaction with a basketball is easily the story's outstanding segment while the plot twist is nonsensical yet amusing enough. 8) Zima BlueThe stylized animation of the people isn't my cup of coffee though it was executed beautifully. I enjoyed the messages against pretentiousness (I doubt that the episode is speaking against artistic innovation) and for enjoying the beauty of simplicity. The twist was also the best of the series since it is unlike any twist that I have ever seen. 7) Sonnie's EdgeThe gladiatorial smackdown is a symphony of imagination titillating creativity though the characters are one-note characterizations. The twists are gloriously surprising and empathic while remaining logical to the story though. 6) The DumpThis episode is engaging in its naturalism married to the fantastical and by its morbidly amusing tale-within-a-tale. On the surface, it's merely a purely adult take on Up's first act (after that montage) though its soul speaks about how homeless people are disregarded by society. 5) Ice AgeIt's like The Twilight Zone meets Night at the Museum. The episode isn't narratively or thematically complex yet it is mysterious and totally winsome. P.S. This is the only episode to feature live-action. 4) The WitnessThere are a few beautifully disorienting shots in this hypnotic blend of photorealistic and stylized animation. The narrative is meager and the characterizations are one dimensional though the theme of violence begetting violence is expertly implemented. P.S. I wish that the creators would have tied all of the nudity into the narrative's sense of purpose or linked it to a theme since it just comes off as gratuitous as is. However, I'm grateful that they depicted a character having a bush down under since contemporary Hollywood pushes a completely bald style. 3) Fish NightThe episode reveals itself to be one of the most visually stunning pieces of art in existence when the fantastical arrives. It's narratively skimpy yet its conceit is unique. The final stroke of the fantastical segment is disappointing though it's not nearly powerful enough to break the episode. 2) SuitsThe lighting contrasts are mesmerizing yet the deceptively effortless portrayal of camaraderie is what shoots this episode into the stratosphere. You also know the creative team are brilliant when a tragic moment in a 17 minute story slices your heart. 1) Good HuntingWow, this is a masterpiece! The deceptively simple animation is belied by its consistent elegance, as well as by its lack of distracting flourishes to mask what could have been a malnourished narrative. The empathy rich story includes real-world themes such as ethnocentrism, acculturation, imperialism, and female objectification.
The romantic chemistry between the male and female leads (Liang and Yan) is refreshing since it is all encompassing: it includes implicit sexual desire though it is devoid of lust (which is emphasized by Yan being innocently partially nude at times when talking to Liang) due to the characters' true love for one another. I love this episode. |
Archives
December 2022
Categories
All
|