Reviews
Bad Sisters (2022)
Intense journey
Such a well thought out show! There's new discovery in each episode. Gets me hooked on the first episode. I like that each sister has their own interesting storyline. I particularly like Gerald! I can understand each of their motives. At the same time, I can see the struggle Thomas has. So I'm rooting for them both!
John Paul's so awful to look at. He's such a malicious person that I really wish he's unalive sooner! Makes me really uncomfortable.
It's also a bit exhausting to watch so many murder attempts failed. I get quite fatigue at that towards the end. Also makes me feel so bad and dislike Becka for accidentally Minna and causing a man to go blind. I wish she had to take some responsibility.
I think it's brilliant that Grace turns out to be the killer. However, I wish the story was a bit more sophisticated and planned forehand. Would have been interesting to watch Grace plan it all out. Now it feels a bit rush.
Fa yeung nin wah (2000)
I understand it now
I put off watching this movie for the longest time. It was so highly praised that I thought it was overrated. But I gave in and watched it just now and I kinda get why people would think that.
One could say the storyline is quite uneventful but damn I was so hooked. I really wanna find out if they end up together. And the scenes are subtle but very relatable. I totally feel for them when they're stuck in a room together. Such a creative take.
The cinematography and asethetic is also stunning. The actors gave such nuanced but powerful performance. I was so drawn in when she cried on his shoulder.
That being said, I really wish I had found out more about their relationship, how it ended and how they met their original partner.
Past Lives (2023)
Gentle intensity
I'm left feeling so many feels after the watch. I thought I would hate the white American husband but I just ended up feeling so touched when he waited on the porch to hug her while she cries on his shoulder. It was such a warm and gentle act of love.
I felt bad for Haesung cause he appeared likes her more than she does him. She rarely asks him questions. I like that they play around with the in Yun concept. It's comforting to think that it might just be one of their past lives that will lead them together in future lives eventually. But honestly I don't think they tried hard enough to make it work in this life time so it's probably meant to not work.
There are so many quiet but intense moments. Like the way he looks when he first saw her on facetime, and his facial expression when she said they shouldn't talk anymore. And when they stood next to each other waiting Uber (i thought they were gonna kiss). The silence and body language speaks so much. It just shows how great Haesung's acting is!
Plus I really love Arthur and Nora's pillow talk. It's such open and intimate conversation. A lovely representation of healthy communication on screen. It was so beautifully said.
Midsommar (2019)
Omg it's disturbing
My goddddd this one is something else. I really like that it feels like a normal movie at the start. The charater building and dynamic is very established. I had fun just watching them interacting as a group. Although I really would loved if the build up was a bit shorter. No suspicious stuff happen until the first hour in. And it's quite weird how they don't freak out that much when people jumped and are killed!? I get that they want their thesis done but it's just not enough to convince me why they wanna stay in this culty place. I wish them as a group have fought back and tried to figure out how to escape. Now it almost feels like they're taking whatever coming their way.
Hijack (2023)
Can't take my eyes off
So glad I found this show! It's one of the few times when I actually wait for the weekly release. I was so invested in wanting to know whether the hijackers could take over the plan!
I really like the first episodes where tension were high and more and more things uncover themselves. Each moment is intense and exciting. I'm not that big of a fan for the few episodes where Sam just start shyt every few seconds. He really got on my nerves so much. Idk why he could initiates so many troubles and no hijacker harmed him. I actually don't think his negotiation skills were that great. It'd be great if I can see more passengers actions and them starting something. Instead always Sam trying to be a hero.
Barbie (2023)
lighthearted and fun
I definitely enjoyed watching it. It was light hearted and fun. However, I do find the asethetic a bit too bright for the eyes. Ironic. I know. Just personal preference. Music too loud at times too.
I do like the message it gets across. It does make me think about the power imbalance of genders and possibly how all genders are oppressed under the patriarchy. It was pretty well done considering how many messages they need to delivers in such a short time. However, I do wish the story was a little bit deeper and that the twists and turns are a little less straight forward. Too much to ask? Maybe.
But I like it and feel more empowered after watching.
Elemental (2023)
Forced mediocre love story
I went in with really high expectation. But it turned out to be quite mediocre. I feel like immigrant parent's disappointment story has been told a million times. None of it is new and surprising. The love story between water and fire is a bit stretched. I wasn't really able to see how the strong bonding they had formed. It just feels lazy to force a love story in and throw in those over the top love declarations. This movie has got the conflict, escalation, resolve formula. But it's been done so many times before just in different background.
All that being said, I appreciate the idea of elements. And the universe and characters it created was cute and aesthetically pleasing. Especially the night view scenery. Although the form of water and fire seems a bit odd.
Conan O'Brien Can't Stop (2011)
Raw
I must preface it by saying I'm such a big fan of Conan. I mainly know this guy from all the remotes and podcasts he does. He comes off as someone really humble, kind and thoughtful. He also seems to treat his staff well.
Didn't think my impression of him would change so much after watching it. Understandly, he's not in a very good place after being fired from the show. I see how angry and frustrated it can make him. It just didn't sit right with me when he hit his staff (jokingly?) and was rude to them. And the part about Margaret Cho? Plus making the 60 minutes guy uncomfortable? Perhaps it's all a bit Idk. But it's really hard to watch at times. Tho I really wanna believe that he's in a much better places after the tour.
Selling Sunset: It's Not Worth It (2023)
Juicy but a lot of negativity
My heart felt so heavy watching it. As much as I like the drama and knowing what show I got myself into, I really do not like the group vibe in this season. Everyone seems to backstab each other and unwilling to let things go. I used to like Chrishell but it seems so out of character and rude for her to call Nicole a b-tch and accuse her of taking drugs. I guess I just wish she can own up to what she said and apologize to things said during high emotions. I hate to see Mary break down towards the end. I can imagine how high stress it was when people keep holding on to the drama and won't move on. I think that's why I'm so mentally drained binging it with all the tension built up. The show has this pattern of: drama happened, people bring it up a million times in different occasions, people are not happy with it being brought up.
That being said, I like that this season is less about the repetitive Christine drama. And Bre brings an interesting storyline in.
Fresh (2022)
wtf but yessss
I kinda had an idea in my head about where this kind of story is gonna go. But it totally tricked me! The first 20 minutes was so cute and romantic that it's not gonna be that bad. But sheet went down! I like the upbeat songs with some brutal meat cutting compliation. The contrast was fun and interesting. It's different from other movies on how the villains are portrayed. I'm constantly pleasantly pleased. Including how the wife actually was a part of this. And Noah has fellow victims who became her friend. As twisted and sad as the story is, it's a not too dark and keeps giving new materials. I'm glad they made it out alive. Molly is the real deal!
Despite it all, Sebestian is so hot in this I'm sorry. The cinematography, color and interior design of the house is ON POINT. Let's go!
Beef (2023)
Fking Masterpiece
This TV show is out of this world. The twists and turns are crazy. You can find all the genre in one single series: romance, horror, comedy, criminal. There are so many layers to the stories. Characters are presented in such raw and three dimensional way. You see their flaws but can relate to them as just a helpless human. I'm in awe at the writing, acting, cinematography and staging of it. I'm so hooked and invested from the jump and watched it in one go. This art is so powerful gives me such an intense emotional roller coaster. At the end, it really gets me thinking about the damage of anger and the beauty of connection. That being said, I still enjoyed the grumpy cynical aspect of the show.
The Bear (2022)
it's intense
I enjoy it for the most part. It's fast paced anf the cinematography is on point. The storyline seems genuine and the characters grew in very natural way. The struggles of management is very real and I can relate even tho I don't work in the kitchen.
Can I just say that this show is hectic!!! It gets so tense at times and you worry if they're gonna open, especially in ep7 when the delivery order kept coming in. And there's a lot of shouting and attitude, from Richie mostly. It makes it a bit uncomfortable to watch to be honest. And Sugar's acting is a bit pretentious.
Regardless, I do like the show and the people in it. They seem to grow to like each other. I hope they will start vibing in the next season.
Normal People (2020)
Drenched
I watched the first ep a while ago but it didn't really click for me. It was too slow and bland. But lately I revisited it and I'm absolutely drawn into this slow burn. I don't think I've ever felt that with any other shows. I just am so pulled into their every interaction, touch, eye contact. I get butterflies and all that. Honestly the storyline isn't the most exciting. But there's so much to watch and immerse in with just their facial expressions and body language. The space between them is breathtakingly intense but soft. I enjoy watching their dynamic so much.
I love Connell's vulnerability, sensitivity and thoughtfulness. My heart breaks when he cried. He's such a nice and warm guy!
I don't think i totally get Marianne's motivation behind certain actions, like when she get upset when Connell won't hit her. But she's such a kind soul for forgiving those ahole old school mates and hosting things for her uni friends. Its such a full circle and wholesome moment when Connell and Marianne showed up at the NY thing together being cozy. I absolutely can't Fing stand her mum and brother. They are monsters and I'm so happy when Connell threatened his brother.
Both actors did such a good job protraying their characters! They have totally convinced me that they are exactly their character and that they are in love.
I wish they ended up still in the same place and happily ever after but obviously I'm so happy they'll be where they both want. I love that it touched on how Marianne is content with a more low key stable lifestyle. I really resonated with that. And also Connell's feeling about being unhappy in the place you thought would be. And how we overly worry about the way people think of us and realise its not worth it. These little nuggets of truth hits me.
I haven't experienced any kind of love like this. And this TV show has really opened my eyes on what's possible. I know it might not be realistic blah blah blah. I just wish someone will prove me wrong.
Shrinking (2023)
Feel good series
I was really intrigued by the premise of the show cause I'm into mental health topics and am interested in the behind the scenes work of therapy. I was quite disappointed I wasn't quite able to get to know the inner workings of actual therapy. But I do really enjoy the storyline and seeing how the characters are supportive of each other. How self aware they are. And how Paul is so willing to right his wrong. I personally also adopt this 15 minute grief rule.
It's such a feel good comedy drama series. I like the light hearted and playful dynamic. I like the unusual romance of Paul and his doctor, and how he reunited with his daughter's family. However, I got quite bored in the later episodes. With the limited storyline revolving mainly on Jimmy's wife death and not much else, I feel like it could have been done in 5 episodes. Seeing how everything seems to fall into place in the finale, I wonder what is going to hold season 2 together anymore.
Fleabag (2016)
Second season did it for me
I was gonna give up in the first few episodes. It all felt a bit here and there and kinda intense. But then it got better. The scene that touched me was when she sat and talked with the loan guy. It's actually quite a beautiful thing seeing the characters softening up and opening up themselves to each other, like when she and Claire hugged. It's really powerful seeing the characters grow.
I'm such a fan of the second season. The chemistry between her and the priest is off the chart. I was rooting for them the whole time! I'm quite sad over the ending and how there won't be more seasons to come.
That being said, I'm not as crazy about their show as people have been. Tho I have to say it really touched me in a deep way. It also fills my cynical soul. I just find it a bit off putting how tense Claire is, how creepy the husband is and I really hate to see the stepmother.
Next in Fashion (2020)
Fun light hearted watch
Was a bit disappointed that there's only one season. Pleasantly surprised that there's actually one more season, after 3 years. It's overall a light hearted feel good watch. I grew to care about these contestants. Although sometimes the clothes that wow the judges aren't exactly my cup of tea (like the wedding dress). I'm so confused by how amari and her often poorly executed clothes got themselves into top 4!? Her bubbly personality can get old and annoying in the end.
Gigi Hadid is too well off and privileged for my taste. Tho I appreciate that she seems to care about the contestants. I also am quite turned off by how most guest judges are supermodels/influencers.
I really like the diversity in models in terms of ages and body size.
Bling Empire: New York (2023)
Light hearted, realistic and warm
Coming into this, I had pretty low expectations because I saw how the original LA version went downhill and turned into very dry drama on bullying a single cast memeber. BUT the NY version is so much better I have to say!
I really appreciate how Tina is being so open and vulnerable about her struggles with feeling lonely and not achieving much at her age. I also relate a lot to her fear of men. I also really like Blake being such a supportive sweetheart to everyone and his concern over settling down is also very real for Asians too. Dorothy has shown such a loving and supporting side of her too.
I just really enjoy seeing the mainly positive vibe on the show. Friends supporting friends. Compared to LA version, people like much more natural and authentic. Their struggles are more relatable. I care about these people more.
I can't stand Richard, Vika and Jett! Richard seems such a clout chasing. Vita very much lets her relationship define her and talk abojt people behind her back tho i like how she stops the proposal. Jett is simply a very mean person that sucks the energy out of the room.
The Whale (2022)
This movie made me happy to be alive
The movie is a masterpiece! I didn't even know I have these emotions within me. And I haven't felt such raw emotions in a long time. I'm glad I'm alive this time on earth to experience this.
It's a pretty plain setting. Everything happens in the house but there's zero boring second. It gets me hooked throughout. I was quite confused about how random some characters are, like the mission and pizza guy. And I didn't fully understand why Ellie was so mean and did what she did. I still didn't get a lot of it. But at the end, it all kinda makes sense, brought out the plot line and brings the message of how people care.
All the characters are so complex and that's what so great about the movie. I was so moved by Liz and his ex wife's selflessness, and how they managed to still care for Charlie despite his sometimes selfish act. It's so sad to watch Charlie's condition but I like how he sees the good in everyone. Instinctively, i didn't like the missionary and Ellie. They don't seem to care about Charlie for the right reason but it's understandable and I can see some good in them.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
Pretty average
It sounded like a typical light hearted Christmas movie and the pairing is refreshing so I gave it a go. It's pretty much what I expected. Occasional jokes. Too good to be true encounter. Beautiful scenery.
It's all fun and Christmasy. I quite like their chemistry. But the storyline is VERY predictable and I must have seen a similar plot somewhere. That being said, I teared up a few times towards the end. When Sierra said she never met anyone as good as him. Also when the guests thanked him for all the kind things he did.
Anyway, you should probably give it a go if you want a standard Christmas feel good movie.
Look Both Ways (2022)
You'll be fine either way
I love it! It can be a heavy topic but it's put in such a light hearted beautiful way. I like how it's very neutral about either universe. Not glamorizing or condemning her life with or without baby. Both lives are given equal value. It was such a moving moment when she went back to the same toilet and told herself that you'll be fine. She did turn out fine! I like how it shows when a person has the talent, she'll shine whenever she is.
Let's get to the bad part. It all seems too good to be true. It just seems like such a sugar coated version of life where one has supportive parents, friends, bf and a dream came true.
Spinster (2019)
Finally a movie that celebrates single women
I'm a lifelong single person. And I can't tell you how comforting it feels to see single women being celebrated in the big screen. I'm so sick of every movie all about finding someone.
This movie is really humorous and warm and just natural. Chelsea did a great job playing this sassy confident goofy person. I love that it doesn't hestitate to clap back at ridiculous single shaming. And thank God it didn't end with someone showing up and magically making everything better.
I had a great time watching this! Definitely hope that more and more films and movies will finally get on and realise that not everyone has to get paired up to be happy.
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022)
Appreciate her honesty and self awareness
I really enjoyed this and relate to her struggles a lot. It's amazing how we get to see the very real and vulnerable side of her. Some of the moments are really quite personal and she does come off quite mean/unlikable at times, but don't we all? I like how the documentary really progress and show the journey and ultimately how she managed to start her own initiative.
There are certain moments that's stuck with me, like how Craig said the way Selena felt not being good enough is the very things that makes her relatable. That helps me think about my purpose too. Also I appreciate how she realized how going to Kenya can be seen as a selfish thing.
Love Life: Epilogue (2021)
How come there's no Emily episode
Having watched the first season, I like how different this story is instead of just repeating the pattern of last season. I enjoyed seeing how race was being portrayed and discussed here. I like how the show keep it lighthearted and exciting but there's still some deep moments to think about.
However, I really would have liked it if they did an episode about Marcus and Emily. How they fell in love and got married. I feel that this story is really important to tell cause they spent 7 years together and it doesn't make much sense to me that this Mia person can just come along and screw things up for them. This show is also too heavily focused on Mia and how Marcus is so crazy about her. I find it very hard to like Mia. The not telling about having a boyfriend and cheating thing is such a turn off.
The Bling Ring (2022)
So exciting to show
I came into this having no background knowledge about this incident. And it instantly gets me hooked! I love how Nick is narrating this and how much details he gives.
But I feel like this documentary could have been much shorter. I don't think I need to know that more detail about Nick and Alexis upbringing. Especially Alexis and her family's part about manifestation and how she got into entertainment feels quite lengthy and unnecessary.
This documentary did quite a good job in recreating the scene and thrill of following the crime scene. But I would have loved it if Rachel and some other rubbers are interviewed too.
Selling the OC (2022)
Alex Hall and Polly make me sick
Team Jarvis and Rose all the way! And Gio fan as well. I'm really sick of Alex Hall for getting all the screen time and using it to gaslight and tear down other people while trying to act like she's better than the other. Polly as well is being so mean to Jarvis and Rose for no reason and said very immature things like calling Rose's pants ugly and saying Jarvis is lawyering her. She's clearly projecting her insecurity on them. Bondi is also disappointing! On one hand saying she's over the drama because of her mom and the next thing she's going off at Jarvis and Rose.
Their flirtatious interaction with Tyler is also so hard to watch! And I can believe that Tyler is so okay with it!?
I truly appreciate Rose and Jarvis for standing up for Kayla when they don't really have to. I'm so mad that Kayla didn't thank them for it and instead of cried and sided with Alex Hall.
Gio also seem a very reasonable and level headed person to me. I love how he talks about his wife and respects her so much. Such a contrast from Tyler's childish lack of boundary moves.
I wish the drama in future season can be based on something more solid than Jarvis and Rose bring bad energy.