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Showing posts with the label Author: Mathew

Sex Education

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Mathew) This show definitely isn't for everyone because it is very sex positive and has quite a few nude scenes and other shocking content, but I want to believe that it has something for everyone just because of how inclusive it is. You'll be hard pressed to find a type of relationship that isn't represented within the community surrounding Moordale; and the show's ability to explore those relationships in realistic, relatable, and touching ways made me feel like a better person after watching it (keeping in mind it's a comedy!). There is a slight decline in quality starting in S3 that continues into S4 but only in the way that highlights how great the show starts off. Seasons 1&2 are easy 10/10s before a couple of points of decline follow. Also featuring the best casting for father and son. Had to Google it and still didn't believe they aren't actually related. You'll know it when you see it.

Ready Player One

⭐ 0.5/10 (Originally written by Mathew) I fell asleep about halfway through but holy shit what a dumpster fire of an adaptation. I can't stress enough how painful this was.

Ready Player One

⭐ 4.0/10 (Originally written by Mathew) Intriguing story and interesting setting, but what an insufferable main character poorly supported by an author that doesn't seem to understand proper human interaction or "show, not tell" when it comes to references. Just felt like the entire book was a big, "look how nerdy I am" from the author to get cred from... somebody?

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Mathew) An easy 10/10. A unique romantic comedy with a killer cast in beautiful Hawai'i. A classic that Jill and I have watched since the early days of our relationship. Special shoutout to Paul Rudd for the largest number of memorable one-liners, but this movie is full of them. "Oh, the weather outside is weather..."

Midnights (3am Edition)

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Mathew) I'm just happy this makes Beans happy. The music is also nice to listen to in my ears. Lost 0.5 stars for not being 1989 (Deluxe Edition).

Bo Burnham: Make Happy

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Mathew) This is difficult to watch without the lense of knowing he was about to stop doing live comedy indefinitely because of the anxiety he was experiencing on-stage. You can see the struggle he's experiencing up there, but he still puts on a terrific show. Great social commentary in a hilarious way with some classic tunes I go back to regularly. This is the beginning of Bo's introspective phase that comes to a glorious climax in Inside.

Bo Burnham: what.

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by Mathew) 'Tis the season, I suppose. With Inside being solidly stuck inside my head I thought I'd go back and watch Bo's earliest Netflix special. I'll admit, the first time I watched this I turned it off after a few minutes and felt disappointment. I can't say this special ever spoke to me like Bo's other work but I do appreciate what he accomplishes with it. He looks at comedy in a very different way than any other comedian and it can often be uncomfortable while still being funny. what. feels like a transition period for Bo; His work before and after are this very different from each other and I enjoy them both more than this.

Bo Burnham: Inside

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Mathew) We watched this last night and are most of the way through watching it again tonight. I've been following Bo since Bo Fo' Sho', so when he was 17 and I was 14. This special allowed me to share his highs and lows of the last year in such incredibly intimate ways. It was difficult to see someone I relate to and have so much respect for struggle so much, although I wasn't surprised to see how far the depths of his mental health struggle went, considering his past comedy and history. Jill keeps pulling up the special and playing songs from it; they're unbelievably catchy. I think he really captured the feeling that a lot of people felt throughout Covid, especially people that have felt very alone. If you watch it (you should) be prepared for an emotional ride. I've felt like this entire review has been a ramble since I really can't properly put into words how this special made me feel.

Made For Love (2021)

⭐ 7.5/10 (Originally written by Mathew) I have a hard time giving this show a number rating. It felt like nothing I've watched before. Great performances by Ray Romano and his companion. The show isn't trying to be subtle at all with their message and it works. Big tech goes too far paired with physiological domestic abuse. Love this as a miniseries. Easy to get through with a solid (planned) ending. Give this a watch if you're looking for something to do for an evening. Jill cried at the end.

3rd Rock from the Sun

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Mathew) The 90s had a lot of weird sitcoms, but none more weird than 3rd Rock. A bunch of aliens sent on a mission to earth and have to live as a regular family? Yes please. The premise alone really turns the whole sitcom genre on its head because they can play with the tropes in a unique way. John Lithgow and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are the obvious great cast draws, but French Stewart, Kristen Johnson, and Jane Curtain round out the cast in their own hilarious ways. This is the perfect show to have on if you need something light and easy to watch. From the creators and writers of That 70s Show as well. Give it a try!

Prey (2017)

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Mathew) I went in with no knowledge or expectations which is definitely the right way to go into this game. I don't normally care too much for space and aliens but holy moley did this game click for me. Not quite open world but lots of exploration. The combat was well implemented and didn't get tiring, and there are often different ways to achieve your goals. Most importantly, it isn't often that the choices in games actually feel like they have an impact on your experience but I often had to stop and think about the decisions I had to make because they WERE going to have an impact on what happened in the rest of the story. It's easy to see why this game was nominated for/won awards for its storytelling. Can't give it a perfect score because I spent way too much time in the hacking screen.

Schitt's Creek (Seasons 1-6)

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Mathew) They really nailed it. This show is simple with a zany cast and it just works. The relationships built feel real and make the town a living, breathing place. It's clear this is a labour of love and that the Levy family loves working with each other. Looking forward to rewatching this in a year.

Palm Springs

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Mathew) This movie really hit home for some reason. Both Jill and I loved it. It doesn't have a ton of depth but it's very heartfelt and I felt the magic numerous times. Only complaint is that I wish we saw more in the middle to flesh out relationships more but this is a great movie to watch if you're just looking for something easy, funny, but not awful. Highly recommend.

Mean Girls (2004)

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Mathew) This is such an iconic film and definitely Tina Fey's best writing and creative work. Jill used to watch this every night to fall asleep in high school so we've seen it probably a few hundred times. It held up then and it holds up now. I put it up there with School of Rock as early 2000s movies that will stay relevant for a long time. It is such a farce of the high school experience for young women but it also really nails it. It's a genuine story told by an outsider that gets sucked into the wild world of Spring Flings, wearing pink on Wednesdays, and "Fetch". It feels strange to give a 10/10 to a movie when there are other 10s I enjoy more (and probably some 9s), but I can't think of any faults. Where else can I hear "Mathlete Rap" written by Tina Fey? You go Glen Coco!

Stand By Me (1986)

⭐ 7.5/10 (Originally written by Mathew) This film is a classic 1980s preteen friends adventure find yourself story, starring Corey Feldman from that other 1980s preteen friends adventure find yourself story, as well as Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Jerry O'Connell, and a young and tough Kiefer Sutherland. Corey Feldman's performance was A1, truly nailed his role. But all 4 of the main cast did. I feel like I don't have much to say about it but it moved me multiple times, made me yearn for the good old days I wasn't even alive to see. It was engaging and enjoyable, but I don't think I'd watch it again. Maybe with someone who hasn't seen it yet.

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Mathew) What. a. ride. Like all media made by Sacha Baron Cohen, one really needs to have a good understanding of who he is and what he's trying to accomplish with his work, and Borat 2 is no exception. There will be moments where you will straight up not be having a good time, but they are almost always important to moving the story forward. This movie is equal parts offensive, American political commentary, and heartwarming father/daughter tale. This moviefilm, in typical Baron Cohen fashion, often exposes the ugly and honest side of American culture, sometimes even the horrific parts of important elected officials. Jill made the good point that she hopes film and media like this scares these people, especially the high profile ones. There's no room for bigotry and hate in the world, and exposing people the way Sacha Baron Cohen sneakily (yet honestly) does, both as Borat and as many of his other personas, denies the certainty of a safe space f...

The Duchess

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Mathew) Katherine Ryan, one of my favourite British comedians (born and raised in Sarnia, ON!), created and starred in this miniseries, a story loosely based on the close (and often inappropriate) relationship with her young daughter as they make on their own in the world. Supporting cast knocked it out of the park, especially the actress playing her daughter.

Love is Blind

⭐ 1.0/10 (Originally written by Mathew) After this experience Jill isn't allowed to turn on reality TV anymore. Literally the worst content but they have the formula figured out to keep your stupid eyes on the stupid screen. I didn't care about any of the people falling in love (or did they???) but we managed to watch the entire thing. I finish today a worse person than when I woke up this morning. Would not recommend.

Zombieland 2: Double Tap

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Mathew) Really great movie that maintains the quality from #1. A+ casting.

The Last of Person to Play The Last of Us

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Mathew) Truly a masterpiece that exemplifies video games as an art form. Beautiful narrative, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay. I don't feel like I'm ready to leave it yet.