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No Time to Die (2021)
The Most Un-Bond James Bond Movie Ever
And I don't know how to feel about that. I'm a huge Bond fan, having seen every movie multiple times. My initial reaction after this one was disappointment. As a standalone JB picture I think it is quite weak. But as a final movie in a 5-movie character arc, it's probably fitting. If the intent was to show Bond as someone who evolved and changed, then they succeeded. But I don't know if I completely accept (or wanted) that arc. I guess I give them marks for taking Bond in a new direction, I'm just not sure it worked fully. To me, it seemed like the movie didn't quite know how to go about meshing these different elements, so it came across as disjointed. It also wanted to be a familiar Bond movie so they felt they needed to insert past elements like quips, but to me they were weak and seemed out of place with Craig's Bond. He's better with sarcasm than quips. The villain was also very weak and uninteresting. But it was the introduction of one particular story element that produces the biggest eyebrow raise. So after all that, why not a lower score? Because based on the intended character arc, I think this is the movie they had to make in order for that arc to work in their eyes (and it is a natural progression from Spectre). I just think they could have went about it somewhat differently (more subtle, less overt), but I get why they did it. There are some familiar elements to be sure, but just be open-minded, because this isn't your James Bond from Casino Royale (or even Skyfall).
Playing Cupid (2021)
Better than most
This one adds elements of real world situations that is much appreciated. Good lead actors. A step above the usual formula, for sure.
SEAL Team (2017)
This is one great show
This show doesn't get enough love IMO. If it was on a non-network streaming service it would have more of a "cool" factor and get more critical notice. You want action. Check. You want character development. Check. You want complex characters (who are sometimes unlikeable). Check. You want a show where the good guys aren't fool-proof and do sometimes make mistakes (often tragic). Check. You want stories that don't resolve in one tidy episode. Check. The focus is on the team but we do get to see their lives outside of their work, but without it being overly dramatic or slowing down the pacing. This is outstanding television. Spread the word.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Wonderful Conclusion
There is no arguing, there was a ton of pressure on this series finale. I was very entertained and most of the story lines resolved appropriately for me. I've seen all the Star Wars films and this one measures up very well. It may have placed entertainment ahead of story at times but this "felt" like a Star Wars movie to me, and there's nothing wrong with that. Let the new trilogy take risks and break new ground. This one had a job to do, and it did it well.