jkuun96 Reviews

Arrival (II) (2016)

Overrated

[6/10 · 27 June 2020]

The movie is incredibly slow, especially the first hour. I also thought it was annoying how they kept trying to tease the aliens. The first few times they didn't show the alien ship, and the very first glimpse of the aliens lasted a split second. They did show them later, but I found this to be an annoying way to create suspense.

In the first half it is really just some linguist's ultimate dream: just deciphering an alien language.

Some of the deciphering bit is interesting, but not that much. There's only two noteworthy characters and our protagonist is moody throughout the film. And the scenery is always dark. All of this makes for a long winding movie.

That being said, the visuals are good. The ending with the plot twist was unexpected and interesting.

Lucifer (2016–2021)

Remarkable

[9/10 · 14 May 2019]

I went through the trouble of resetting my IMDb password to write this, so you know I mean this.

This show is really remarkable. All four seasons. But this review is only for Season 4. Let's get the basics out of the way: good acting, editing, plot, effects, etc.

What makes this show special is how it can be both "liberal" and yet not so. Yeah the devil is (at times) a guy who loves sex, even orgies, owns a bar with pole dancers, and drinks a lot. Eve, and even the demon Mazikeen, are both actually bisexual. And you see it. And yet, strange to say, it is a very tame show. I mean it has all that, yet there is not a single sex scene. Or a single nude scene (apart from showing his but in a hilarious way). There is no unnecessary swear words - when they are used (and it's rare) they are earned. The scenes where Eve or Mazikeen hint at or explicitly engage in kissing other women also do not feel forced as though this is part of some feminist agenda.

I also don't know whether this is a comedy or a drama. The earlier seasons were probably more of the former, but this one has a good mix of both. The messages it presents of forgiveness and improvement and loyalty is really great. As a Christian I am also surprised by how well it deals with Christian elements. Of course all of it is fictional and not meant to be serious discussions on the faith, but it's just relaxing to know that they do not go out of their way to critique it.

Lucifer, especially season 4, but in reality all seasons, change in almost every episode. He is constantly evolving. He is always interesting. And yet his core essence of being a confused but good man is the same.

There are just some thoughts. Whether you like sci fi or police shows, comedy or drama, Christianity or atheism, modern progressive elements or not, you will enjoy this show.

Love Surreal (2006 TV Movie)

Cute

[8/10 · 21 February 2019]

This is the type of film this romantic heart of mine likes. It's the type you can watch with your girlfriend. Not coarse, no swearing, no sex or nudity. It's not very original either. From the beginning you know how it will end. In that sense it is cliché, but I like these cliches.

The actors were very good and the supporting cast alright.

This is your stereotypical cliche but fun romantic movie.

And there's some message about growing up and accepting imperfection mixed in.

Aquaman (2018)

Good superhero movie

[8/10 · 22 December 2018]

Aquaman is the archetypal good superhero movie. It has fun (a lot of fun), comedy, a hero's quest, action (which is remarkably well done and different from the Marvel type), self-discovery and a touch of romance.

The downside is a somewhat predictable plot, but the joy is in the adventure rather than the story. Mamoa aces his character.

The underwater theme also gives this film a unique feel that you didn't get in any prior superhero movie.

And all of this comes from a guy who expected nothing and didn't really wish to even watch it. Go see it!

Loser (2000)

A decent movie with heart

[7/10 · 18 January 2018]

This is not some Hollywood blockbuster. What this is, is a movie with decent acting, interesting characters and good character development.

I've watched the movie for the fourth time in a year now, which has given me some time to think about it. Yes, those fake "friends" of the lead character are somewhat cringy and the ending about them is unnecessary. But that's the only negative aspect. For the rest of the movie you have a naive but smart girl, and a good guy in a bad world. By the end she let's go of her naivety and Paul gives up on trying to fit in and instead takes a moral stand. This quote from the movie sums it up well:

"It feels like this whole city is one big orgy and if you feel anything for anyone you are a chump".

The chemistry is good and full of heart. It's a good movie to watch if you just want something decent with a friend.

Paper Towns (2015)

Definitely worth the watch

[8/10 · 21 January 2016]

I'm a guy who likes cliché movies: boy meets girl, they fall in love and they live happily ever after.

Paper Towns is a different movie, yet still very familiar. It has great character development and an honestly interesting storyline, but you really have to commit to watching it: put away your phone and all your distractions and watch it.

The movie itself is excellent: acting, production, the chemistry between people, all of it great.

I do not want to spoil the ending, but I'll say this: the ending is both what you expect and what you hoped would not be. This will make sense after you watch it. It's not a bad ending, just a bit against what your heart wants it to be.