Author: ljablesnik

Movie Reviews

‘Wonder Woman’ – Beauty, Grace, True Heroism, the Whole Package?

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  In studio Warner Brothers’ haste to create their own linked comic-book superhero universe to rival Marvel, with iconic DC characters Superman, Batman, etc. in films like ‘Batman V. Superman’ and ‘Suicide Squad,’ they went for style over substance, visual excess over character build.  With the arrival of director Patty Jenkins’ stellar origin film, ‘Wonder… Continue reading ‘Wonder Woman’ – Beauty, Grace, True Heroism, the Whole Package?

Movie Reviews

‘Alien: Covenant’ – What Makes Ridley Scott and his Xenomorphs Tick?

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  The ‘Alien’ franchise may have been shepherded by director Ridley Scott way back in 1979, but it certainly has taken on a life of its’ own, complete with a complex fictional xeno-biological mythology.  Scott explored the universe of his original film through 2012’s prequel ‘Prometheus,’ prompting a decidedly divisive response from fans who weren’t… Continue reading ‘Alien: Covenant’ – What Makes Ridley Scott and his Xenomorphs Tick?

Movie Reviews

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ – More Kooky Fun and Surprising Pathos?

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Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ shocked movie audiences and comic book fans when it came out in August of 2014.  It was a film that flew its’ freak flag high, carving out a weird corner across the galaxy, away from the more grounded characters previously introduced in the MCU, but it all clicked.  Sporting a bright… Continue reading ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ – More Kooky Fun and Surprising Pathos?

Streaming Reviews

‘13 Reasons Why’ – Addictive and Exploitive, or Absorbing and Vital?

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The conceit fueling Netflix’s latest binge-worthy original program, ’13 Reasons Why,’ is an extremely challenging one.  Its’ exploration of the events that led to a teenage girl’s suicide could be construed as exploitation of a very serious subject, but since the series’ structure is so compelling and its’ content so wrenching, it succeeds on multiple… Continue reading ‘13 Reasons Why’ – Addictive and Exploitive, or Absorbing and Vital?

Movie Reviews

‘The Fate of the Furious’ – A Franchise Firing on all Cylinders or Running Out of Gas?

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In order to even begin to enjoy the “The Fast and the Furious” movie series, a healthy suspension of disbelief and willingness to put aside notions of logic are required.  The latest installment, ‘The Fate of the Furious,’ the 8th (?!) in a steady two-year release cycle starting in 2001, is no exception. The movie… Continue reading ‘The Fate of the Furious’ – A Franchise Firing on all Cylinders or Running Out of Gas?

Television Reviews

‘Legion’ – A Different Kind of X-Men Comic TV Show?

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The head-trippy FX series, ‘Legion,’ recently wrapped up its’ initial 8 episode run, amounting to the most interesting creative venture to come out of the 20th Century Fox / Marvel X-Men factory yet.  It’s probably no surprise that the mature audiences program is categorized by non-linear, visually and sonically arresting storytelling technique, since it comes… Continue reading ‘Legion’ – A Different Kind of X-Men Comic TV Show?

Movie Reviews

‘Ghost in the Shell’ – A Visual Feast Without Much Meat?

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  ‘Ghost in the Shell,’ the live action version of the popular 90’s anime and manga of the same name arrived in theaters last weekend, trailing with it some high expectations for adapting the source material and controversy around its’ casting choices.  The final verdict on the end product is that it basically leaves little… Continue reading ‘Ghost in the Shell’ – A Visual Feast Without Much Meat?