The Afterparty- Season 2

8/10

In season two of the Apple+ mystery/comedy, Aniq (played by Veep's Sam Richardson) and Zoe (Zoe Chao) are attending her sister's wedding at her rich fiancee's family home. The morning after the wedding groom Edgar (Silicon Valley's Zach Woods) is found murdered and bride Grace (Poppy Liu) is the main suspect. Aniq calls in Danner (Tiffany Haddish) to help solve the mystery.

Season two doesn't quite compare to the first one. The dialogue, plotting, characters, and editing aren't as sharp. Aniq, Danner, and Zoe's characters don't have quite the kick they used to. This season takes place at a fancy manor and the scenario isn't as visually interesting as that of a famous singer's modern fancy house with more emphasis on the party atmosphere.  This season looks more at the characters' past before the day of the murder, so there isn't as much of being able to compare how many people's views of the situation have differed. Plus, the finale feels a little rushed and not as strong as the last one.

But, that's all compared to the first season. Season 2 is still pretty funny. The writers are more ambitious with how each person's memory is done in a different film genre, and they go more high concept including such stuff as the cast in Jane Austen garb and talk. The mystery isn't as easy to solve as last time. Sure, they didn't make the clues too easy, but you could figure out who did it a few episodes in. Here, it takes a lot longer. All the mind movies work except for the first episode having Aniq doing another rom-com. (It suffers from Meet the Parents syndrome in that they are way, way too hard on Aniq.) Whereas Danner's solo episode last year was the weakest part, this one is quite good.

We've got great casting that's a who's who of experienced comedic actors. Most of them bring on the funny, but when it becomes time to be serious and emotional, a few of them land some excellent performances. Again, the show tends to lean into typecasting some of the actors. Once more Richard Jewel/I, Tonya/Black Bird's Paul Walter Hauser is cast as a well meaning awkward guy who isn't the smartest, Grace's ex-boyfriend Travis. But, it's PWH so of course he does a great job. Edgar is once again the socially awkward guy, but for a change of pace, this time he isn't the butt of the joke. His character is humorously odd but he's also rich and a very smart guy who's at the top of the heap (well, till the murder). Pen15's Anna Konkle as Edgar's sister is delightfully quirky and has some of the best delivery in the show, but unfortunately she isn't given that much screentime. The real MVP of this though is Big/Weeds' Elizabeth Perkins as Isabel, Edgar and Hanna's mother. She delivers a whirlwind of saltiness, waspish emotional distance, alcoholism, and possible nuttiness. 

Unfortunately, John Early isn't returning to as Detective Culp to assist Danner again. I'll miss the two characters' chemistry, but Aniq and Danner do also work well together.

Recommended. May not be exactly what one wanted as a follow-up to the first season, but it is a good time.

The Nun II

6.5/10

In this sequel, Sister Irene (played by American Horror Story's Taissa Farmiga) is tasked with hunting down the demon Valak/the Nun (Bonnie Aarons) across Europe.

This sequel made a concentrated effort to address the criticisms about its predecessor. (I liked that one, but I confess it's my least favorite of the ones I like. All the others put a little more effort in.) More emphasis is put into the story here and the scares. Whereas the graveyard scene is the only scene most people remember from the first, here we've got a few memorable and eyecatching ones. Definite thought was given to the visuals kinda bringing a beautiful darkness to the whole affair. The newspaper stand scene from the trailers is a creative standout. This movie feels more like an adventure film than the other Conjuringverse movies. Some fairly high production values here for a horror film. The Nun does get a little too physical a couple times rather than only relying on traditional demonic powers. The demon felt a little too much like a slasher killer. 

Though I liked the scares, not enough time is spent on them. In order to correct the lack of a story backbone, I fear this movie went too far the other way. Irene's story feels like it's just there to give her a story rather than being anything substantial. The story of Maurice (Jonas Bloquet), her ally from the last film, definitely has more weight to it, but the problem is that they repeat story beats way too often. His story should've been much leaner. Because of the story padding, we're left frustrated and waiting for things to get scary again. Sure, the last movie was basically just pottering around a monastery, but at least the spookiness remained consistent.

Farmiga gives a strong performance, nailing all the emotional beats. Given that this movie is more serious than the last, Maurice isn't given the chance to be as comedic and fun as the last movie, but I do love Bloquet's performance. Maurice is just a nice guy. Unfortunately, Damian Bichir doesn't return from the first film as Father Burke. I liked the guy. Also, it seems odd that the Vatican sends Irene out by herself without any exorcism professionals.

Kinda recommended. I liked the scary parts, but I did wish the film moved faster. I think I prefer the last one better as it was quicker paced even if it didn't have as many strong scenes.

The Last Voyage of the Demeter

7/10

In this film based on a section from Bram Stoker's Dracula, the audience follows the crew of the Demeter, the ship that brought Dracula from Transylvania to England.

This is one of those movies that fail to go that extra mile but are competently made. Though there are some pretty good lines of dialogue, a lot of it, including the exposition-heavy first thirty minutes, feel perfunctory. Camerawork and lighting are good, but again just decent. The very opening scene and the very ending scene feel forced and don't flow naturally. Also, there's one obvious moment near the end where you might go "Why didn't they...?"

But like I said, this was by no means a shoddy effort. I was engaged and didn't regret watching this. Loved the set design of the ship; it felt impressive. The filmmakers went darker than you'd think with this, and I applaud their guts. The throat biting is the goriest I've seen in vampire movies. 

Some may be annoyed that LVotD goes with mostly silent monster Dracula and not conversational able to pass as human Dracula. However, in this film, he does make an unsettling creature. The creepiest thing about Dracula is his toothy mouth. He's enjoying this and seeing him smile is even more spooky. Wouldn't say this has the best CGI, but director Andre Ovredal (Troll Hunter, Authopsy of Jane Doe, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark) is wise enough to know less is more and keeps Dracula partially hidden in shadows most of the time.

No complaints about the casting in this. Straight Outta Compton/In the Heightss Corey Hawkins as ship's doctor Clemens and Game of Thrones' Liam Cunningham as Captain Elliot both have some above average delivery.

Kinda recommended. This does nothing to break the mold; but it's a decent watch.

My Adventures with Superman- Season 1

8.5/10

In this new Superman cartoon on Adult Swim and Max, a fresh-out-of-college Clark Kent/Superman (voiced by Hunger Games/Scream's Jack Quaid) and Jimmy Olson (Jury Duty's Ishmel Sahid) meet Lois Lane (Zoey's Extraordianry Playlist's Alice Lee) when they all intern at the Daily Planet.

Though on Adult Swim, MAwS is really a family/children's show. (Kids aren't watching broadcast television nowadays, and from what I've heard, Adult Swim gets better viewership due to an older audience.) This show also seems to be a reaction to recent darker Superman and other DC projects. MAwS has a classic bright and optimistic Superman feel to it. Heck, it's a lot lighter than the 90's Superman cartoon. (Remember that episode where Clark tries to help that guy on death row for a woman's murder? I'm still surprised they were able to get away with all that dark subject matter on children's television.) Not to say the show doesn't have any stakes. Deaths are referenced in the show, but they're backstory deaths. MAwS is about Superman saving people.

The lifeblood of this show is the relationship and trust and support between the three friends. Jimmy, who's a big mystery guy, like as in Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster, is especially wholesome and fun to watch. That having been said Lois can be really selfish or hypocritical at times, but I wouldn't call it a dealbreaker. Also, he's not in this much, but the Daily Planet's sports writer Steve Lombard (voiced by the Ninjago show's Vincent Tong) is really fun. He has this goofy, overinflated bravado about him.

A lot of credit should be given to this show being able to repackage the same old story of Superman in a new way. Some fans may be annoyed that a lot of villains had their natural powers converted to weaponry, but it is a unique take. I appreciate that this show focused on multiple names from Superman's and DC's rogues gallery and that there's no Lex Luthor this season (he's so overexposed, and you can only do so many plotting evil businessman storylines.)  

One big annoyance of the show is that any character that doesn't trust Superman is incredibly one-note without any nuance or at times even rationality to their reasoning.

The animation is very anime-style inspired (even the end credits feel more like an anime end credits than a western one), and it all looks really good. The line work in this is top notch. Animation allows you to do a lot more with Superman fighting and the plentiful action scenes are all smooth. I especially liked some of the reinvisioned designs for some of the antagonists.

Highly recommended. This show is genuinely entertaining, old fashioned Saturday cartoon fun.

The Equalizer 3

8/10

In what appears to be the final film in the trilogy (at least for Denzel Washington; I can see them bringing in a new Equalizer), Robert McCall (Washington) is injured after a mission and has to convalesce at a small coastal Italian town. He ends up liking the place and soon can't keep a blind eye to the merciless hold organized crime has on it.

This felt like a good note for McCall to go out on. Okay, so all the story beats are very predictable especially when it comes to the villains (sadly, like the last film, the movie can't come up with a rightful to successor to the first film's Teddy Rensen, who was in my opinion one of the best action movie villains in recent years.) Given that E2 wasn't as good as the first but definitely made the effort to make the threat something different, it's a little disappointing to just go back to fighting a foreign crime family like in E1.

But, when you get down to it, this is a well-made predictable movie where the lines and characters work well enough. Washington's excellent performance remains the best part. He is able to portray so much about the character and with just a look. Washington continues to portray a man who wants to do good but does violent things to achieve that. A man who always gives the baddies a chance to go the peaceful route but is merciless when they decline. It's also fun to watch McCall, because the guy's got training and seeing his dark strategy is as fascinating as the action as he clearly has the mental edge over his opponents.

Speaking of the action, this may be the most violent of all the movies. (Course, it's been a while since I saw the first two.) It feels like the movie was taking a page from John Wick, but McCall is far more brutal and exacting. There are a couple of the big confrontation scenes that will really stick in your memory.

Moving the location outside the U.S. was a nice change of pace. The setting they chose for the town is breathtaking. Director Antoine Fuqua really had an eye for showcasing Italian architecture and decorations.

Recommended. I'd rank this below 1 and above 2. Story ain't original and man is the hardcore action worth the watch.

Praise Petey- Season 1

6.5/10

In Praise Petey, the new animated, adult comedy on Freeform and Hulu, New Yorker Petey (voiced by Schitt's Creek's Annie Murphy) inherits a cult and basically control over an entire small town from her late cult leader father (Barry/Office Space's Stephen Root) who she never knew.

The show gets a slow start, especially the first episode. At first all the town characters don't feel that engaging, they feel like a vague bunch of rural weirdos. The show takes it's time but by the half way point the show has gotten more of a voice for the characters and the episodes get funnier and more offbeat and creative. (Admittedly, one, especially if they or a loved one has been wronged by a cult, may have completely valid reasons to find this in poor taste. The show does downplay the actual awfulness and dangers of cults.)

Praise Petey does lean way too hard on the jokes about Petey being from New York. I mean, we get it; no need to hammer in the point. Also, not EVERY single episode needed to have Petey and anti-cult town member Bandit (John Cho) get into big fights that always end with will they/won't they chemistry. It becomes tiresome. That having been said, I acknowledge that as a male I may not be the target audience. This seems to be targeted at women and power to it; there are just not that many female adult animated comedies (I can only name Tuca and Bertie and Birdgirl off the top of my head).

Though Petey can get too self-absorbed in this show, all credit should be given to Murphy's performance giving her a fun, energetic urban millennial accent to the character. Petey's father's right hand woman, now Petey's right hand, Mae Mae (the Magnum P.I. reboot's Amy Hill) I initially couldn't get behind. She just felt randomly sinister, but as the show continued she became more fleshed out as someone kinda nutty try to fulfill a hole in their life. She isn't in many episodes, but Petey's friend Ella (the show's creator and former SNL writer Anna Drezen), who's kinda a goober, is always fun when they use her.

Though Cho does a great southern guy accent, the character of Bandit is frustrating. He mostly just complains about the cult, Petey being a cult leader, and how he'll stop the cult, but he rarely actually does anything about it. The whole bit gets old real fast.

I liked the character design: cartoonish but not too, too simplistic. There's an interesting use of color here.

Kinda recommended. I gave this the rating I did because I feel that would be the most accurate rating for a general audience. The show can be uneven, particularly in the first half. However, I still genuinely liked this and am looking forward to a second, and hopefully more fine-tuned, season. At least give it a shot, you may not like it, but I feel it's worth the risk.

Miracle Workers- Season 4 (Final), End Times

8/10

The final season of Miracle Workers on TBS takes place in the post-apocalypse. In it, heroic nomad Sid (played by Daniel Radcliffe) and warlord Freya (Geraldine Viswanathan) fall in love, get married, and decide to settle down in a town.

The show ends on a strong note. Given the more over-the-top nature of its setting the show tackles some of the craziest ideas it ever has. Really, the previous seasons have nothing on how inventive this season is. Plus, End Times has fun parodying every post-apocalyptic and dystopian movie it can.

Be forewarned that this season is a lot, lot darker and messed up than any of the previous ones. I mean props to the writers' ambitions, but this may not be for everyone.

I appreciate that this season has bucked the tired trend of having Viswanathan's and Radcliffe's characters falling in love over the course of the season. We've seen that all before. It's refreshing to see them already together and just working on themselves as a couple. 

Again, Radcliffe is such a comic gem in this show. He does a great job reacting to the insanity around him and continues to have excellent chemistry with Viswanathan and Steve Buscemi, this time playing Morris "The Junkman" Rubinstein, the town's richest man. Viswanathan arguably gets some of her best material in this. In all the previous seasons she's had to play the optimistic woman who wants more. Here she's someone who's achieved what she wants and honestly gets more to do than Radcliffe. Jon Bass, who's been one of the show's unsung foundations since the beginning and has always put in good work, plays Scraps, their human pet. Admittedly, I felt they went too far and weird with Scraps (and his story does get DARK), but one cannot knock Bass putting his all into the role. Though he gets more to do than last season, Karan Soni as a robot and Freya's best friend is still not given as much time to shine as the others.

I'd rank this as the second best season of the show. (Weird how the show got better as it continued. I found the first season to be the weakest.) A lot of the individual material is funnier than season three, but three felt more consistent overall. End Times does feel a little thrown together at times.

Recommended. Maybe too dark for some, but the show ends with a bang and not a whimper.