Necrotongue

I have to say, the creators handled the finale quite well. They didn't go overboard with the final speeches and heart-wrenching insights; they gave us just the right dose to handle without plunging into a silent depression. Everything wrapped up as expected, which isn't surprising for stories like these — it's more of a romance novel kind of vibe. Despite the predictability, I had a good time because I knew what I was getting into, and I'm definitely not one to complain. / Lesson learned: When you're drowning, forget about clutching at straws, and just grab onto a rope.

The episode felt identical to the previous one, with the finale looming ahead at a dizzying speed. Surprisingly enough, I found myself quite impressed. I couldn't have imagined that the creators would manage to tie up all the loose ends in the remaining time, but they might just pull it off. / Lesson learned: Not all clergymen are the same.

This time, the creators brought the plot back to where I wanted it to be. While I didn't delve into commodity prices and business plans, I was treated to the traditional manipulations and intrigues of Victorian England. It was these cunning schemes, executed by seemingly moral characters, that I had been eagerly anticipating. The only thing that threw me off was Tara Fitzgerald playing the mother of the female heroine. It's at times like these when I realize just how old I am. / Lesson learned: Always use contraception, no matter the circumstances.

The third episode wasn't quite what I had anticipated. It's not that the plot lacked interest, but I missed more interactions between the masters and the servants. Instead, the focus shifted to the industry, with the likable Alice Eve playing a character who turns out to be the biggest bitch. I'm curious to see which direction the second half of the season will take.

Just as I expected, Napoleon set out to explore the wonders of Saint Helena (the island, of course), the English returned home, and suddenly, the plot became much more enjoyable. The nobility remains stagnant, the merchants are thriving, and the servants are displaying their enterprising spirit — all while various social intrigues and manipulations unfold seamlessly. It's the perfect blend that keeps me entertained in these narratives, even though I have to put up with the naivety and sentimentality that, under different circumstances, I would sharply criticize. / Lesson learned: You can't deny genetics. 4*-

It's often said that everyone has their Achilles' heel. I'm no exception. Most of the time, I'm a cynical bastard who can make fun of almost any situation. I don't flinch at the sight of a dissected human anatomy, and I don't consider myself soft in other regards either. However, show me an English tale with manors, and people above and below the stairs, and I'll eat it right up. I'm quite satisfied with the first episode, especially since the creators managed to deftly intertwine historical events into the narrative. However, I still suspect I'll enjoy the English setting much more than Belgium. / Lesson learned: Are you looking forward to war? Unless you're a scavenger, you're making a mistake. 3*+

What a delightful surprise from Norway! I was pleased that the creators didn't get bogged down in the complexities of time travel; it just happened, and we got to explore the aftermath. That was a refreshing approach. Instead of drowning the series in a sea of theories, we were treated to a solid police investigation, featuring an old Norse policewoman (yes, I'm no longer using the V-word) and plenty of good humor. I particularly enjoyed how the series deftly navigated the waters of political correctness. 4*+

While I had a decent time, there were some glaring logical gaps in the film and a lack of originality. At times, it felt like a mix of The Usual Suspects and Fight Club, but oh well. That said, I wasn't bored for a moment, so I don't regret the time I spent watching. Plus, I wouldn't want to anger any hacking cell with a bad review; Bridgestone stepped back, so why should I play hero? / Lesson learned: Don't mess with hackers if you want to play an online game.

Well, just yesterday I was complaining about the tendency to sensationalize heinous criminals on the silver screen, and here we are again. The film centers around Ted Bundy, but his crimes seem almost secondary. Instead, the creators chose to highlight how disgustingly charming that bastard appeared (particularly to women). While they weren't wrong in their portrayal, I found their approach deeply unsettling. It felt like watching a film about Josef Mengele where they focus on his exemplary family life, his appeal to women, and how dashing he looked in his SS uniform, only briefly mentioning his penchant for experimenting on people and deciding their fates by the thousands. Wouldn't that be a pleasant watch? Absolutely not. This film disappointed me primarily because it seemed to glorify this charismatic asshole (and I won't apologize for that word) who tortured and murdered women for sheer pleasure, without the film giving adequate attention to his victims. If I had known any of his victims personally, I doubt I could stomach watching this until the end. / Lesson learned: Murderers aren't rock stars; they're killers of innocent people.

When a movie is based on real events, I anticipate some modifications to the plot. However, in this case, the writer concocted an entirely new story that bore very little resemblance to reality. Perhaps it was because the true tale of Charles Raymond Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate was far more gruesome than romantic, and for some reason, people tend to romanticize criminals. As the script took this new direction, the film lost any semblance of narrative value for me. I found myself quite bored during the endless road trips through semi-desert landscapes, making it feel like a wasted viewing experience. However, I will give credit where it's due: some shots of the sunset were beautifully done, and Martin Sheen certainly put in the effort. / Lesson learned: Enamored by criminals? Imagine something like that happening to your loved ones.