Monthly Archives: May 2019

Game of Thrones S8 E5: The Bells

*warning, there are some spoilers in this review, I’m trying very hard to avoid specifics but…if you’ve seen the episode you know why that might be hard to do

Holy sh*t.

I repeat, holy sh*t!

The events of last night’s episode “The Bells” has been teased for a while now and oh my god did the show deliver! This episode mostly centered on the Battle of King’s Landing and from the moment the fight started, my attention was held rapt to the screen. I’d been hoping that Daenerys wouldn’t go down this particular road, as I’ve been in extreme denial about her capacity to go mad like her father and brother Viserys before her. However, Daenerys has been bending and bending and BENDING for so long to accommodate what others want her to do, it was only a matter of time before she broke and unleashed dragonfire like no one has ever seen before.

And speaking of delivering…we finally got THAT fight. You know, the one that’s been teased and theorized for quite a while now? Pardon the spoiler, but I need to spell it out: Cleganebowl is real and it is INTENSE! I was never quite sure how this fight was going to play out, but I love how we got it. Intercutting the fight with other battle scenes was a wonderful touch. I think they changed the Mountain’s undead makeup for this fight too. There’s a glimpse of his undead feature in “The Winds of Winter” and it looks nothing like what we saw in this episode. Despite that, I’m happy with how this fight concluded.

I also have to say I feel terrible for Tyrion. He is trying so hard to do the right thing for a queen he genuinely believes in. But throughout the episode, we see more and more hints that his faith in his queen is being shaken to his very core. Tyrion tried so, so hard, to prevent what happened from happening. And I think my favorite part of the episode is this one moment where Daenerys can choose what happens next. The choice is hers and hers alone. And once she chooses…oh boy.

Now I also need to say that this episode was not perfect. Certain characters met their end in a way that did not satisfy me at all. I’m thinking of two characters in particular. I figured out years ago that both were going to die, but the way the show presented their deaths was far too peaceful and serene for everything they’ve done. Let’s just say I wanted one of the characters to really suffer as they died. I wanted their death to be brutal, painful, and I wanted a much more emotional breakdown than what I got. That being said, considering the show leaves out some critical plot details from the books, this is probably the best scenario I could hope for. I’m all but certain these two characters have a different death scene in the books. I also feel like the Golden Company was kind of wasted, though I know they play a bigger role in the books, so that doesn’t bother me as much.

“The Bells” has me thoroughly excited for the finale of Game of Thrones. I have an in-depth theory up on my Patreon page about how I think the end is going to play out regarding who sits on the Iron Throne once and for all. Even if I’m wrong, I think there’s still a few insane things left to happen before the screen goes black for the last time. I know this season hasn’t quite met everyone’s expectations, but to be fair, we set the bar so freaking high I don’t think it could have ever pleased everyone. For me personally, I’m excited to see how the story ends.

What did you think of “The Bells”? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and have a great day!

My Thoughts on: The Battle of Winterfell (GoT S8 E3)

My Thoughts on: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (GoT S8 E2)

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My Thoughts on: Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)

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*note: very minor spoilers, but otherwise I did my best to avoid them.

Let me start this review by making one point clear: Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is not a bad movie. In fact, there were times I quite enjoyed myself. The first live-action Pokémon movie could have easily gone the way of so many other video game films and been so much worse.

But then again, it could have been a lot better too.

Sticking with the positive though, I have to say all of the Pokémon in the film are beautifully rendered. Each Pokémon looks real and believable, I’m not even upset there’s only 60 different species represented in the film (for context there are currently around 800 Pokémon). My particular favorites in the film are Charizard and especially Bulbasaur. I also surprisingly enjoyed Ryan Reynolds as the voice of Detective Pikachu. I wasn’t sure about that in the beginning but it works.

The film’s story is also a minor positive. Once you have all the core components, the film’s premise is essentially sound. We have a setting, a protagonist, a villain, and the villain’s motivations for doing what they do. We also have some convenient twists along the way along with a boy meets girl sort-of-romance angle that felt slightly forced. The problem is, the execution of this plot left something to be desired. Certain plot points are presented in such a convoluted manner that I was left asking questions in my head until almost the end of the film. I understand the writers were trying to create a sense of mystery, but as a result so much time was spent on a winding path of plot points that the story lost something. And while I liked most of the characters, I feel like more time could have been spent with the villain and the villain’s motivations. More character development would have made certain key scenes that much more impactful.

The film’s biggest weakness, for me at least, is the sheer amount of awkwardness. Early on, it felt like the actors were each interpreting the script differently. Some were playing it more or less straight, some were acting over the top, and this is one of the first times I can remember being distinctly aware of a lack of onscreen chemistry between certain characters. I think some of the scenes were meant to be awkwardly funny on purpose, but that kind of humor has never gone over well with me and the film would have been better without it.

*minor spoiler for this next paragraph*

However, above all else, the thing that bugs me the most comes mid-way through the film when two characters go exploring in a certain rather dangerous area. The way these characters enter this area demonstrates such a lack of common sense and thinking that I was dumbfounded as the scene played out. I know these characters aren’t experts in investigation, but come on, EVERYONE knows you’re supposed to at least try to be sneaky about these things.

To conclude, I did enjoy Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, even though it didn’t blow me away. There’s certainly ample potential for a sequel and I’m not against seeing one made. Let me know what you thought about Pokémon: Detective Pikachu in the comments below and have a great day!

Film Reviews

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Soundtrack Review: A Simple Favor (2018)

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Film Soundtracks A-W

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Soundtrack Review: Days Gone (2019)

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Just for fun, I decided to switch things up today and review the soundtrack for a video game instead of a movie. Days Gone, a survival horror video game, is currently available, as is its soundtrack, which was composed by Nathan Whitehead (The Purge, He’s Out There, Delirium). The game follows former outlaw Deacon St. John as he roams post-apocalyptic Oregon, fighting enemies and making his way in a world overrun by zombie-like creatures.

Regarding the soundtrack for Days Gone, Nathan Whitehead had this to say:

“The ideas that define the score are the tenacity of the human spirit and the value of relationships. Early in the process John Garvin, creative director at Sony’s Bend Studio, described to me how the game isn’t simply about surviving, it also examines why we want to survive. When I heard that, I was instantly excited about all the places the music could go. I found it really interesting to be navigating the survival aspect and also this introspective aspect at the same time. The Pacific Northwest setting is absolutely beautiful and it really felt like the score needed to connect to this environment as well. Deacon and the environment seemed to call for an organic, lived-in sound with a touch of Americana.”

Boy, does Nathan Whitehead ever succeed with this goal for the soundtrack. Considering this is a survival horror video game, the music is surprisingly normal and, well, not-horror. There are exceptions of course, particularly the track titled “The Rager Bear” which is clearly straight out of a horror film, with its harsh beats and tension-raising rhythms. But other tracks I liked, including “Days Gone” and “A Good Soldier” are very lyrical in nature, with flowing strings and almost relaxed melodies. This could be a way of offsetting any tension created by the gameplay. When you think about it, an ideal way to relax players after they’ve been fighting zombie-like monsters for who knows how long is to create relaxing music for any cutscenes or segments taking place inside settlements. Otherwise it would be hard for players to unwind.

Another detail I love is the range of this soundtrack. Video game soundtracks are now practically equal to their film counterparts in terms of musical quality. Whitehead’s melodies range from almost upbeat to straight horror. The music is dynamic, and if you didn’t know better, you might find it hard to believe this came from a video game.

Overall, I like the soundtrack for Days Gone. It’s not a game I would play personally, but I highly recommend checking the soundtrack out if you get the opportunity. Let men now what you think about Days Gone (and its soundtrack) in the comments below and have a great day!

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Video Game Soundtracks

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Soundtrack Review: Hellboy (2019)

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The soundtrack for the reboot of Hellboy released on April 5th. The soundtrack was put together by the award winning composer Benjamin Wallfisch (previous scores include It, Blade Runner 2049, and Hidden Figures). Like the original Hellboy films, this reboot is based on the Dark Horse Comics character of the same name.

Of the soundtrack for Hellboy, Benjamin Wallfisch had this to say:

“I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Sony Music on the release of the Hellboy soundtrack album. Mike Mignola, Neil Marshall and the entire creative team have created an incredible next chapter in this iconic franchise, one that demanded a completely new approach to the score. Sony Music couldn’t be a better partner to bring this music to a wide audience and I’m grateful to them, Lionsgate and Millennium Media.”

Having listened to the Hellboy soundtrack, I found myself impressed with the variety of sonic colors Wallfisch brought to the score. There is a healthy amount of orchestral music mixed in with beats that come straight out of a rock album (and that’s not a bad thing given what I know of Hellboy). But the tracks that interested me the most have a mystical, semi-Eastern quality to them that draws me in the more I listen to them.

Two of my favorite tracks that I recommend checking out from the Hellboy soundtrack are “Psychic Migraine” and “Baba Yaga.” The latter in particular had a sound quality that felt very Goldsmithian to me (i.e. Jerry Goldsmith). It almost reminds me of a section of the score from Star Trek: The Motion Picture (which is also not a bad thing). The way the strings twist and turn, it’s effective at raising the hair on the back of my neck.

The score isn’t perfect by any means. Some of the action tracks are either too “Zimmer like” (too bombastic for my taste) or too generic to me truly memorable. But the tracks that ARE good, are really good. And so for the sake of those tracks, I recommend checking the Hellboy soundtrack out.

Let me know what you think of the Hellboy soundtrack (and the film) in the comments below and have a great day!

See also:

Film Soundtracks A-W

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Game of Thrones S8 E4: The Last of the Starks

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*Note: I will try to avoid spoilers but it would probably be safest to read this review after you’ve seen the episode

I feel conflicted after watching “The Last of the Starks.” On the one hand, last night’s episode featured some MAJOR happenings, including two shocking moments that I was not emotionally prepared for after everything that happened in episode 3. But on the other hand, I think I was expecting more action to occur, though to be fair I was pretty spoiled by The Battle of Winterfell.

In a lot of ways, this episode felt like “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” in that a lot of the episode felt like set up for the final battle between Daenerys/Jon and Cersei. The difference is, I feel like episode 2 did it better. That isn’t to say that this episode was bad, it just didn’t leave me going “OMG” at the end like the previous three episodes. Instead, I actually felt disappointed that the episode was already over (minor spoiler: I was expecting a little more dragon action at the end based on what happened). One thing is for sure: this was an episode of farewells, in more ways than one.

Assuming the rest of the series goes the way I think it will, I think this was the episode that established once and for all that Cersei is doomed. There was a key scene towards the end where I could see that last shred of Cersei’s humanity in her face. Despite everything she’s done, there IS one piece of Cersei that isn’t a monster, and I thought it was a nice touch for the show to bring that out. Unfortunately, that part of Cersei is also the smallest piece and it’s not going to save her now, not after this episode. Pieces are in motion now that I am almost positive will lead to her death one way or another.

My one big complaint in this episode is Sansa and her actions throughout the episode. Maybe I’ve missed something, but I do not understand why Sansa is acting the way she is. I’ve always been Team Stark and Team Dany since season one, but after this episode, I have a sinking feeling I’m going to need to choose between them (and I don’t know if that’s a choice I can make). Also: I understand that Sansa was trained by no less than Littlefinger in how to play the game of thrones, but I couldn’t believe she didn’t keep quiet on THAT little detail after promising to never tell a soul.

This episode really brought home to me the expression that’s been going around about the end of Game of Thrones: “If you think this story has a happy ending, then you haven’t been paying attention.” Nowhere was this more true than in “The Last of the Starks.” Many of the happy endings fans have fantasized about were teased, only to be ripped away. How I feel about this episode in the future will greatly depend on how the last two episodes play out. This will either be seen as a good episode, or a missed opportunity. I sincerely hope it’s the former, but for now we’ll just have to wait and see.

What did you think about “The Last of the Starks”? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and have a great day!

My Thoughts on: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (GoT S8 E2)

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Soundtrack Review: Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)

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POKÉMON Detective Pikachu stars Ryan Reynolds as Pikachu, the iconic face of the global Pokémon phenomenon—one of the world’s most popular, multi-generation entertainment properties and one of the most successful media franchises of all time. Also starring are Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton, Suki Waterhouse, Omar Chaparro, Chris Geere, and Rita Ora, with Ken Watanabe and Bill Nighy. Fans everywhere can now experience a Pokémon on the big screen as never before, as Detective Pikachu, a Pokémon like no other. The film also showcases a wide array of beloved Pokémon, each with its own unique traits and personality.

The score for Pokémon: Detective Pikachu was composed by Henry Jackman, whose scoring credits include Captain America: Civil War, X-Men: First Class, Monsters vs. Aliens, and Kong: Skull Island among others. The score, which released on Friday, May 3rd, is absolutely beautiful. Jackman employs a variety of strings and other instruments throughout the score. However, what really puts this score over the top is Jackman’s decision to mix in synthesizer music with the orchestral score. And by synthesizer, I mean think of the music you heard in the original Pokémon games, that synthesized “doop-doop” that is instantly recognizable. A number of the tracks slide in and out of this synthesized music, and it helps bring the Pokémon world to life.

Regarding the soundtrack, Jackman had this to say:

Writing the music for POKÉMON Detective Pikachu was immense fun. The movie itself was a unique invitation to create a new musical world representing all the wonderful and colorful characters of the Pokémon universe. I really enjoyed using many different sonic colors so, if you listen carefully, you can hear everything from the full symphony orchestra to analog vintage synths. I was also very happy to be working again with Rob Letterman, who even tried to get his beloved 808 Drum Machine into the score, until we found it was fatally damaged. To have been selected to write music for such a well-loved and precious franchise is a great honor, and I greatly hope my best efforts contribute positively to the Pokémon experience.

If the film is as great as Jackman’s score, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu could easily be one of the best films of the first half of 2019. Even without seeing the film, the music is a joy to listen to. Jackman covers an entire emotional range, from light and humorous to dark and melodramatic. If the film has any failings, it will not come from the music.

As the Pokémon: Detective Pikachu soundtrack is available now, listen to it when you get the chance and let me know what you think about it in the comments below and have a great day!

See also:

Film Soundtracks A-W

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