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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and we receive a commission if you visit a link and buy something on our recommendation. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra and the opinions expressed in this post are the author's own. For more details see our disclosure policy and privacy policy The Last of Us Episode 2 released on schedule with a fairly significant dip in runtime but does the quality suffer because of that? Absolutely not! The premiere episode boasted an excellent score of 8 out of 10 so this episode had to keep up the standard in momentum, faithfulness, adaptability, and quality. But luckily for viewers, it does so tenfold. This episode starts with increased tension by dropping the viewer immediately into the action. This tone sticks directly to the camera the entire time and even turns up when the situation requires it. The heart of this episode is discovering the bond between Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a bond that will grow and become the heart of the show, and it is handled beautifully. The first episode had to focus on establishing characters separately, especially Joel who got the majority of the screen time. As a result, the relationship was not explored and Ellie herself was very underexposed. This episode is aware of that and immediately remedies it. There is plenty of Ellie content here, even away from Joel and she has an important conversation with Tess (Anna Torv) where she explains how she got bitten and whether she has a family or not. Ramsey plays up the subtext here and provides a deep yet subtle performance. She capitalizes on every chance to create a nuanced performance, and even in lines that could easily be forgotten, she gives so much meaning and life, a perfect piece of casting. Joel doesn't grow much in this episode but not because of how the character is written. Joel becomes a warmer toward Ellie through this episode, starting off very cold, callous, and soldier-like, but ending up much kinder and understanding. This small character shift, seen in just an action or two, is enough to keep the audience invested in their growth together. Their relationship seems built more on experience than conversation. Joel is a character who finds it difficult to open up and this show would lose a lot if it were to just give it away so early. Beyond the two protagonists, the show succeeds stylistically. The first episode was more of a drama, but this episode definitely leans into the horror sensibilities of the source material. The suspense scenes where we finally see the real threats of this world are heart pounding and executed in a way to not put off viewers who are faint of heart while enticing those who want the more thrilling aspects of the story. The balance is found wonderfully and with ease. Some of the plot developments involved with these scenes are slightly predictable but being from a video game, that is not at fault of the show. Adaptations often come across a big problem in their creation. They either change plot points to be unpredictable or they stick to them and run the risk of it not working as well in a different medium. An IP this beloved must stay as respectful to the plot beats of the original as possible and only add in moments that don't effect the overall story, which it does. Though it's taking the smarter route, it's to the show's detriment at times, but does not happen enough to ruin the experience. As an adaptation of this section overall, it brilliantly captures the feeling of creature discovery as intensely as the game does. In line with the previous episode, scenes and sequences not from the game are added to build out the world in a unique way that only television can do. It takes everything that works in the original video game, puts it in a colander to lose all the aspects that won't adapt well and that takes what's left, adds a few ingredients and creates a beautiful new dish that feels refreshing yet familiar. The set design is even better this time around. We venture outside the quarantined zone setting of the first episode and find ourselves in a larger city. Just the aesthetic of this city tells a story. The tipped over skyscrapers, the craters in the floor from bomb explosions, the mass graves, and overgrown cars. Every corner of this city looks beat down and filled with stories of tragedy and fear. I love that you know exactly what happened to this city without it having to be told to you. They're even improving on some aspects, a tall task which the creators (particularly set designers) seem to want to take on. The costume and makeup on the zombie-like creatures are incredible, partly practical, partly CGI. They look impressive, especially in low light where the designs are most effective.
AuthorKritPick has been writing reviews for The Oscar Project since 2022. Check out all his reviews on his main review page. Follow him on YouTube (KritPick Productions) and Twitter (@Kr1tical).
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The Last of Us is a 2023 show based on a video game of the same title from 2013 I'm quite fond of. As a fan of the game, I was nervous when news broke that this series was going into production. Video game adaptations rarely go well, so when you adapt a beloved game known for its story, people will be resistant.
But how does this adaptation fair? If the first episode is anything to judge the future by; very well. The show does a lot to join itself with the game but also separate itself. First, there are many sequences in this episode that are pulled straight from the game. The dialogue is near identical in moments and the framing/direction of some of the shots are harrowingly homogeneous with the cut-scenes presented in the first few minutes of the game. The understated but recognizable outfits of the characters are all on point, the costume department truly did their homework and gave these characters the costume that truly makes them feel like Joe (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey). The story is also near interchangeable... but only near. The show adds in textures that are not present in the source material. Moments that are new add layers to characters which were merely implied before. They add these scenes, particularly with Sarah's character (Nico Parker), to not only expand the world but also build on the foundations of the original character. With the change of format comes a lot more theatrics. Some of the set design is brilliant and there are moments of practical effects which are truly magnificent, especially for a TV show budget. There is one piece in particular that is quite remarkable and almost Raimi-esque. There is very little wrong with this first episode and even though it is nearly feature length, it truly does breeze by without a chance of letting up. The 1 hour 20-minute runtime truly feels like a good, hearty, 40 minutes. The worst aspect of the episode is by far how they glide past certain important plot points, but it happens very rarely and is just a bit disappointing with everything else so perfectly executed. The casting is brilliant, the attention to detail in the sets and costumes is splendid, and the faithfulness whilst also attempting to adapt to the format with additions and reductions is breathtakingly superlative. It never treats the audience like they've played the game and tries to be widely accessible to all, not just fans of the source material. So before getting to a quick spoiler talk on the episode below, I'd give this an... 8 out of 10 **SPOILER WARNING** I mentioned above how the show chooses ways to separate itself from the source material to work with the new format. One of these choices is the opening segment with a talk show set in the 60s where it's explained how fungus can control a subject and may evolve to control humans given the right circumstances. This is a marvelous addition to the story. Not only does it instantly intrigue viewers, but it changes how the virus spawns compared to the game. There are other changes including Sarah's movements and whereabouts as the outbreak happens but one of the minor changes which makes total sense is Ellie's personality. It's slight but evident. Ellie in the game is much kinder and less an independent 'fuck everybody' kind of girl. Here she is very outspoken, aggressive, and well, everything you'd expect from a girl raised in the apocalypse. A conscious effort is made in the beginning to play most of the first half of the episode from Sarah's perspective, almost setting her up as the protagonist of the show. So, if you were unfamiliar with the source material and hadn't seen much of the promotional material, you could be tricked into thinking so. This is genius because that makes her death scene even more impactful when it arrives.
However, beyond all the scuffs and marks around some of the details, the show runs pretty smooth and as far as a quality adaptation goes, this first episode could do a whole lot worse. If you're a fan of the game, I'd suggest giving this episode a chance and if you're a fan of great apocalyptic stories, give this a chance. I'm thoroughly anticipating the next episode!
AuthorKritPick has been writing reviews for The Oscar Project since 2022. Check out all his reviews on his main review page. Follow him on YouTube (KritPick Productions) and Twitter (@Kr1tical).
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and we receive a commission if you visit a link and buy something on our recommendation. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra and the opinions expressed in this post are the author's own. For more details see our disclosure policy and privacy policy.
The Menu finally hit streaming recently and with an underperforming box office run, it's found a bigger fanbase with the ease of access. Buzz online has grown for this film and usually when this happens before I see a film, I sigh. I try not to attach myself to online fandom and anticipation for a movie because the excitement a lot of the time feels grander than the movie itself and the eventual viewing can be underwhelming.
This did not happen in this case. As much as it pains me to admit it, the internet was right. This film is as exquisite as the food it flaunts. The cold atmosphere of the cinematography courses through the runtime long before the film turns into a thriller. There's a constant essence of awe but also caution, a chill of tension playing the bass under the symphony of amazement and stellar casting. Every single aperture of this cast is filled with someone so perfectly selected that actors stop playing characters and real people are forged. There is little to no exposition on each character's backstory. We learn who they are, what they do, and why they're here all from subtext and sapient acting that create believable personalities in limited characters. There isn't a flaw in the casting but there are stand outs, notably the obvious in Anya Taylor-Joy (Margot Mills) and Ralph Fiennes (Chef Slowik) who we've come to expect nothing but stellar performances from.
The main problem with The Menu is that it's predictable without having the courtesy of being nimble. It slowly drags out sequences which don't raise much tension and leave too much to be desired in terms of thrilling content. The only thing that saves these scenes are the fantastic monologues performed by Fiennes who's occasionally accompanied by one of the great side characters.
I don't want to sound awful about this film because I truly did enjoy the experience. Though the pace was steady, the long, drawn out segments that lead to a predictable conclusion hurt an experience that is otherwise excellent. The story isn't incredible, the characters are slightly underdeveloped and mostly shallow, but the character work from the actors truly make this film a really exciting and fun time despite the rest of the flaws. Fine enough premise, gorgeous presentation and lovely, though unconventional, final girl ending. Would eat again. 7 out of 10 AuthorKritPick has been writing reviews for The Oscar Project since 2022. Check out all his reviews on his main review page. Follow him on YouTube (KritPick Productions) and Twitter (@Kr1tical). Sylvester Stallone, for as big a movie star that he is, has been severely underrated as an actor, director, and writer for as long as he's been around. He may be the most underrated in those areas as he has been constantly overshadowed by minimal character work in huge action blockbusters that litter his career. Rocky is different. Almost every great filmmaker puts a piece of themselves in their movies, be it a place, a person, a time, but Sylvester Stallone and Rocky Balboa feel synonymous in a way that very few directors accomplish. Even beyond this film, their journeys match to a fault, they have a vicarious way of living. That's the first beauty of this film. But inside the film? That's where all the flowers bud and blossom. From the very first scene you learn nearly all there is to learn about Rocky as a character in a short fight scene. Rocky isn't a great boxer, he's not a great listener, he has a soft soul, he's the underdog, but most importantly, he has heart. This film is not a boxing film and I'd be lying if I said it were even a sports film. This is a movie about worth, motivation, dreams, and will. But on top of all that, this is a romance story. There is so much commentary about the value of never giving up on having your moment and of proving yourself worthy. Many characters in cinema feel like their journey began when the cameras start rolling, but Rocky feels lived in as a person, like he has a history, despite us not being told what it is. I love that he initially turns down the fight. He feels nervous but mostly, his respect for Apollo (Carl Weathers) and the sport makes him feel unworthy. This also plays into him eventually losing the final fight which is awfully unconventional for a hero's journey story but is essential for this one. This film isn't about winning or losing, it's about going the distance, literally and metaphorically. The scene with Mickey (Burgess Meredith) at Rocky's house is by far the best. As simple as Rocky is, he sees straight through Mickey's motivations. He doesn't fold to his fake love or phony adoration. He rejects him because he knows he isn't respected and never has been. His outburst is so real and the best Stallone has ever been and may ever be. Eventually though, he heeds Mickey's advice because regardless of intention, he's right. Apollo being the protagonist is what helps sell the story of Rocky because he is the very antithesis of Rocky. He's confident, cocky even. He's an expert fighter, successful, nonchalant but crucially, he has no heart. Paulie (Burt Young) is despicable and vile but for some reason I feel for him. Adrian (Talia Shire) however, is the soul of this film. The relationship she has with Rocky is the perfect example of opposites attracting. Rocky usually just talks at Adrian, not really to her. He doesn't know how. Yet Adrian listens, occasionally giving back, but mostly allowing Rocky to express himself. The conversation between them the night before the fight represents everything this film is leaning on. Stallone insisted on keeping this scene, despite being behind on production. He called it the most important scene...and I agree. The admission of doubt and fear from Rocky only for Adrian to understand and comfort, has always been the heart of this series and it begins right here. It's the most vulnerable we see Rocky. It's the most articulate we see Rocky. It's the most we see Rocky. Beyond the characters, the filmmaking is rough but superb. There is a minute long sequence, without cuts, of Rocky cracking eggs in a glass. In another film this would be boring and unnecessary but here, it feels worth it. The pacing is astonishing with a perfect build to the final moments including a montage scene as iconic and smile-inducing today as it was in 1976. The music is iconic, the characters are iconic, the stairs are iconic. I also love that Joe Frazier makes a cameo in this film. It grounds this world with our own in a subtle way. This movie has been gushed over, talked about, and studied since it came out and it’s not hard to see why. Despite the great lengths this franchise goes, despite how big Sylvester Stallone got, and despite the lack of relevancy of this character in a modern world, this movie is, and will always be, the greatest and most humble example of the underdog story. 10 out of 10 AuthorKritPick has been writing reviews for The Oscar Project since 2022. Check out all his reviews on his main review page. |
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