caitlin b.

"Miracle Workers" is an odd little show, and one I appreciate deeply. I don't think it will land for everyone, but for someone like me going through a rough time who just needs something that will make me lighten up, it is absolutely perfect and a hell of a time. The show honestly feels like a higher-budget SNL, but I say that lovingly -- the show manages to feel like SNL in a good way, where every episode feels a bit like a skit, although there is usually an overall arc. It's not always outright laugh out loud funny, not every joke lands, but it's easy to digest and at times so earnest in its self-aware or parodying nature that it is actually quite entertaining. I don't mean to say any of that in a patronizing way, it works in the show's favor and I love it. Another thing about this show that is so great is the CHARM -- I must emphasize it. The show has so much of it and it buoys the series entirely! At the core of the series is a genuineness, there is a surprising amount of sympathetic characters, as well as heart-warming and wholesome moments. All in all, the series won me over, and it's a great show to pass the time. If you don't like one season, try the next -- many believe the first is the best but personally I have found the second one my favorite. They each offer something a little different. Give it a try.

I haven't seen many of the other DC movies – so my opinion comes with a grain of salt of not being a longtime fan. With that said, I felt like I didn't need any extra knowledge at all. The movie was surprisingly good, from multiple angles. As an R-rated action film, things never slowed down. Despite its runtime, the movie goes at a whip-smart pace, with many set-pieces, moments of surprising tension and conflict, not to mention inventive deaths just when you think you've seen it all. As a comedy, the movie has a number of funny one-liners, comic twists, and a great group dynamic. And from a dramatic standpoint, there is surprising depth to many of the characters on screen. When you get attached to unique characters such as King Shark, Polka Dot Man, and a rat named Sebastian (as well as the more complex, traditional leads, of course) you know the movie has made the most of its characters. Many of the deaths throughout the movie cut, even with a promotional tagline of "Don't Get Attached" and a cast list a mile long. The movie also manages to have multiple touching and thought-provoking themes, motifs, and character relationships amidst the R-rated humor and gore. All in all, the production was wonderful. The cast did a bang-up job – Robbie, Davis and Elba are obvious, but Kinnaman, Cena, Melchior, Capaldi and Dastmalchian too; James Gunn was fantastic as usual; and cinematics, styling, and color were on point. I assume that this movie has redeemed, or at least built upon, its predecessor. Go see it if you want a good time.

Buzzfeed Unsolved (Supernatural and True Crime) is a great show to unwind with. The series functions basically like a podcast, as one host (the serious, believer type) tells stories of the supernatural and unsolved cases to the other host (the laid-back, cynical type). Together, the two hosts explore possible theories and travel to actual sites. Buzzfeed Unsolved is relaxed, without taking itself too seriously — the hosts don't pretend to have the answers or to know the reality of the situations they explore and cover, and they take the time to crack jokes and riff off of one another in a natural, unscripted way. While this means the show does not always yield the most exciting or in-depth results, this approach adds authenticity and charm to the sometimes spooky or grim proceedings. Hosts Shane & Ryan are naturally endearing but grounded people that come at things from different angles, and as a result you feel like you are being told ghost or true crime stories by two regular guys (with amazing chemistry). The show has managed to cover many cases and ghost stories in interesting ways and I'm sad there's only one season left!

A wonderful, refreshing YA fantasy show, with a strong cast, amazing cinematography, and great heart. It's not absolutely perfect, but the series manages to remain faithful to the books and the spirit of the characters, which is amazing to see. Non-book fans should be aware that the pacing of the show is VERY fast; that is my only complaint. Hopefully if the show gets future seasons, the show will get to have a higher episode count and budget. Pay attention closely and you should be fine, but the show does not hold your hand. Other than that, I hope people will give the series a chance! It's a lot of fun and a nice diversion for 8 hours, definitely recommend!

A fascinating and sharp adaptation of Christie's work, with a stellar cast. Charles Dance, Burn Gorman, and Aidan Turner are particularly brilliant, though the entire ensemble are very established and class actors. This miniseries is one of the few to live up to the dark ending of Christie's novel, and for that it is well worth the watch. It plays like a psychological thriller, which is brilliant. If you don't know what's coming, the ending is cathartic, surprising, and impactful. My only criticism of this miniseries (very minor spoilers) is that the crimes of the hunted ensemble are in some ways more brutal, direct and harsh than what they were in the book. While this change brings its own interesting dimension to the themes of British colonialist savagery and warped justice from the Christie novel, and adds an intriguing darkness to the characters on screen, the lack of moral ambiguity in what was done by each of the characters in some ways interferes with what I believe Christie's original intention was. Having many of the characters commit outright brutal crimes messes with the killers' motivations, the order of guilt (and deaths) from the book, and while superficially it lines up with the themes presented by Christie criticizing British colonialism, it is harder to believe the characters find themselves not capable of being killers, even as they are respectable members of British high society, because their crimes were so direct and overtly morally wrong. Also, as such, the characters are all as individuals much less sympathetic, with one or two exceptions. Still, even with this criticism, that is admittedly more a difference in opinion on interpretation, the unapologetic darkness of the series as a whole is riveting, and well worth the three hours, making for riveting TV. I find it is one of the few adaptations to capture the spirit and nature of the original work.

Torchwood is a great series. It's not like Doctor Who — so those who go in with those expectations will come out feeling let down. It's more mature, dealing with heavier themes that can at times be hard to watch, yet also kookier, with a lot of campy and weird aliens. Yes, it is often uneven, with hit-or-miss episodes, but the show's beating heart is its great core cast of characters. The series serves as a beautiful normalization of sexuality (and bisexuality in particular), something rather groundbreaking for a show from the early 2000s. It also should be mentioned that Season 3, Children of Earth is one of the best sci-fi stories made period.

Doctor Who is one of those charming shows that will stay with you long after you've watched it. Sometimes scary, sometimes funny, sometimes emotional, and sometimes downright awful, the show is the perfect sci-fi adventure, that, no matter how hit-or-miss, always dives earnestly into whatever it's doing. There are some genuinely awful episodes, seasons, and plotlines. But there is something so consistently creative and escapist about the series, that makes it worth sticking through the questionable bits to get to the moments of absolute gold. The biggest joy of the series is that it is always regenerating, always changing, along with the Doctor. It gives the show something few shows possess: longevity and versatility. If you have heard bad things about a Doctor or showrunner: never fear. The show is always rebooting itself. And with every fresh start comes a chance to do something unique and different. Change is good, and the fact this show changes a lot means it certainly doesn't get stale, even if every change cannot be equally admired. Doctor Who is hard show to truly describe, perhaps because every individual will get something different out of it. No two people I have ever met share the same opinion on a Doctor, Companion, season, episode, or even the show itself. See what the show's all about, the Who universe is a fascinating thing to discover for yourself.