Derek Rose – Google

It’s crazy to me how many people dislike this film given that on a technical level and a level of enjoyment this is Jordan Peele’s strongest work yet. And, I’d point anyone towards a YouTube analysis, “Film Joy/Movies With Mikey: Is Nope A Western? MAYBE,” as to what to expect from this film (spoilers in that analysis), and it’s amazing to watch after you’ve seen the film. To call this a ‘film’ is a term I’m trying exercise heavily: how this wasn’t nominated on at least three fronts blows my mind, though we all know the Oscars are political. With The Oscars, they nominate things that make them look good for the season, as if great works were a dress for The Academy to try on and show off the fact they’re wearing thus and such brand. That analysis gives SO much clarity to themes you’ll low key pick up on while experiencing, “Nope,” yet the analysis brings them out, in full, with a spotlight, and getting to unpack them in full will deepen your resolve about the film. Don’t let the reviews fool you. Remember: for the longest time, “Donnie Darko,” had a measly 6.8 on IMDb.

All these characters are so perfectly done. It was amazing to reflect and realize that with some of the characters we’d only spent ONE episode with them! To make an example, for Death? It felt like I had such a strong grasp of who she was, and she was perfect for the role! She was so warm and inviting and kind. All of the casting is on point, and feels so natural that I can’t imagine anyone not be present in the role they play here, but hell I’m proud of the colorists and 1st AC’s and everyone else involved. This was vivid, rich, and perfectly paced. And, I didn’t know a damn thing about the comic, so that goes to show the strength of the show in its own right, and how well they carefully ADAPTED it to a long format television show. It makes sense that even in Kenya this show sat at #1. Yes, KENYA.

Wow. All my life I'd been told about these games. XV was my first. To present, a game had never made me cry. Luckily, I have people who love me dearly (as I do them) so there was a resonance with Noct's trio of friends. Forget genre. At the heart of anything I need characters I care for from suspense thriller to rom com. It's worth adding that the 'low Fantasy' elements added to this game did it for me (as I understand it realism/low Fantasy isn't in the cards in this series, typically). Set pieces in this transcended what I thought possible in video games, and the battles in those places unfolded in the most unmatched, breath taking of ways. How the combat style worked, and what options you had (namely the 'warp' variants) are things I wish I could earn in future games, or buy as DLC. Those few flaws in this are obscured by them long shadow thrown from what's great about it. 9.2 out of 10. Cheers, DO enjoy this - Derek