Wesley Yuan

After a few years of mediocre Marvel shows, Agartha All Along stood out among all others. It’s able to capture the chaotic magic of WandaVision and still make up it’s own unique story with the amazing character of Agath Harkness. I at first like many other people were skeptical about this show and wondered if this was a show even worth watching but it’s a definite great and memorable watch. The story is interesting and brings up interesting and inventive story ideas that Marvel has never used before. Admittedly in the first two episodes, it was a bit slow at first but it does a great job of picking the pace when we get further in the show. The story has a great level of fresh depth in it’s writing and world building within this new magical realm. The story is further heightened by the amazing cast and crew. Kathyrn Hahn continues working her magic of being the charismatic and powerful Agath Harkness but we now explore her unique backstory and her emotional depth. Joe Locke was a great addition to the show and is able to act with great emotion and power, and it’s interesting to see him go from shy and naïve to someone that’s found his purpose and identity. Aubrey Plaza does a fantastic job with her character(Won’t say who to avoid spoilers) and is total powerhouse that’s unlike any other Marvel character with a dynamic and chaotic personality. The other cast members such as Patti Lupone, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, Debra Jo Rupp play their characters very well and each of them individually shine but also can have some interesting interactions with each other when they’re together. The writing has interesting plot points like the unique story of Joe Locke’s character and the design of the trials along the Witches Road. However, not all of the writing is perfect. For example, the ending does tie off all storylines well but feels a little bit rushed that doesn’t fully feel satisfying. And, at times, they don’t bring all of the character’s story’s full circle but unfortunately that’s what happens when you have such a large cast. But overall, the story does a great job of giving each character equal screen time as much as they can and helps us connect with their characters well. It is able to fluidly blend together horror, fantasy, and magic in a emotional and impactful story. So I highly recommend you watch Agath All Along for a great watch to immerse yourself in a fresh and exciting story.

Umbrella Academy is a one of a kind show that is unlike anything that you will ever watch again. It tells the story of the Hargreeves family, a group of unique 7 kids all with unique abilities and how they come together years later after the teams disassembling to investigate their adopted father who has passed away under mysterious circumstances. The show is in one word: chaotic. It mashes together humor, action, music, sci-fi, superpowers, trauma, tantrums, and family all together in one. Each episode is unpredictable and you never know what someone might say or do in each scene which makes it so much fun to watch. The show’s true joy is watching all of the actors and actresses play these unique and dynamic characters. They do a great job of portraying their personalities along as their insecurities from the trauma that they’ve experienced. Each character is their own individual self while also having great chemistry with one another during their team ups, arguments, and anytime they’re together. My favorite is Aiden Gallagher as Five, who is hilarious, sarcastic, and moody. And another favorite is Robert Sheehan as Klaus, who is goofy, relatable, and has such a big heart! Now, Season 1 immediately sets the dark yet goofy mood of the show. Each character has lots of great moments individually and gets their own moments to shine. Admittedly, the story is a little slow at the start until it gets some traction and becomes interesting. But when it does, the shows gets way more chaotic and so much more interesting. Season 2 is probably the best of all four seasons. Each character has their own unique storyline as they are transported through time to the 1960s. This season has all of the best plot twists, comedy, action, mischief, and so much more. It does a great job of showing each character’s personal story which also adds onto the overall storyline of the season. It feels like something straight from the comics and highlights the very essence of the show. Next, Season 3 is a little bit lacking in story compared to the past two seasons. It feels more rushed and doesn’t get a chance to flesh out all of the character’s stories like seasons 1 and 2 do. However, the story does still do a good job of being interesting and brings up some interesting plot point but feels like it could use a lot more thought put into it. As for season 4, the writing feels much more rushed and lacking in it’s uniqueness. It leaves several questions unanswered and raises much more stories that feel open ended. It would’ve been nice if this season had much more explanations and thought put into the storyline. Overall, the show is a great one. It’s unlike anything that you will ever watch before and has lots of humor, action, imagination, and shows all of the highs and lows of being in a family.

If you’ve been waiting for Deadpool and Wolverine for the past year like me and everyone else. Then I can assure you, you will not be disappointed! This movie is packed with humor, wit, action, and so many Marvel references! This masterpiece made by Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Shawn Levy, and all the others who worked on it will leave you laughing and in awe of its awesomeness. One of one Deadpool and Wolverine’s best story elements is the chemistry between Deadpool and Wolverine, or I guess I should say Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. Deadpool’s quips and 4th wall breaks combined with Wolverine’s gruff demeanor is such a joy to see on screen as the two try to save their loved ones together. But one strong point in their relationship is the emotional depth that it brings out in both characters, showing both of their insecurities and failures that they’ve endured throughout their lives. It’s great to see such a inside look of on-screen characters that we don’t usually get from superhero movies. The dialogue and writing for each scene in this movie is pure magic. Each line spoken by each character is hilarious or heartbreaking and the actors/actresses say it so well. Some of Deadpool’s jokes don’t always hit but that is quickly forgotten by whatever next funny line comes out of his mouth. Each line does a good job of making fun of Marvel, the movie, Disney, Fox, and anything else Deadpool wants to tease. Meanwhile some other quotes are more uplifting and shed a light on the character’s emotions which make them so powerful and well written. While the plot can be a little predictable at times which is expected from most super hero movies, it is a huge treat to watch each scene which is an amazing spectacle like pulled out of a comic book page. The fight scenes are nicely choreographed and will leave you in awe and tears of joy from laughing because their song choice is hilarious. And the cameos are such a delight to see on screen and will leave fans screaming out in joy when they see these legendary characters interact. They’re not just for cash grabs but these cameos actually have purpose to the story and we get to see a more emotional side of these cameos Overall, Deadpool and Wolverine is a perfect movie to enjoy whether you’re a super Marvel fan or just a person who likes movies. This movie is such a feel-good movie that is a breath of fresh air from all of the mediocre Marvel content that we’ve gotten for the past years. Deadpool and Wolverine is fresh, funny, goofy, action-packed and celebrates the messy but memorable and nostalgic years that Marvel had with Fox and it’s new journey with Disney and MCU(Finger crossed that it’s a good one!).

The Acolyte show is a decent show that has both it’s high and lows. First, I highly praise Amandla Stenberg, Manny Jacinto, and Lee Juang-Jae since they do a great job of portraying such rich and interesting characters. Special praise to Amandla Stenberg who can play two twin sisters that are both connected with one another, but can also be so different from one another. Each one shows so much different of their emotions and thoughts on their face and body language which Amandla portrays very well. Lee Juang-jae does a great job of showing a Jedi that’s not just cardboard cutout but one with actual emotional depth in all his lines, eyes, and just on his face. He’s a character that the audience does care about and relates with, yet he carries such a sophisticated mystique with him that. And Jacinto does a killer job(literally) of playing the shy, meek Qimir and the ruthless, maverick, and awesome Sith that we see in the show. His presence on screen is so powerful that is able to pull you in to want to find more about him. In fact, the choreography in this show has been some of the best that I’ve seen in any Star Wars production for the past few years. The fights are so fluid and action packed that have lots of hard work put into it. They feel like something pulled right out a Japanese or Chinese kung fu action movie. Some problems that I do have is the show doesn’t let much of the other actors/actresses in it. Charlie Barnett, Dafne Keen, and others do a great job in the show but unfortunately don’t have as much screen time as they should. It’d be nice to have more interactions with these characters and see more from them. One key example of this is in Master Indara, played by Carrie-Anne Moss who only gets one brief fight scene in the first episode along with a few appearances in flashbacks which is very disappointing. As for the plot, it’s pacing is a little bit off. One week, you could have an episode with this raging and amazing fight between Sith and Jedi and then the next is an episode filled with a bunch of talking where nothing new is being reviewed. So, the plot can be inconsistent at times which can make watching this show a struggle at times. Also, at times, it can be a predictable at times. It was very easy to predict Osha having another twin sister within the first five minutes before the it was revealed in the episode. Also, the reveal of Manny Jacinto’s Qimir being the mystery Sith was obvious that everyone caught onto it immediately from his first appearance in the second episode. It was a little bit obvious and disappointing but they made up for it with that amazing fight in later episodes. In summary, Acolyte is a decent show that’s doing a not bad job of carving it’s own path into the Star Wars storyline. It’s interesting to see how the High Republic with a fresh and yet nostalgic view of the Jedi Order. The plot is weak in some places but the show’s true treasures are the actors, and it’s great to see all of them be these new and interesting characters. The Acolyte is a show that has lots of potential if it continues forward with more seasons, I just hope that they’re not afraid to make bold and creative story choices that could help elevate the story.

Tick Tick Boom is a film that should be watch by more people due to its incredible performance and story.It tells the story of real-life theater music writer Jonathan Larson, and the journey as he prepares to share his first musical Broadway in New York City. Andrew Garfield playing Larson does a great job of conveying his neurotic and nervous personality as the timer to his 30th birthday counts down. And all his original singing and piano playing is fantastic, and shows his overall massive talent and commitment to this film. What makes him so relatable as a character is a fear of wasting his time and trying to juggle everything which audiences can connect with. He plays all the notes as an actor, he is goofy, funny, happy, awkward, heartbroken. This film truly shows off his phenomenal range. However, at times, his personality can be a bit childish at times so around the 2nd act, it can get a bit exhausting. But this makes his character growth at the end more satisfying. The other cast around him like Alexandra Shipp, Vanessa Hudgens, Joshua Henry, and Robin de Jesús shine so brightly and gave incredible and emotional vocal and acting performances. Alexandra Shipp as Jonathan’s girlfriend Susan gives an heartbreaking performance as she tries to get through to Jonanthan. Vanessa Hudgens and Joshua Henry give incredible backup vocals to Andrew throughout each song, and all three singer’s voice blend together so well. And Robin de Jesús as Jonathan’s best friend Michael is such a fun character that audience will surely love, due to his ability to play all emotions. All these actors portray different character that contrast and conflict with Jonathan which makes some interesting scenes throughout the film. The songs are fantastic in how they can carry forward Jonathan’s legacy and all of the performers give it their all. The lyrics and melodies are so unique and have meaningful lyrics and messages within each song. They do a fantastic job of conveying the emotions and thoughts of each character. And again, the vocals here are some of the best that I have ever heard in a musical movie. In summary, Tick Tick Boom is a movie that not only moves people with its music and performances but the message that it hold of spending your life doing stuff that you love to do with the people you love without letting fear get in the way.

Ready Player One is a great movie for any fan of pop culture, with it being jampacked with hundreds of references for everyone! The movie does a great job of bringing the OASIS to the silver screen with amazing graphics and effects. Each detail is carefully added and created from the inventory opening for each avatar and the visual of the vehicles materializing. And the character models are just like they appear from the their source material without sparing any detail, from a Master chief to a Gundam! It's able to capture the excitement and essence of the book’s addiction to pop culture like including Adventure, Back to the Future, Iron Giant, Gundam, Pac-Man, Batman, Battle Toads, Dungeons and Dragons but also more recent pop culture elements that people can resonate with like Halo, Chucky, many mangas, TMNT, Minecraft and more. It doesn’t hold back and helps there to be something for everyone. And the cast does a pretty good job of bringing the characters to life. Tye Sheridan demonstrates Wade’s fan boy knowledge and nerdy behavior very well, along with his love of the OASIS and pop culture. It’s nice to see his character develop over the course of the movie. Olivia Cooke as Samantha Evelyn Cooke/ Ar3Tmis does a good job of playing her punk rock, sarcastic, goofy vibe. Also, she and Wade have great chemistry in the movie just like in the book! Ben Mendelsohn also does a fantastic job of playing the scheming, manipulative Sorrento who sways between approachable, chill businessman to crazy, cruel overlord(As Wade would call him!). The rest of the cast does a great job of showing their characters well! However following the trend of many book to movie adaptations, it leaves out some key parts that are key to the book. SPOILERS BELOW!! SPOILER CAUTION AND WARNING!! One example is Daito and Sho, we don’t get much of the awesome brother dynamic that we get from the book since their screentime is severely cut down. They get a few good moments like Daito’s Gundam moment and Sho’s sassy 11-year-old quips but it’s really just that. Also they cut out Daito’s death which is good since it really brings down the mood but it prevents us from seeing the emotional side of Sho. So it would’ve been nice to see something like this or just any other opportunity to show more emotional depth to the characters in the plot. Also the character of Ogden Morrow being cut out which is very disappointing, only granting him a quick and small appearance at the end and flashbacks. Ogden Morrow is such a huge part of the book and Halliday’s backstory and how Wade and the others are able to win in the fight over Halliday’s contest. There’s a few mentions of it but they feel very insignificant. Also him being the Curator is a fun twist at the end but Ogden Morrow controls an all powerful avatar in the OASIS who is all powerful which includes invisibility so him having to be a second character doesn’t make much sense. Even though it does make some major plot and character changes, I believe that at it’s core, this is still the pop-culture filled, goofy, dystopian vision that Ernest Cline gave us. The acting and set design is true to the book itself. And the special effects bring it to the next level and makes it feel so realistic with its incredible detail. And just in general, it’s a fun movie to just watch and enjoy to watch all of the pop culture madness and joy unfold before your eyes. So I highly recommend you start watching(and your game, player!)

Hunger Games: The Ballad of the Songbirds and Snakes is a strong, emotional movie that can bring you back to the world of Panem. It tells the story of young President Snow as he rises through the ranks. This movie is a powerhouse of emotions that is mostly due to the amazing cast. Tom Blyth as Snow is fantastic. He’s able to hold himself with the same dignity and elegance as the older Snow as we later know him to be, but is able to have a bit of a cheeky, energetic performance a young man might have. He’s able to demonstrate all of Snow’s emotions so well throughout the movie, fear, insecurity, love, anger, and more. Admittedly, Snow’s sudden murderous habits and his comfort with them feels a little bit rushed and sudden but Tom Blyth’s performance pulls it off so well that we’re just pulled in and don’t question it. Rachel Zegler as Lucy Baird Gray does a great job of portraying the soft yet at the same time fierce singer/ tribute from District 12. Her singing throughout the movie is reminiscent of her work in West Side Story and is truly a highlight of the movie to hear her sing these folk-style songs with such rich emotions. The other cast does a incredible job. Jason Schwartzman as Lucretius “Lucky” Flickerman is a nice comedic relief in this dark, gloomy display of blood shed with all of his magic tricks and dedication to looking great on camera. Josh Andrés Rivera as Sejanus Plinth, best friend to Snow who’s trying to do right in this greed filled world is such an interesting character and foil to Snow. Viola Davis as Dr. Gaul is ruthless and highly memorable with her flamboyant outfits and psychotic affection of all monster, small and big. The cast does a phenomenal job of bringing life to these characters. The soundtrack on this movie is fantastic, which is not something I’d expect to say for a Hunger Games film. Rachel Zegler belting out all of Lucy Baird’s songs with such a strong voice sprinkled through the movie is a such a fresh and fun thing to see in this film, and still able to remain relevant to the events that happen throughout the film. The movie does a great job of bringing the book to life, and as a reader of the book, they do a great job of bringing the personalities, clothes, and environments in this movie. However some story problems like why continue the Games after having many tragedies occur is a bit tactically unwise. And Snow’s choice to kill repeatedly seems very forced and rushed. But nevertheless, it’s a great reentry back into the Hunger Games world and the exciting world it has.

The Marvels is the MCU’s recent installment, after a series of some mediocre films and tv shows in the MCU, it’s much better but not the greatest. It is a fun movie that is able to balance humor and seriousness within each scene, but also not afraid to have some goofy memorable fun. I really like the interaction between Brie Larson, Teyonah Paris, and Imani Vellani and how they work together as a fun, goofy, family-like team that play off of each other very well. However, the minor clash between Captain Marvel and Monica is a little bit dry and feels like there could be something more added. It does get a little bit annoying on how both characters both try to turn their backs to the emotions they’re feeling about one another. But when they all work together, they are able to balance each other with their personalities and I’d really like to see this dynamic in future films. Speaking of dynamics, it was hilarious to see Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury as he tries to handle the current cosmic crisis while paired up with Kamala’s family. It was a interaction that I didn’t expect to be funny or even knew I wanted but definitely one of the funny and memorable parts of the movie. And speaking of Samuel L. Jackson, it is so great to see him back as Nick Fury, the actual Nick Fury. The same suave, funny, tough Fury that shaped up the MCU not that weird old, weak, clueless Nick Fury from Secret Invasion. He is back and I am so glad that he is! As for the villain Dar-Bhenn, a Kree general trying to save her home world, the character is easily forgettable. Zawe Ashton does a decent job of trying to extract some emotion or personality from this character but the character is so dry and stereotypical that it’s hard to feel anything. But I praise Zawe for doing her best! As for the story, overall it is a good story that does a decent job of staying fun(Although some parts are predictable!). The part with the all of the Flerken babies running around the space station was hilarious! The part where the villain tries to open up portals to suck natural resources from other planets is unique and fun and not your average villain plot. My only problem is at the very end where Monica is trying to fix the portal, why does she have to do patch it up on the other side? I know they’re trying to set up the next interdimensional cross over but to have her have to go on the other side seems a bit ridiculous. Overall The Marvels is a decent fun film to watch if you want something to enjoy. It doesn’t carry much of importance in the current events of the MCU but it’s still fun to watch Captain Marvel, Monica, and Kamala have fun together. This movie is goofy, fun, and such a light hearted movie to watch when you just want to chill!

After watching Dune 2 in the theaters last night, I can ensure that this is the ultimate culmination of Denis Villeneuve’s vision for Dune. He can improve upon his previous masterpiece of the first Dune movie in 2021 tenfold. Each shot, each frame is pure artistry. It truly highlights the breadth of the vastness of the desert and mythical culture of Dune. From the desert sunsets in the sky to the fierce fighting sequences in the sands, each scene is a one of amazing magnitude. And the visual effects for every sandworm, ship, and every single aspect is one of master quality. Each sand worm and ornithopter feels so realistic and tangible, like I am watching a real-life documentary than a sci fi film. This is especially important given all the CGI complaints over the past year and a half. But rest assure, the visual effects for Dune are all beautifully painstakingly created and are sheer works of craftsmanship. And the soundtrack and sound design is mind-blowing, able to bring audiences back into this mythical world of Frank Helbert and Denis Villeneuve. Recommend it being viewed in IMAX, our seats were vibrating like massage chairs from the amazing and powerful sound. The cast here is one of the best ones that I have ever seen in a movie. Each cast member portrays such rich, realistic performances, perfectly displaying sorrow, humor, and fury. Performers such as Rebecca Ferguson, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Léa Seydoux, and other cast members portray their characters with such realism and depth. Florence Pugh and Christopher Walker are new comers but easily fit in with the rest of the cast, able to project elegance and gravitas. Josh Brolin and Javier Bardem do a good job of playing their characters, adding more depth especially since we did not get to see much of them in the last film. And speaking of characters that we could not see much of, Zendaya does a fantastic job of playing the fierce but gentle Chani. She does not hold back and no display of emotion is halfhearted, she gives it her all. And Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha is legendary, able to portray the psychotic and vicious young warrior with such a sadistic performance that leaves the entire audience in awe. He is so unpredictable; you never know what he is going to do next. And, lastly, our lead man, Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides. Like in the first film, he does an excellent job of portraying the struggle within Paul and how he slowly slips into his all-powerful Lisan Al-Gaib form over the film. It fits perfectly like Paul from the book, with him displaying power, vulnerability, and bravery. NOTE: SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!! And while the movie does have many differences than the original book (like Paul’s sister’s absence and skipping the two-year time jump), it still the capture the exciting and unique spirit. The essence of Frank Helbert is there with some medium changes, but the story is essentially the same. I myself was slightly disappointed that it did differ from the book but after watching, I knew that was still the thrilling and powerful story of Dune that I loved. So go and watch this ultimate masterpiece that you do not want to miss out on!