Haley Roth – Google

One of the best animated fantasy shows of our generation. To say it has a compelling story is an understatement. Arcane delivers a universe that is frighteningly similar to ours in the way that class dictates the lives of the marginalized, and the show portrays how privilege and power can corrupt an individual. I find almost all of the characters to be relatable. I think Silco is one of the most relatable villains in any work of fiction I’ve encountered, very human, but equally as hateable. Vi and Powder (or, Jinx) have a dynamic that’s both beautiful and heartbreaking, and it is what drives the story. Vi’s longing to be reconnected with Jinx keeps the viewer longing for exactly what Vi needs. Vi and Caitlyn also have a lovely dynamic that sucked me in for the entire show, hoping for them to prevail. I absolutely loved the story of Jayce and Viktor, and again with the themes of wrestling with power and how to use it for good instead of evil, and when to know to get rid if it. Jayce and Viktor to me seemed like brothers or potentially lovers, and their dynamic was so strong and compelling. It’s a steampunk fantasy masterpiece that I definitely plan to rewatch many times. Bravo to Studio Fortiche and Riot Games for such an amazing creation.

If you don’t like arthouse films and were looking for The Batman Part 2, you won’t like this film. It’s not for the Hollywood-loving, box-office hit crowd. It’s for the DC fans who wanted something different, and I appreciated it. Everyone complains about how it’s a musical, but it’s done so well and it’s woven in to represent Arthur’s psyche. It’s not meant to be an action-packed thriller - it’s a slow burn and a character piece, sort of like the first one in some ways. The ending sort of pissed me off at first, but after reflecting on it, I actually appreciate it. As the film got across, *this* Joker is Arthur Fleck, not the Joker we see in the other films. This is not the Joker that’s trying to compete with Heath Ledger or Jack Nicholson. This is the tragic story of a man who was failed by society and it’s a portrait of our failed criminal justice system. It’s a surrealist prison/courtroom satirical drama, not a Marvel superhero film. And, in my, opinion, it was done masterfully. SPOILER BELOW: I would have liked to see Arthur *not* turn himself back in to the police and “build the mountain” that Harley wanted them to, but after thinking about it, that isn’t Arthur. As the film got across, *this* Joker is Arthur Fleck, not the Joker we see in the other films. This is not the Joker that’s trying to compete with Heath Ledger or Jack Nicholson. This is the tragic story of a man who was failed by society and it’s a portrait of our failed criminal justice system. It’s a surrealist prison/courtroom satirical drama, not a Marvel superhero film. And, in my, opinion, it was done masterfully.

This is why you don’t listen to reviews - I love the game. It’s basically Star Wars Red Dead Redemption. A reputation system, super fun stealth missions, space missions, and a story that I personally love. Kay Vess is a compelling character and Nix is so loveable. The antagonists are interesting enough to make a decent story. What’s most fun about the game is the free roam. I could ride my speeder around for hours just getting into brawls with bandits and the Empire. It’s about time we have a Star Wars game without Jedi and the Force, just Outer Rim scum and villainy at it with all they have. There’s the Pykes from the Dave Filoniverse, Crimson Dawn from the comics, the Hutts, and the new cool faction the Ashiga Clan. Sure, this game isn’t for everyone. It’s not Jedi Survivor, and I think the bad reviews are from people who were looking for the third Jedi game because they can’t just wait for it. But this is a great game, and I’d recommend it to any Star Wars fan.