Clean Slate
Clean Slate is an easy watch with its light-hearted and accepting undertone mixed with the over-dramatic antics of the residents of Mobile, Alabama. Laverne Cox perfectly carries the glamours and over the top Desiree with extravagant moments of exaggerated comedy that fit her and the plot well, but the best moments come from Laverne Cox and George Wallace who, by contrast, is much more grounded and grumpier. It’s a classic combination that works well for comedy duos but updated with themes of self-discovery and change that make Clean Slate an easy comforting watch. The only thing letting the series down is the short eight episode count and twenty-minute runtime, more episodes would allow for the comedy to thrive more and make the series more memorable.
Paradise
Paradise tries to capture the cost of one’s choices, as well as the age-old question of what it good for humanity, but as it tries to juggle a lot of plots and some flashbacks that feel unnecessary, it struggles to find its identity. There are times when the show shines for its emotional performances, but these characters are lost in the bigger picture of Xavier Collins and his own goals.
Prime Target
Prime Target is an interesting, action-packed thriller with a focus on maths. Normally that would be a hard sell but with high-stakes and the threat of global catastrophe, it is packed with adventure and twists that will grip the audience as each revelation brings more paranoia. There are many bold choices made and carried by a stellar cast, notably Leo Woodall and Quintessa Swindell. Together they push through obstacles to uncover the truth and stop forces from using their discoveries for harm. There’s a deeper meaning explored with how foreign entities work together to keep control with an exploration on the morality of dangerous discoveries.
On Call
As a police drama, On Call utilises technical aspects to ensure that it stands apart from other titles in the genre and uses creative camera work to make you feel the weight of every action and decision made by the characters. The short episode runtime makes for a well-paced and action driven series led by Troian Bellisario and Brandon Larracuente. They work great together and there’s a balance to their characters that offers new perspectives every episode as Diaz learns what it's like to be a cop, to navigate gangs and to keep to your morals led and tutored by Harmon who has her own burdens.
American Primeval
American Primeval is visually appealing but has too many storylines simultaneously. The convoluted storylines could have offered rich, complex stories with a visually beautiful backdrop, with excellent performance across the board, but American Primeval’s focus lacks the depth in comparison to the rest of the ensemble.
Mayfair Witches: Season 2
Mayfair Witches fails to delve into anything interesting and quickly moves past anything compelling. There’s no focus or cohesive plot with characters that offer nothing to the story despite being leads. Ted Levine and Alyssa Jirrels are the best part of the series but a lack of energy from the rest of it makes for a dull second season. The season is at its best when it starts to go into the horror aspect, but it never commits to anything and results in a skippable mess.
Goosebumps: The Vanishing
Goosebumps: The Vanishing offers dramatic tensions that fans of the Goosebumps series will love. However, the pacing can be a bit off, with predictable dialogue and a heavy-handed script with plots that feel dragged out, killing any of the built-up tensions. David Schwimmer is a standout, but even with his performance, it felt as if Goosebumps: The Vanishing’s run could have been reduced by two episodes.
I Think We’ve Been Here Before
Suzy Krause's I think We've Been Here Before is a captivating story with multidimensional characters, allowing readers to see the story through multiple generations. The pacing can be tedious, but the latter part improves and delivers a heartwarming story. The book explores griefs, family relationships, mental illness, and terminal illness, blending them into a warm ending. The story is unforgettable, focusing on love and connection, and leaves readers breathless at the end. It is a tale of love and connection that will leave readers breathless and pondering their own lives.
We Live In Time
If it were not for the chemistry of Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, this movie would be a slog to get through. Their chemistry carries a generic, weak script and boring characters to salvage the movie, but it falls flat on all other aspects. It is an easy watch with some interesting moments but nothing to make you invested in the story. The generic script makes every effort to get the audience to cry, but it never lands.
Spellbound: Review
Spellbound is a captivating, animated film that explores the struggles of teenager Ellian, as the film beautifully depicts the themes of the desire for normalcy. Despite its intended younger audience, Spellbound may struggle to hold their attention due to its heavy-handed themes and pacing. Despite this, the film's brilliant vocal performances from the cast make it a visually appealing film. The film's use of magic, neon-like lights, and a gorgeous costume and world design add to its appeal.