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Reviews
House M.D.: Simple Explanation (2009)
A Simple Explanation - No Answer
While the medical drama in this rpisode was top shelf, the real impact of the episode was, of course, Kutner's suicide. Watching the team work through their various forms of grief was a stunning window into the mechanisms that drive each of them, House was the real treasure- in all reality, House's inability to accept that sometimes there is no answer, or you'll never get to know it, boiled torturously under the surface of Hugh Laurie's performance. It wasn't about the puzzle, it wasn't about solving it; he needed to diagnose Kutner to process the loss. He needed Kutner's suicide to make sense in order for him to be able to accept and deal with the loss.
And, just like in reality, sometimes you don't get to know the reason.
And sometimes, there isn't one.
Lightly foreshadowed in several earlier episodes (Kutner talking to Taub about suicide, House using the laser pointer to tease Debbie the Death Kitty around Kutner's feet), this emotional coup de grâce was delivered with all the delicacy and brutality we've come to expect from the show.
Simple Explanation follows House's Head/Wilson's Heart as one of the most evocative and brilliant episodes in the series so far.
And for all of those who claim this portrayal of suicide is unrealistic- I'm very happy for you that you've obviously never known the reality of this kind of traumatic event. But it's not only possible, not only probable, it happens nearly every day, if not several times a day. Bringing your ignorance into judging an episode of a TV show (unless you're a PhD in psychology) only hurts people out there on the edge of this very event. Don't bring that here.
The Amazing World of Gumball (2011)
Great in the vein of Gravity Falls, Star vs. Forces of Evil, Adventure Time, Steven Universe
Like the best of kids shows today, this show is extremely enjoyable and entertaining for both kids and adults; many in-jokes and sometimes whole episodes are clearly geared towards the adults (a Dungeons and Dragons episode, a 16-bit video game episode involving anime hair from Final Fantasy VII and an original GameBoy, a Ferris Bueller episode, and more), while keeping the comedy easy for kids to enjoy. Most every episode has a message or a lesson, and the Watersons are a realistic, dysfunctional, loving family. It even contains occasional 4th wall breaks for extra drama or comedy. Everyone in my household, from the 39 year olds to our littlest at 18 months (our littlest LIVES the differing animation styles of the different charachters; she's watched all 6 seasons over half a year or so, and every episode is short enough to keep her attention) all love this show, and the 18 and 12 year olds remember watching it years ago and love rewatching to catch those more grown up jokes. Amazing World of Gumball ranks right up there with Great in the vein of Gravity Falls, Star vs. Forces of Evil, Adventure Time, Steven Universe, and some of the older classics like Sailor Moon.
Highly recommend this show regardless of your age. It's enjoyable by everyone!
The Amazing World of Gumball: The Cage (2017)
A fun episode, but a nitpicky issue
The whole thing was really fun, giving us insight into a character we knew little about aside from the fact he was Anais' teacher in a previous episode. Mr. Corneille seemed to have a lot in common with the school counselor, being so pacifistic and peace-loving, but every time a character with a completely different style of depiction (like Corneille's 16-bit pixellation) shows up, it adds even more fun to an already fantastic show.
My only complaint is about the description: Joao Dega is a very Brazilian/Portuguese name. It's possible a Brazilian Portuguese man-fist-thing could be from Russia, but then why give him such an obviously Brazilian name?
I know it's a silly minor complaint, but I'm 'one of those people'.
The Callisto Protocol (2022)
Poorly scaled, disappointingly unscary, tedious and worthless.
As someone who loved Dead Space in every iteration and has beaten every one more than once, I was hoping for so much from this game. It's incredibly frustrating how much of a disappointment this game has been; I practically had to force myself to play. On Medium difficulty, some encounters are a cakewalk and some are hideously annoying; the makers of CP clearly have no idea how to maintain a consistent difficulty level for their players. I find myself nothing but annoyed at the jumpscares; there's no aura of fear or psychological horror present, just annoying zombies you can almost predict the entrances of, not to mention the roboguards' absurdity. This game could have been something fantastic, but I honestly find myself hating it deeply. I don't know if I'm willing to try putting any more time in, hoping (like with Death Stranding) I'll break through to an actually enjoyable game. It seems less and less likely, after a few hours of gameplay. I haven't wanted my money back on a game in years, but I absolutely do for Callisto Protocol.
Horizon: Forbidden West (2022)
A Powerful Entry in Horizon: Zero Dawn
With upgrades to every aspect of the game- gameplay, AI, upgrade systems, skill trees, and graphics, Horizon Forbidden West was an absolute triumph. Cauldrons are no longer wash-rinse-repeat; stories you encounter and engage in require real choices; the decisions you make will affect the way the ending plays out. In over 30 years of experience in gaming, I cannot recall any other sequel being as strong a follow up as this. I cannot recommend it enough.
The Fight Before Christmas (2021)
A Better Balance for the Holidays
Okay, hear me out. I've seen a lot of holiday rom-coms (mainly courtesy of my husband; he loves them), and while I admit to some bias, from an objective standpoint, Christmas is Canceled is probably the best one I've seen in years, if not ever.
Every rom-com, even/especially holiday ones, contain a certain balance of emotional moments, comedy, and uncomfortable cringe moments. The reason Christmas is Canceled appeals to me so much is that the balance between the sweet parts, the hilarity, and the hide-your-eyes things is perfect. I enjoyed, for instance, Love Hard, but I couldn't watch it all in one sitting; they overplayed the cringe moments in an effort to pack a more memorable emotional punch into the film. By contrast, Christmas is Canceled had enough to provide a fantastic counterpoint to the funny and the heartwarming, but it doesn't bowl you over with stomach-twisting discomfort. Most holiday films have unlikely but possible scenarios, and the premise of Christmas is Canceled is definitely within the realm of possibility. I admit to a preference for movies that showcase unconventional families, and the one built in this movie is excellent. I'm also partial to the character of Charlyne; my husband's eldest sister (with whom we were very close) was also a wise-cracking and wise lesbian named Sharlene, so her character added a bittersweet touch of the familiar for us (we lost her to cancer a few years ago very suddenly). I especially liked the ending of the movie; as adults entering new phases of our lives, we need both connection and space, and Christmas is Canceled gave these in exquisite symmetry to the main characters.
The funny moments had my husband and me rewinding to watch them again; the frustrating parts before the main character learns her lesson had me yelling at the TV (and my husband laughing at me); the tough times made us hug each other; and the sweet moments were lovely examples of human connection. I know we'll be back to watch Christmas is Canceled again, if not soon, then next year, and many more after that.