Charlize Theron leads a team of immortal mercenaries in Netflix’ latest superhero action film, The Old Guard. Based on the critically acclaimed comic book of the same name, the movie is available on the streaming platform since July 10, 2020.

Should you skip it or watch it? Read on this review to find out.

Another Comic Book Adaptation, Hmm?

I was so hyped when I first saw the trailer for The Old Guard last May of this year. The cleanly choreographed action scenes and the premise of having immortal warriors/mercenaries roaming the Earth for centuries genuinely piqued my interest. (Also, Charlize Theron is a personal favorite, so…)

Then I found out that it was actually a comic book adaptation and that kind of worried me. And for good reason, Hollywood has not been very successful when it comes to movie adaptations of comic books with a few exceptions, of course.

Thankfully, for The Old Guard, that is not the case and that is in the most part due to the production’s decision of keeping The Old Guard comic book author Greg Rucka in charge of the screenplay. I think that it’s always a great idea to keep the original author involved any time you turn a written or illustrated material into a movie. No author would want to see their brain-child getting damaged, after all.

So as far as comic book adaptation goes, The Old Guard is definitely one of the better ones.

Great Characters, Beautiful Story-telling

Director Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball, The Secret Life of Bees) did an amazing job. Story-telling is great and perfectly captures the soul of the movie. The film feels like a river flowing ever so gently, it takes you from one scene to another in with a lot of suave. Not taking anything away from Prince-Bythewood but I would think this is also one of the many advantages of having the original author Greg Rucka by your side throughout the filming process.

Rucka created such deep characters, investing heavily on the immortal warriors led by Andy (Charlize Theron, Monster) along with Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts, Red Sparrow), soulmates Joe (Marwan Kenzari, Aladdin 2019) and Nicky (Luca Marinelli) along with Copley (Chewitel Ejiofor, The Lion King 2019) and Nile (KiKi Layne, If Beale Street Could Talk). The cast all gave life and justice to their characters thanks to the vision of director Prince-Bythewood. Everything, from the direction to the writing to the cast down to every minute detail, just works.

Spotless Action Scenes

As I said above, this is what initially stood out for me when I saw the trailer. And, sure enough, the trailer lives up to my expectations. Action scenes are cleanly choreographed and complete with gun fights, sword fights, hand to hand combat, you name it. It’s all in here. It may not be as intense as the action scenes I saw on the action-heavy Netflix film Extraction but the execution of the stunts and action are spotless. It should have been messy with immortality in play but it’s quite the opposite.

To the stunt and visual effects teams, you have my praises.

Skip or Watch?

Let’s just catch to the case. The Old Guard is an absolute must-watch. It is one of the best film adaptations of comic books out there and is essentially a master-class on how NOT to destroy your source material.

The cast and characters are as deep as they are awesome. The action scenes are fresh and spotless. The story-telling is smooth.

I enjoyed watching this and I certainly wouldn’t mind if this becomes a franchise. In fact, let this writing stand as a petition for a sequel.

VERDICT: WATCH!

Here is salida|etc’s rating for The Old Guard.

Let us know what you think of the movie by giving it your own rating or commenting below.

Got a movie or TV series that you would like for us to review? Drop us a message and we’ll get to it.

In the vast and ever-expanding universe of comic book adaptations, Madame Web emerges as a peculiar addition, offering a dive into the enigmatic world of the Spider-Verse.

Directed by S.J. Clarkson, the movie promised a journey through dimensions, blending elements of mysticism and superhero lore. However, as the credits roll, viewers are left pondering whether this cinematic outing spins a captivating web or merely ensnares its audience in confusion.

The film centers around Cassandra Webb, portrayed with depth and charisma by Dakota Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey, Suspiria). As the eponymous Madame Web, she embodies the archetypal seeress, burdened with visions of multiversal calamity. Yet, the character’s development feels somewhat rushed, leaving audiences grasping for more substantial emotional investment. The supporting cast, comprising a mix of familiar faces and newcomers including Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria, Anyone But You), delivers commendable performances, albeit constrained by a script that struggles to balance exposition with character arcs.

Visually, Madame Web dazzles with its kaleidoscopic portrayal of alternate realities. Each frame is a testament to the film’s visual ambition. However, some sequences feel more like visual overload than narrative enrichment.

Where Madame Web truly excels is in its exploration of existential themes and the interconnectedness of fate. Underneath it all, lies a contemplative narrative that delves into the intricacies of choice and consequence. Moments of introspection punctuate the action, inviting audiences to ponder the blurred lines between heroism and destiny. Nevertheless, for all its philosophical musings, Madame Web stumbles in its execution of plot intricacies. While some may find solace in the film’s ambiguity, others may feel alienated by its refusal to provide tangible resolutions.

Skip or Watch?

In conclusion, Madame Web emerges as a mixed bag of cinematic ambitions and narrative missteps. While its thematic depth and visual spectacle offer moments of brilliance, they are undercut by uneven pacing and convoluted storytelling.

VERDICT: SKIP!

For those seeking a mind-bending journey through the Spider-Verse, Madame Web may offer fleeting moments of intrigue. However, for those craving a more cohesive and accessible narrative experience, it may be best to wait for the tangled threads of this cinematic web to unravel further before venturing into its depths.

Here is salida|etc’s rating for Madame Web.

Let us know what you think of the movie by giving it your own rating or commenting below.

Got a movie or TV series that you would like for us to review? Drop us a message and we’ll get to it.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League finally makes its way to fans via HBO Max, four years after the release of Justice League in 2017.

Should you skip it or watch it? Read on this review to find out.

A Tragedy

After two successful outings with Man of Steel (2013) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Warner Brothers Studios locked writer/director Zack Snyder back in for another film in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) franchise. This time, for the much bigger, much grander, Justice League.

Things went well and the film was scheduled for its 2017 release until a family tragedy befell the Snyders. Zack and Deborah’s daughter, Autumn, passed. Zack Snyder had to step down from his role during post-production to properly deal with the loss of his daughter.

In a bid to stay on schedule, Warner Bros. hired Avengers director Joss Whedon to complete the film. All seemed fine up to that point. After all, Whedon has long been known for numerous critically acclaimed movies and TV series. All was fine until the actual release of the film in theaters.

It turns out Whedon re-wrote almost 90% of the script and re-shot most of the scenes basically turning it into his own movie. Well, we all know how that film turned out. It was not the greatest, but it was not the worst either. One thing is for sure though, it was not the film Zack Snyder wanted to make.

4 Hours Long

Despite Joss Whedon’s massive role in the outcome of the film, he was only ever credited for its screenplay. All the directorial credits still went to Zack Snyder. But us fans knew; this was never the case. And so, a massive online appeal started to get traction, demanding Warner Bros. to let Snyder complete his version of Justice League. The #SnyderCut trended all over social media for years until finally the studio had to give in.

Finally, in 2021, in coordination with HBO Max, Zack Snyder’s Justice League has been released. This version of the DC heroes’ epic clocks in at an unbelievable 4 hours and 2 minutes.

So, now the question is, is it worth spending another 4 hours for this version of Justice League when we all know how the 2017 version played out?

Answer: Hell, Yeah!

What Could Have Been

Sure, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is one lengthy film. In fact, it is twice as long as the 2017 version. But it also means, there is twice more footage that we have not seen before. And trust me when I say, the length of the film pays out big time. With twice more length, Snyder has more than enough time to turn his vision into reality.

In this version, Cyborg, The Flash, and Aquaman (whose stand-alone movie is still in the works in 2017), get their much-needed and much-clearer backstories instead of just casual mentions of their origins.

Zack Snyder not only masterfully completes each of the Justice League heroes’ story arcs, but he also set the foundation for their characters to build up on. There was just too much of Snyder’s vision that were cut in the theatrical version. Ezra Miller’s Flash was great in the 2017 version but in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, he was just too awesome. So much so that I believe he should have had his own stand-alone movie already. Seriously, Miller’s Flash was just a standout.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League is the Justice League we deserved in 2017. OK. Maybe not the 4-hour version but you get it.

The DCEU would have been on a completely different and way better position than it is now, if only Warner Bros. had more faith in Zack Snyder’s vision.

Skip or Watch?

It’s all thanks to the millions of fans for getting the #SnyderCut trending. Now, four years after the divisive Justice League (2017), we finally got to see the Zack Snyder’s original vision of the Justice League movie. And it’s exactly the one that should have been released.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League, however lengthy, shows the filmmaker’s genuine love for the craft and the DCEU franchise in general.

Whether or not you are one of the millions behind the #SnyderCut, this film is definitely a must-watch.

VERDICT: WATCH!

Here is salida|etc’s rating for Zack Snyder’s Justice League.

Let us know what you think of the movie by giving it your own rating or commenting below.

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We love watching movies, and we know you do too! But don’t you just find it annoying when a person (or worse, a group of persons) act foolishly and ruins your movie experience? We’ve been there, and it sucks bigtime! In this article, we list down the 5 most annoying personalities we encountered in cinemas!

5. The Couplers

Let’s start this list with the “Couplers”. No, we’re not talking about “that mechanical thing that connects two things”. We’re referring to the couples who kiss, hug, and do whatever they like with each other as if they are the only ones in the room.

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Don’t get us wrong, getting a little romantic action with your significant other in cinemas is fine. But snogging and fondling with them for the entire movie’s run time? Seriously??? Get a room, guys!

Still, if you really can’t help it, at least be decent about it and set some rules so as not to make other moviegoers uncomfortable.

4. The Football Star

You’re immersed in all the craziness that happens in the Joker movie and as you are listening intently on every line Joaquin Phoenix delivers flawlessly, you suddenly feel a kick in the back of your chair. As if someone was trying to pull you back to reality. You ignore it and plunge back in. But the kick happens again, and again, and again, and again.

You look back and see the person behind you swaying his foot back and forth and hitting your seat like a soccer ball bouncing back over and over and, Goal!!!

As nice as you can, you ask the person to stop. But he/she doesn’t care. You are forced to transfer to another seat and miss 10 crucial minutes of the film, another 20 minutes to re-immerse yourself to the movie.

Congratulations! Your movie experience is now ruined! On the bright side, the person behind you manages to become a “Football Star”!

3. The “Caster”

In ESports, casters play a very important role as the persons who provide live commentaries during a game much like traditional sports commentators. Watch the video to below to listen in on some of the best casters in DotA 2.

No offense to these guys, we love them when they cast games like that. But movies are a different story entirely. Just imagine watching Spider-Man: Far From Home with some random guy near you giving commentary on all the action that’s happening.

In cinemas, that’s just annoying!

Once, there was this one guy behind us when we were watching The Lion King 2019 movie. Knowing full well that this is a remake, this guy could not keep quiet and kept blabbing out loud about all the stuff happening and will happen in the movie. Can someone put a tape on this guy’s mouth already?

Talking inside the cinema is fine, but please, be courteous enough and keep your voices down, okay?

2. The “Cellphish” People

It’s hard to imagine a world without our phones and for some of us, spending an hour without them is pure torture.

Movies are not all fun and most have boring parts. Sometimes, the temptation of taking out your phones and scroll through your social media feeds or whatever becomes too much. When you do decide to take your phones out, please lower your screen’s brightness. Movie houses are dark so we can see the action on screen better. Please don’t compete with the movie screen’s brightness. You’ll lose for sure, but not before you annoy everyone else with your blinding phone screen display.

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We know, cellphones are allowed in cinemas, sure! But, please have enough decency to at least put them in Silent Mode. Look, we don’t care about your personal calls but if you really have to take a call, please take it outside the cinema. Pretty, please? Not only is this the polite thing to do but it will also keep hundreds of dagger looks coming your way. Don’t be “cellphish”!

1. The Litterbugs

Trash, trash, trash! The world is littered with trillions of them, maybe more. You can snack all you want inside the cinema, but please, when the movie is done, take your trash out with you and put them in their designated trash bins. It’s not that hard.

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Seriously, dudes! This is common sense! Sure, there are cleaners who would clean up in between screenings but do you really need somebody else to clean up for you? If your answer is yes, then you are one of these litterbugs, congratulations! You are number one on our most annoying personalities in cinemas list!

Come on, guys! The earth already has a garbage crisis. Let’s not add more to the problem. Mother Nature deserves to be respected.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, it all boils down to respect. Respect the movie and respect your fellow movie-goers.

What’s the most annoying thing you ever experienced in the cinemas? Tell us by commenting below or dropping us a message.

Netflix’ Kingdom Season 2 has finally arrived and it promises to be as good if not better than the first season. But, is it? Read on our review to find out more.

Warning: Article may contain spoilers. You’ve been warned.

Blood Will Spill

Just when Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) seemed to have the disease that turns people into flesh-eating monsters devoid of reasoning under control at the end of Kingdom Season 1, a huge reveal raises the stakes even higher for Season 2. The plague continues and our main protagonists’ including Lee Chang’s trusted bodyguard Moo-young’s (Kim Sang-ho) and the crown prince’s mentor Lord Ahn Hyeon’s (Heo Joon-ho) and Yeong-shin’s (Kim Sung-kyu) lives are in even greater danger and consistent to the series’ tagline blood will indeed spill. Some major deaths are bound to happen so, fans, ready your hearts for this one.

Meanwhile, Seo-bi (Bae Doona) and Beom-pal (Jeon Seok-ho) continues to search for a permanent cure for the deadly disease.

And while all this misfortune and eventual slaughter is happening, Cho Hak-ju (Ryu Seong-ryong) continues his evil plans to gain control of the kingdom with his daughter the Queen Consort plotting her own schemes.

As Intricate As Ever

Kim Eun-hee and Kim Seong-hun were the perfect pairing with both doing a tremendous job on telling the first season’s great complicated story. Then the directing reins were handed over to Park In-Je for episodes 2 to 6. And honestly, the series felt a little bit different and I thought the second season’s story isn’t going to be as intricate as the first. But I was wrong, and I’m glad I was. Kingdom Season 2 proved to be as intricate as ever that by the time the series is almost over, you’ll wish for more episodes right there and then.

The twists and turns in the show are just jaw-dropping. If you think you know what’s going to happen, the show proves you wrong time and again. There seems to be always something more to the show, setting itself apart from all the zombie series and films still out there. Be sure to watch until the end. Another major reveal perfectly sets up the show for a third season.

Perfect For Any-Day Netflix and Chill

Staying at home during this coronavirus pandemic can be a pain especially for those who prefer doing stuff outdoors but try watching this series out and you might find yourself glued on your couch (or bed) not wanting to get out anymore. I urge you, try watching this series out. Not only will you keep yourself safe by staying at home, you’ll be helping others safe too with less contact with people.

Don’t worry, you are not going to regret watching this show. Kingdom is just perfect for your weekend (or Any-Day) Netflix and Chill. Plus, you might learn a two or something on how pandemics happen.

Skip or Watch?

Six episodes each for both the first and second season is not enough once you get hooked on the show but it’s the right thing to do to give the series the proper pacing and don’t worry, there’s so much more to the show to explore so I’m guessing a third season should be in the works. Honestly, I can’t wait for Season 3.

True to its tagline, Blood Will Indeed Spill in Kingdom Season 2. And as the show continues to expand its world, it just keeps getting better and better. The story and storytelling are great. The visuals are beautifully crafted even the bloody battles are made with a lot of allure in mind.

All in all, I felt like Kingdom Season 2 significantly outdid its first season by a long stretch. That said, watch! Stay at home, clean yourself up, and watch!

VERDICT: WATCH!

Here is salida|etc’s rating for season 2 of Kingdom.

Let us know what you think of the series by giving it your own rating or commenting below. Got a movie or TV series that you would like for us to review? Drop us a message and we’ll get to it.

It’s time to put those Dali Masks back on again! Money Heist Part 4 is here!

To keep things short, watch it ASAP! Yes, it’s that good!

It’s An All-Out War

It was never just a heist for “The Professor” (Álvaro Morte) and his team of city names Tokyo (Úrsula Corberó), Lisbon (Itziar Ituño), Nairobi (Alba Flores), Denver (Jaime Lorente), Rio (Miguel Herrán), Helsinki (Darko Perić). And oh, Filipino fans will be pleased to know the addition of newcomer (spoiler alert!) Manila (Belén Cuesta), whose identity will not be revealed until halfway through the series. Watch out for her, though, as she will be playing a crucial role in the heist.

via GIPHY

Part 3 was supposed to bring about a revolution but with The Professor mourning the supposed death of the love of his life Lisbon and Nairobi struggling for her life after an assassination attempt, Money Heist Part 4 becomes an all-out war! And in every war, there are casualties or collateral damage as Palermo (Rodrigo de la Serna) puts it. Of course, all these misfortunes come are brought about by the hand of the pregnant Inspector Alicia Sierra (Najwa Nimri) and Spanish Intelligence Colonel Luis Tamayo (Fernando Cayo), both I would say, are now the top 2 and 3 most hated characters in the series. Only eclipsed by the Bank of Spain’s governor’s security Gandia (José Manuel Poga).

An Emotional Shocker

“Numb, disoriented, a blank stare, and most of all, feeling like you’re floating outside of reality.” – Tokyo

These words pretty much summarizes the emotions that the series will give its viewers.

If you thought, the major cliffhanger at the end of Money Heist Part 3 was huge, well; you are in for a colossal surprise. In Money Heist Part 4, we get to see the characters/cities we have all come to love in their most vulnerable state yet as they are forced against the ropes without any glimmer of hope at the end of each and every episode.

The twists and turns throughout the series will let you feel the anxiety that the group is feeling at that exact moment, making you mad at everyone and everything that is keeping the gang from achieving their objectives. And then it will give you two gut-wrenching episodes and leave you in a state of emotional shock. So, ready your heart meds and maybe some tissue paper.

So Much Bigger and Better

After Netflix started to produce Money Heist with Part 3, everything is just so much bigger and better as evidenced by the grander production and way better aesthetics when compared to Parts 1 and 2. Seriously, just watch Parts 1 and 2 and compare it with Parts 3 and 4, and you’ll notice so much difference. And it’s all for the better. Creator Alex Pina sure made the right decision to let the streaming giant produce the series.

Money Heist Part 4 stays true in this tradition and maybe even upped the scale a couple of notches and improved on everything.

But one thing that stood out for me though, is the story. It is significantly improved and is so much more complex than its predecessors that it kind of makes me wonder how the story has gotten to where it is currently at. It’s so precise and well-thought out it’s hard to find fault in it.

A job well done indeed!

Skip or Watch?

All that said, Money Heist Part 4 is by far the best among the bunch and is arguably one of the best (if not the best) series out there today. So, yes, just put those Dali masks back on and join the Money Heist revolution.

VERDICT: WATCH!

Here is salida|etc’s rating for season 4 of Netflix’ Money Heist.

Let us know what you think of the series by giving it your own rating or commenting below.

Got a movie or TV series that you would like for us to review? Drop us a message and we’ll get to it.

Stranger Things is back! After a three-year wait, the gang in Hawkins are finally back for the fourth season of Stranger Things.

Should you skip it or watch it? Read on this review to find out.

The Long Wait is Over

Finally! After three long years, the wait is over. Stranger Things is back for its fourth and reportedly penultimate season. The last time we saw the gang in Hawkins, Indiana, they were basically kids. We know they will eventually outgrow their Stranger Things characters but it’s still a little nerve-wracking to see how much they have grown throughout the years. Not convinced yet? Check out the gallery below.

Yep, they have aged and so did we. Man, this pandemic really messed us up so much. In all seriousness though, we’re just glad that one of the most beloved shows in recent memory along with its cherished main cast are finally back.

So Dark

The first three seasons of Stranger Things were all great thrillers in their own right. But the fourth season? Well, let’s just say, Stranger Things Season 4 is scarier than possibly all three previous seasons combined, and it is absolutely a plus.

Much like how the kids of Hawkins have grown, so did the show. The storylines are still kind of derivative but the thrills and scares? Oh, my Lord! The series has now packed itself with some of the most gruesome on-screen deaths. The Duffer Brothers went off the rails on the scare factor with this season. Parents, you may want to ask your kids to look away for the death scenes. The show has really gone so dark it could really mess some of the kids up if they are not guided while watching.

So Good

In Stranger Things Season 4, I feel like the Duffer Brothers upped its scare game and finally chose the darker way. Perhaps, the best way. The first three seasons only seemed to kind of dabble towards the dark and we always kind of felt that the show could go way darker. The creators took a deeper dive into the black abyss with Season 4. Gorier, grislier, and bloodier than ever.

But guess what, it’s all good. Since its pilot, I have always expected for the show to be darker than it already is. And at the end of each season, I would always anticipate a darker and scarier next season. It kind of disappointed me every time. And I’m just so relieved that the fourth season, my wish was finally granted.

Skip or Watch?

Stranger Things Season 4 is exactly the Stranger Things that it’s supposed to be. Darker and Scarier. If, like me, you have also been yearning for the show to go in this direction, then you will surely appreciate this season. And while the storylines are still a little derivative, the scares and thrills are on another level entirely. In my opinion, this is the exactly the direction the show should take.

VERDICT: WATCH!

Here is salida|etc’s rating for Stranger Things Season 4 Vol 1.

This season will have 9 episodes in total for Volume 1 (May 27, 2022) and Volume 2 (July 1, 2022).

Let us know what you think of the series by giving it your own rating or commenting below.

Got a movie or TV series that you would like for us to review? Drop us a message and we’ll get to it.

Frozen II, the sequel to the much awaited and award-winning animated film Frozen (2013) has just released a new trailer. Watch Frozen II’s new trailer now!

Frozen II new trailer

Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel return to reprise their roles as the sisters/best friends Anna and Elsa. Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and everybody’s favorite snowman, Olaf (Josh Gad) also are returning with the cast. Our troll friends are also returning, and several new characters will be joining the “Frozen” family as well.

As expected, more details to the plot have been revealed and it looks like we are going to delve deeper into Anna and Elsa’s past in this sequel. The trailer shows that the sister bond between Anna and Elsa seemed to have gotten stronger and so is the friendship among the sisters and the trio of Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven.

It also looks like we are going to see a more mature story seeing Elsa trying to use her powers against forces that are yet to be revealed in order to save the kingdom of Arendelle. Speaking of which, we will be seeing a lot more of the kingdom and enchanted forests will also be featured and perhaps be a key part of the story.

The visuals, as shown in the trailer, are incredibly vivid and stunningly magical! As great as the 2013 Frozen was, Frozen II, we dare say, may just be better already – at this point at least.

Dark and Magical

The movie might also finally give the fans an answer to the question as to why Elsa has powers and/or how they got them in the first place as evidenced by the YouTube caption for the trailer by the official Walt Disney Animation Studios YouTube account which reads:

“Why was Elsa born with magical powers? What truths about the past await Elsa as she ventures into the unknown to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond Arendelle? The answers are calling her but also threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she’ll face a dangerous but remarkable journey. In “Frozen,” Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In “Frozen 2,” she must hope they are enough.”

Frozen II new trailer which dropped yesterday has currently 5M+ views on YouTube as of this writing.

Frozen II will be released in theaters globally on November 22, 2019! And the good news is that it might be shown in the Philippines as early as the 20^th as Filipino cinemas change schedules during Wednesdays.

We’re excited and we know you are too!

Visit our trailers page for the latest movie/TV trailers.

As always, feel free to comment below!

Sweet Tooth, the fantasy drama based on the DC comic book of the same name has arrived on Netflix. The show follows Gus’ adventures in a post-apocalyptic world filled with human hybrids and those hunting them.

But the question is, should you skip it or watch it? Read on this review to find out.

Mad Max Meets Bambi

The world is in ruins. People are dying of an unknown disease and humans are desperate for survival. Sound familiar? Of course, it is. This has been the premise of many of books and countless have made it to either the small screen or the big screen. Mad Max, being one example.

But what happens when you put in a half boy half deer into that world? A curious naïve boy living with only his Pubba, ignorant of the outside world. the result: Sweet Tooth.

Based on the comic book of the same name, Sweet Tooth follows Gus, a half boy half deer hybrid and his journey to the post-apocalyptic world where survival is the name of the game.

Yep, it sure sounds like Mad Max and Bambi put together in one show.

As derivative of Mad Max or Bambi as it sounds, however, don’t let that discourage you. Sweet Tooth exists in its own world. One that is full of greenery that will surely delight the eyes of its viewers regardless of whatever their ages may be. Colorful sceneries and vibrant mountain tops. There are ruined cities, sure, but overall, Sweet Tooth created a beautiful world.

Chemistry, Plotlines

11-year-old actor Christian Convery plays Gus aka Sweet Tooth, the half human half deer hybrid to near perfection. His oozing charisma will surely captivate the viewers. Blend all that with Nonso Anozie’s muscular on the outside but soft on the inside portrayal of Tommy Jepperd and this show is already a hit.

Moreover, plotlines give out an exquisite appeal. Sweet Tooth tells Gus’ story and seamlessly weaves his story to all the storylines making the viewing experience as pleasant as it is satisfying. It’s always a delight for me to see a number of smaller storylines develop into one large plot. Almost as gratifying as watching an artist slowly complete his masterpiece.

Never Too Cheesy

Character development is also on point in Sweet Tooth. Although, as you might expect, it does not give out all the details in one go. Instead, it encourages you to predict the plotlines and most of the times you’ll be incorrect. Unpredictability – also another point where Sweet Tooth shines.

But perhaps the greatest strength of the series is that it is well balanced. We’ve seen most shows of this genre always ending up as either impassive or over-the-top. Sweet Tooth proves that a sweet spot between expressionless and cheesiness exist. A show can put out a lot of emotion without it becoming too cheesy or cringey. The series definitely achieves that.

Skip or Watch?

Sweet Tooth finds the right amount of warmth with touching storylines powered by its charming leads in Christian Convery’s Gus and Nonso Anozie’s Tommy Jepperd. What makes this series appealing, is it seems to have found that sweet spot between emotion and cheesiness – something a lot of shows of this genre always struggle with.

All in all, Sweet Tooth is an easily watchable series, so definitely a must-watch.

VERDICT: WATCH!

Here is salida|etc’s rating for the first season of Sweet Tooth.

Let us know what you think of the series by giving it your own rating or commenting below.

Got a movie or TV series that you would like for us to review? Drop us a message and we’ll get to it.

The Black Phone reunites director Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill, and Ethan Hawke with their take on Joe Hill’s 2004 short story.

Should you skip it or watch it? Read on this review to find out.

Back to Horror

Thanks to a fallout with Marvel Studios over Doctor Strange 2, Director Scott Derrickson goes back to his horror roots in an adaptation of Joe Hill’s short story, The Black Phone. The director finds himself re-teaming up with his “Sinister” colleagues, writer C. Robert Cargill and Oscar-nominated actor Ethan Hawke.

In The Black Phone, a young boy named Finney (Mason Thames) gets kidnapped by The Grabber (Ethan Hawke) and his only hope lies in talking to a disconnected rotary phone on the wall.

Mesmerizing Performances

The Black Phone faithfully adapts on its source material and gives its characters a richer backstory. This deeper insight into the characters gives the cast a better platform to showcase their acting chops. First with Ethan Hawke’s chilling take on The Grabber. In fact, the hype was at an all-time high when the first teaser revealed Hawke’s character. And dare I say, the film lives up and perhaps surpass all the intrigue.

Then, there’s Mason Thames’ portrayal of Finney whose stoic take on the protagonist is surprisingly on point. But the showstopper performance comes with Madeleine McGraw’s Gwen, Finney’s younger sister. McGraw’s take on the role is a perfect match of maturity and innocence. She definitely looks like a star-in-the-making if she isn’t already.

A Refreshing Take

Notice a trend on the movies lately? The violence, the bloodshed has been on an uptick in almost all the movie genres. It happens a lot even on TV too. And quite honestly, it gets to a point where it’s just too much. Recent horror movies show mostly the gore. Senseless violence that doesn’t necessarily progress the story. Meaningless jump-scares that virtually lead to nothing to further the plot. And in this sense, most of these movies simply fail.

In The Black Phone, there is still some form of brutality depicted. However, they feel vital to the story. The Black Phone proves that there is so much more to horror than just slaughter – that there are other ways to go about the murders without the actual killing.

Scott Derrickson shows us there is a more effective way to tell a scary story. And the most important one I think is to give your characters a real and believable narrative and that includes both the protagonists and the antagonists. Get the audience to empathize with the characters. All the slashing and killing just gets old and forgettable. The Black Phone does away with all that and succeeds in giving the genre a fresher perspective.

Skip or Watch?

Director Scott Derrickson goes back to his horror roots teaming up with frequent collaborator writer C. Robert Cargill and the result is a delight. Horror fans are sure to feast on The Black Phone with its refreshing take on a genre that lately has been plagued by meaningless jump-scares and needless gore. Horror movies don’t necessarily need to show the scary stuff to be scary. Sometimes, it could all just be in the mind and that makes it even more terrifying.

VERDICT: WATCH!

Here is salida|etc’s rating for The Black Phone.

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