Tag Archives: Netflix

CAPSULE: Death Note (2017)

RyukTitle: Death Note | Rated: TV-MA | Runtime: 101 min | Netflix streaming

Since I’m not familiar with the Death Note manga and anime, I can’t comment on the recent Netflix movie’s fidelity to the source material, but I can say that as a movie, it’s a wild mess that leaves much to be desired. The plot moves at such a rapid pace that investing in the characters and buying what unfolds prove to be difficult (if not impossible) tasks, though the movie is admittedly never boring. It doesn’t help that the characters act stupidly and make downright inexplicable decisions, requiring ridiculous suspension of disbelief. Despite its intriguing concept, the movie is scared of expanding its mythology and truly diving into the wider implications of using the Death Note. The tone routinely veers left and right, providing (unintentionally?) hilarious moments aplenty. His high-pitched screaming aside, a miscast Nat Wolff cannot save the character of Light from blandness. Margaret Qualley makes Mia fun to watch, and Lakeith Stanfield’s jittery performance as investigator L actually suits the movie’s pace and tone. The death god Ryuk is mostly sidelined, which is a shame because Willem Dafoe tackles him with much gusto. Director Adam Wingard is quite the visual stylist, with David Tattersall’s cinematography enlivening the frame through shadows and neon colors. Ironically, it feels like this movie wrote its own name in the Death Note itself, and we are here to witness its demise.

Rating: 2.0/5.0

* Photo courtesy of Netflix

Netflix Nugget – Voltron Legendary Defender

Voltron BannerA few weeks ago Dreamworks and Netflix released all eleven episodes of the inaugural season of Voltron: Legendary Defender. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I loved Voltron. It was less for the show itself and more for the cool toy from Japan as well as the concept of five smaller robots combining together to make one larger one. I detested the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers because I felt like Voltron was the original multi-piloted giant robot and it pissed me off that it had been so blatantly ripped off. Interestingly enough, both Voltron and the Power Rangers could technically be considered rip-offs of a far less popular Japanese show called Super Sentai. Now as an adult, I’m far less emotional about the issue but Voltron still holds a special spot in my heart. When I learned of this reboot, I was immediately drawn to the show. As per usual, SPOILERS AHEAD. Continue reading

Netflix Nugget: Daredevil Season Two

DDBanner“What about what I believe, Stick? What about what I’m going to do about it?” – Matthew Murdock

I just wrapped up Season Two of Daredevil and this quote, taken in one of the last few episodes of the season, really sums up my feelings for this season. We pick up after Wilson Fisk (Kingpin) has been thrown in jail and Daredevil is continuing his lawyer-by-day/vigilante-by-night lifestyle. Continue reading