Sneha Jaiswal's Blog, page 167
June 1, 2023
‘Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me’ Review
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
Freddy Riley is looking forward to spending Valentine’s Day with her girlfriend at their high school dance party, but instead of offering her an evening of romance, Laura Dean breaks up with Freddy. For the third time!
Created by Mariko Tamaki and Valero-O’Connell, “Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me” is a dreamily drawn graphic novel that will keep art enthusiasts hooked until the end based on its beautiful illustrations alone. I loved the artwork; it’s so fluid, and each panel feels like it seamlessly spills onto the next, like ocean waves. However, the plot about 17-year-old Freddy being stuck in a relationship with the popular, self-centered, cheating Laura Dean wasn’t all that captivating. But I get it, what does a completely smitten seventeen-year-old know about love anyway. It’s all about messing up and learning things the hard way.
The protagonist, Freddie, is very one-dimensional, with her primary focus being on worrying about her complicated relationship for most of the story. All her close friends are supportive but dislike Lara Dean, who is clearly unpleasant, yet Freddie would abandon her friends in a heartbeat for Dean. Freddie’s best friend, Doodle, is the sweetest character in the book, always there for her friends, even when they don’t necessarily deserve her loyalty. It takes the kindness and wise words of strangers for Freddie to finally realize there’s a whole world outside the cycle of break-ups she’s trapped in. The moral of the story? Don’t let love blind you!
Anyway, the LGBTQ+ representation throughout the graphic novel is wholesome. For example, Freddie is Asian-American, and both her parents are completely comfortable with her sexuality. Although the plot and characterization could have used some more work, the artwork makes “Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me” absolutely worth a read.
It’s a 4 on 5 from me.
May 31, 2023
Tin & Tina Review – Creepy Kids Keep It Going
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
When a newlywed couple adopts a pair of seven-year-old siblings, they find themselves unprepared for the overtly religious children who constantly quote the Bible and engage in creepy or violent acts. And if you’re a thriller/horror fan who didn’t enjoy Stephen King’s “Cujo,” then “Tin & Tina” is definitely not a film for you. Not like the two works have much in common, but let’s just say there’s a dead pet in both of them.
Written and directed by Rubin Stein, the 2023 Spanish psychological thriller “Tin & Tina” stars Carlos González Morollón and Anastasia Russo as the titular brother and sister who have an eerie religious fervor. Milena Smit portrays Lola, who slips into depression after suffering a miscarriage moments after her wedding and learns she can never conceive again. Despite her initial reluctance, Lola agrees to her husband Adolfo’s (Jaime Lorente) suggestion to adopt children, but surprises him by choosing a pair of siblings raised in a convent after witnessing their organ performance at church.
Set in the 1980s, the cinematography of the film is beautiful, with some great camera-work. From the grand Catholic churches to Lola’s sprawling home, most scenes possess a vintage charm, though some of the violent sequences stand starkly in contrast. Milena Smit as the beautiful young mother Lola is the most interesting character in the story. Introduced as a radiant bride full of hope, she gradually loses her vibrancy after the loss of her child. She begins to emit an unsettling aura, and her mental state continues to deteriorate following the adoption of Tin & Tina. Smit’s performance was reminiscent of Alyssa Sutherland’s portrayal of the possessed Ellie in “Evil Dead Rise”, even though Lola’s body isn’t hijacked by an ancient evil entity.
Anastasia Russo portrays the dominant twin, Tina, who is characterized by her energy and cheerfulness, as well as being the mastermind behind most of their mischief. However, using the word “mischief” to describe their actions feels tame considering the extent of their disturbing behavior. For instance, the children inflict violent harm upon themselves as a form of punishment when reprimanded. Conservative religious viewers may take offense at the content, as it implies that growing up in a convent can mess a person up. Nevertheless, Tin & Tina also appear somewhat blameless at times, leaving viewers divided as to whose side to support. Should one worry for Lola, who has to cope with these two little terrors, or should pity be directed towards the children, who are bullied at school and know nothing about life outside of the convent? Alternatively, should Lola be blamed for her inability to control the kids?
“Are they innocent children who misinterpret the Bible or evil kids who twist the holy verses to justify their behavior?”, Lola seriously wonders about the twins at one point in the film. The creators cleverly leave the answer to the viewers’ imagination. Overall, “Tin & Tina” is an interesting thriller, which is bogged down by a sluggish pace and a climax doesn’t fall in line with the rest of the plot and characterization of a primary protagonist.
It’s a 6 on 10 from me. You can stream the film on Netflix.
May 30, 2023
Yazidi! – Graphic Novel Review
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
For those unfamiliar with the Yazidis, a Kurdish religious minority, the graphic novel “Yazidi!” by Aurélien Ducoudray and Mini Ludvin, released in 2023, serves as an excellent introduction to their history and the persecution they have endured at the hands of the Islamic State. However, due to its target audience of readers aged 13 and older, the book only scratches the surface of the atrocities the Yazidis have faced.
The creators of the graphic novel provide a brief explanation of who the Yazidis are before delving into the daily lives of an ordinary family, portraying a seemingly content existence. The narrative then shifts back three months earlier, where the primary plot begins to unfold. Zere, a young Yazidi, is introduced, showcasing her fondness for spending time with her cousin Nizra during her free moments. Unfortunately, their carefree days are abruptly shattered when their town is overrun by the Islamic State. The militants capture all the young Yazidi women, confining them in deplorable conditions. The story then follows Zere’s trials and her determination to escape the clutches of this nefarious group.
Mini Ludvin skillfully brings the graphic novel to life with their vivid illustrations. The character designs showcase a subtle anime influence, characterized by prominent, expressive eyes that effectively convey the protagonist’s emotions. The artist exhibits a keen sense of visual storytelling by frequently altering the color scheme of the pages. This deliberate choice reflects the mood and time of day in which the scenes are set, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the story.
Spread over 144 pages, “Yazidi!” is an easy gripping read, with an unexpected violent twist towards the end. But despite its exploration of dark themes, the story concludes on an optimistic note, serving as a powerful tribute to the resilience of humans.
It’s a 4 on 5 from me.
Love Mate – Quick Series Review
Hello another Korean romance series with very good looking leads and a forgettable plot. Lee Jun works at a production company and doesn’t believe in ‘true love’. He is constantly going on speed dates, with a ‘meet, eat and scoot’ strategy. But when a handsome junior at work starts pursuing him, Lee’s cold heart shows signs on melting.
Titled “Love Mate”, the eight episode long series is directed by So Joon Moon, who had also directed “My Sweet Dear”, another show with gorgeous lead actors but not much of a script. Cho Hyun Min plays Lee Jun, the who isn’t interested in a serious relationship due to the terrible way his last partner treated him. Lee is perceived as a cold aloof senior at work, so he isn’t thrilled when a newbie called Jeong Ha Ram (Cho Han Geol) criticizes his proposal for a anti-romance reality show. To make things worse, Ha Ram also starts pestering him for a date.
The cinematography in the series is bright and sunny, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a summer romance. However, the portrayal of the relationship between the two leads didn’t always match the sweetness of the aesthetics. Ha Ram’s approach to wooing Lee Jun borders on bullying, often making Lee uncomfortable. For instance, during an after-work dinner with colleagues, Ha Ram apologizes for his actions and asks for a favor in return. He then proceeds to force Lee to participate in a “love shot” in front of everyone, despite Lee’s lack of interest. In Korea, a “love shot” involves linking arms and sharing a drink, symbolizing a couple-like interaction. If Ha Ram didn’t look like the lead singer of a K-pop band, his behavior would likely have been reported as harassment. Surprisingly, the relationship between the lead protagonists escalates rather quickly. From being bickering colleagues, they swiftly transition into being “love mates.”
Lee gives Ha Ram a one-month trial period to date and states that he will make a decision about pursuing a real relationship only after this trial period. While this premise could have led to a straightforward, cute and comedic romance, the writers introduce an “evil ex-boyfriend” to complicate matters between the two. Unfortunately, the sub-plot lacks depth and the second half of the series falls flat.
Regardless, despite the half-baked script, Cho Hyun Min and Cho Han Geol are absolutely adorable as the lead pair and make the series watchable.
It’s a 5 on 10 from me.
May 29, 2023
5 Thrillers to Check Out If You Liked ‘Missing’
The 2023 thiller/mystery movie “Missing” unfolds largely through computers, cctv cameras and has been well received by a lot of viewers. So, if you are looking to watch something similar, we run through a quick list of 5 titles on the latest edition of our podcast.
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Demon Slayer Swordsmith Village Arc – Ep 8 Review
Not fair! Almost nothing concrete happens in Demon Slayer Swordsmith Village Arc’s episode eight except for an overdose of flashbacks! And just like the last edition, there’s still no sight of the exuberant Mitsuri Kanroji, while all the other slayers seem to be on their last breath.
Also Read: Demon Slayer Entertainment District Arc Review
Titled “The Mu In Muichiro”, episode eight starts with Muichiro Tokito breaking free from the ghastly water pot. But instead of getting an intense action-packed faceoff between him and the demon Gyokko, viewers get a rather long and emotional back-story to how Muichiro became a swordsman. Even though he is an intriguing character, the timing of his flashback disrupts the flow of the tale, much like Genya’s tragic history in episode six.
This edition solely focuses on Muichiro, leaving viewers with no idea about what’s happening on Tanjiro’s side of the village. Fans can only hope that the next episode will make significant progress in the present battle between the demon slayers and the two top Upper Moons.
You can stream the series on Netflix.
May 28, 2023
Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai – Legal Drama With Satirical Sprinkles
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
Like its title, the 2023 Bollywood court-drama “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai” (translation – “One Man is Enough”) relies entirely on its lead actor to steer the film. Manoj Bajpayee plays honest lawyer PC Solanki, who represents a young girl who was sexually assaulted by a famous self-styled Godman. Can an ordinary lawyer take on a rich and powerful figure who has the best legal representation in the country?
Directed by Apoorv Singh Karki, the film wastes no time in establishing its primary premise. Sixteen-year-old Nu (Adrija Sinha) files a case against Baba at a Delhi police station, leading to his subsequent arrest under the POSCO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) act. Despite Baba’s lawyers attempting to dismiss the case as a “conspiracy to defame their client,” PC Solanki counters their efforts through steadfast determination, confronting victim-shaming and witness intimidation.
While a significant portion of the story unfolds in courtrooms in Rajasthan and the Delhi High Court, the film manages to strike a balance between its serious theme and subtle humor. The writers cleverly employ caricature-like defense lawyers, providing amusement to viewers familiar with the legal personalities these characters are based on. By playing with their names, such as those inspired by renowned legal figures in India like Ram Jethmalani, Salman Khurshid, and Subramanian Swamy, the film adds an element of identification. However, this tactic also undermines the overall impact of the film, as the defense lawyers become mere running gags without contributing substantially to the legal drama. In a story of this nature, a strong antagonist is crucial, yet “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai” solely positions Manoj Bajpayee’s character as the heroic pro-bono lawyer, lacking formidable adversaries.
Regardless, the movie is gripping and maintains a steady momentum throughout its runtime, faltering only in the last thirty minutes. Viewers are treated to Bollywood-style dialogue delivery during court proceedings, which, albeit unrealistic, will thrill those who enjoy grandiose performances in their movies. Some of the emotional statements momentarily slow down the pace, however, a reference to the Ramayan by Bajpayee’s Solanki in his concluding statement is very powerful and excellently delivered. Except for a slightly labored Rajasthani accent, Manoj Bajpayee gets everything right for his part in “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai” and makes it worth a watch.
It’s a 7 on 10 from me. You can stream it on Zee5.
May 27, 2023
Missing Review – Swift ‘Searching’ Style Thriller
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
A teenager who cracks her mother’s missing case faster than the FBI? Bring it on!
Directed by Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick, who’ve also co-written the script with Sev Ohanian, the 2023 thriller “Missing” follows a 18-year-old’s efforts to find her mother who fails to arrive back home from vacation. Shot in the style of 2018 film “Searching”, everything unfolds either on computers, cell phones and CCTV cameras and viewers have to keep their wits about to see what’s being typed, searched or streamed on the screen.
Storm Reid plays protagonist June, a typical 18-year-old, who immediately searches “how to host a rave on a budget”, when she finds out her widowed mother is going on an international vacation to Columbia with her new boyfriend. However, when the pair fail to return as scheduled, June becomes frantic to unravel the mystery surrounding their absence. Frustrated by the slow progress of the police investigation, June discovers a TaskRabbit-like service in Colombia, enabling her to hire a Spaniard to assist her on-site. Consequently, even their interactions take place solely online.
While the creators make it look exceedingly easy to solve complicated cases with just technology, “Missing” is quite gripping and filled with interesting twists and turns. It also manages to be an emotional mother-daughter tale, despite the minimal interactions between June and her mom Grace (Nia Long). Ken Leung plays Grace’s boyfriend, who becomes the primary suspect in the case due to his dubious past. The script also sheds interesting light on how media’s narrative on cases can impact the course of an investigation and deeply affect those connected to them.
Since the film predominantly unfolds through a technological lens, there isn’t much to critique about the cinematography. However, as this technique is no longer novel, incorporating some scenes shot in a traditional manner could have enhanced the screenplay’s overall appeal. Striking a balance between real-life action and secondary footage would have heightened the movie’s visual appeal. For instance, it seemed unnecessary for June to always have her laptop camera on, resulting in constant footage of her. Scenes set in the house or during her interactions with friends and at parties could have benefited from conventional camera work.
The pace of the film remains consistently engaging, never slowing down, and culminates in a surprising climax that will undoubtedly leave viewers with plenty to contemplate.
It’s a 7 on 10 from me. You can stream “Missing” on Netflix.
The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott – Book Review
By Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
A few years ago, my mother experienced a strange sensation in her eyes, and she wisely decided to promptly visit the ophthalmologist. It turned out that her retina was detached, and nobody was able to explain to us why it had happened. However, thanks to the timely discovery of the problem, she underwent the necessary surgeries, preventing potential blindness. Now, you may wonder why I’m sharing all of this instead of simply reviewing “The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott.” Well, although I was aware that the graphic novel by Zoe Thorogood revolves around a young artist racing against time to create paintings for her debut art exhibition before losing her sight, what I didn’t know was that the protagonist herself had experienced a detached retina. So, the graphic novel struck a personal chord with me.
Billie Scott, the protagonist, is a young, introverted artist who spends her days secluded in her room, engrossed in her art. Just as she receives the opportunity of a lifetime to showcase her works at an exhibition, Billie falls victim to a senseless act of street violence that damages her eyes. Devastatingly, she is given a grim prognosis: she will lose her eyesight within a mere two weeks. The novel chronicles Billie’s remarkable journey as she strives to create ten paintings before succumbing to complete blindness. Zoe Thorogood takes readers on a wild ride about a young artist fighting despair, finding inspiration and forging new friendships.
Since art is a central theme in the story, the artwork complements the plot seamlessly. Zoe Thorogood skillfully employs a somber palette and deliberately incorporates numerous “scratches” in the panels, giving the illustrations a worn-out and exhausted appearance that mirrors the protagonist’s state. I loved Zoe’s artwork in the autobiographical work “It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth”, even though its content wasn’t as engrossing. Even in this book, horror manga fans will be able to spot the creator’s nod to Junji Ito, even though they aren’t as direct.
Billie meets an interesting bunch of characters through the book, faces a few more mishaps along the way and is acutely made aware of her privilege, since she does have a home to go back to, unlike some of the runaways and homeless folks she meets. Apart from a few stale philosophical conversations, “The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott” is a riveting read and ends with a surprisingly realistic ending. Or at least it doesn’t have the kind of typical climax I was expecting. It’s a pretty impressive debut graphic novel, definitely check it out if you are a fan of the format.
It’s a 4 on 5 from me.
May 26, 2023
Citadel Season 1, Episode 6 Review
So… Mason Kane is a lovelorn madman, but apart from that, episode six of Citadel was actually an upgrade from episode five. Although, all that family drama? We level up – more revelations and kinfolk problems come forth.
The content lives up to the episode’s title – “Secrets in Night Need Early Rains”, which didn’t make much sense at first glance. Then I put on my “literature honors student cap” and thought, “Ooh, they mean early rains will wash away secrets, and nobody will come to know of it. Nice.” In “Citadel,” you need a memory-erasing chip to do the job. At this point, that’s not even a spoiler.
Also Read: Citadel Ep 1 & 2 Review – Rather Run-off-the-mill
There isn’t a lot of action in this edition, but there’s an exciting exaggerated sequence where all three remaining Citadel spies attempt to thwart Manticore’s plan to activate nuclear warheads. So it’s Team Mason Kane (Richard Madden), Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), and Carter Spence (Osy Ikhile) against the world, sort of.
A massive revelation is made towards the end, a thrilling twist which I had predicted would happen regarding Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ Nadia, but it turns out to be for someone else. The writers quickly back up the revelation with a backstory too, which has its pros and cons. Pro – we now have the answers to some key questions. Con – there isn’t much mystery left, unless we’ve been lulled into believing some well-told lies. That would be snarky and cool. Things can only get more exciting from here on, or they might just nosedive into a snooze-fest. Let’s hope it’s the former.
You can stream the series on Prime Video.
