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The Ones Who Live Episode 6 Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 3, 2024| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Warning mild spoilers below.

TWD: The Ones Who Live was an epic ending to an epic love story.

Rick and Michonne head back to the CRM to obtain the dossier and to sabotage the Echelon Briefing. Each is responsible for their mission. Determined to return home, Rick is fueled with the hope of what he once was as he embarks on getting into the CRM to change things from the inside.

As their journey expands and their personalities shift into more complex individuals, we can still see the Rick and Michonne that we fell in love with in previous seasons of The Walking Dead.

Rick and Michonne overcome many obstacles throughout their journey while closing in on their most significant victory. The power couple beats all the odds to complete their mission. Rick nervously embraces his new lease on life and quickly reconnects with the people he loves.

The Ones Who Live intensely focused on Rick’s trauma and the CRM’s position and purpose in society. Michonne’s journey is centered on her love for Rick, who created a force of nature to change their world and the world beyond them.

The Ones Who Live was a masterpiece, as it continued to tell the whole story of Rick Grimes. Starting from the day he was shot and woke up from a coma, Rick’s intent to “find his family” and protect them has been at the forefront of his arc. Rick’s journey has led him to find his family and “focus on the future.” Rick’s desire to “thrive and fortify” will forever be etched into the astounding theme that love conquers all, and love is what makes people thrive and fortify. Rick has been through many trials and tribulations, but the one thing that has gotten him through is the love he shared with Michonne and his love for all the people who have come and gone throughout this time. Since Morgan saved him, Rick’s life has been shaped by each person who has played a role in his story.

Rick was born to lead.

Leadership is part of Rick’s DNA. As a Sheriff’s Deputy, the Leader of the Survivors, the town Leader of Alexandria, and a sergeant of the CRM, we see how much Rick’s Leadership has evolved. Rick’s personality is complex yet gentle. He is also edgy, determined, fierce, powerful, haunted, broken, hurtful, doubtful, and hopeful. He is a character who will heal from his pain but will always be a powerhouse in the world of The Walking Dead.

The last episode of Ones Who Live was a stunning example of how Rick’s story of survival can and will continue to live in the hearts of The Walking Dead Fandom. I’m still hoping for season 2 where we see Rick rebuild his life and reunite with Morgan, Daryl, Maggie, Carol, Ezekiel, Aaron, and even Negan. There is always more story to tell, and I would be honored to experience it again.

Check out The One’s Who Live on AMC+. Can’t get enough of The Walking Dead? Check out season 2 of Daryl Dixon coming Summer of 2024!

L.L.

Here is a sneak peek of season 2 of Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol:

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The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live Episode 1 Review

Posted in AMC shows, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 26, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Warning Some Spoilers Below:

by LaTaeya Lane

TWD: The Ones Who Live, directed by Bert and Bertie Ellwood and starring Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira, continues the epic love story of the famous Colt Python slinger Rick Grimes and the Katana Sword-wielding Michonne. This story takes place in two different locations, as our main characters face a multitude of challenges, obstacles, and interesting circumstances along their journey to find each other. Rick’s journey to the CRM started after he blew up the bridge outside of Alexandria; Jadis found him near death on the edge of the river. Then we see Rick riding off into the world of the unknown in a helicopter with Jadis in tow.

Unsatisfied with their search efforts, Michone found herself going out to find Rick, feeling in her heart that he was not dead. She set out to expand her search beyond the borders of their walled community. On her travels, she ran into a man named Virgil in connection to a mysterious boat. The boat contained Rick’s Boots, a cell phone with an etched photograph of her and Judith, and a message written in Japanese, which were clues to prove that Rick was alive.

Their journey to each other leads them on a path to a much bigger and broken world.

Rick finds himself in a community held against his will and does everything he can to reunite with his love, Michonne, including attempting to escape several times.

Episode 1 takes us inside the CRM as we see the life that Rick Grimes is living. He tries to hang on to the love and life of his past while his hope for finding his family and the future he envisions slowly fades away.

Rick’s newfound relationships appear to be established with great caution as Okafor (portrayed by Craig Tate) tries to push Rick into a major Leadership role within the CRM. During this recruitment process, we learn that Rick undergoes extensive Military training. We see Rick do everything from hand-to-hand combat training to Walker extraction and flight training. While receiving this training, he mentally resists the idea of being a CRM leader. He finds himself amid an internal rebellion whose purpose is to change the inner workings of the CRM.

Rick’s resistance leads him on a path of four failed escape attempts, with his last effort finally bringing his comic book character storyline to life with the mutilation of his left hand.

By the end of the episode, Rick tries to let go of the idea that he will return to Michonne and his family. As he tries to open himself to the possibility of a new future, unexpected firepower suddenly takes down a routine supply run with Okafor’s group in one of the very helicopters that he has learned to fly. He crashes into a nearby field. Rick escapes the aircraft to an even more dangerous situation. Rick’s protective mask is taken off to reveal his face, while the individual who killed the others in his group is shown to be none other than his one true love, Michonne.

They stare at each other for several long moments as their mouths are dropped in awe.

This episode was by far one of the best episodes that the TWD Universe has presented to us. The storytelling process and the spectacular cinematography have created a fresh take and a different perspective on how Rick’s adventure has continued through his long absence within the universe. The world of the CRM and the secrets they hold create a more detailed idea of the puzzle pieces that the CRM has left us throughout this time. Andy Lincoln’s portrayal of Rick Grimes is award-winning, bringing us back to when TWD was all about Rick since season 1, episode 1, Days Gone By. The entire production was done amazingly. The new Costume designs tell a story within themselves and add to the experience of drawing us into Rick’s life. The “what if “scenes with Michonne and Rick were captivating and very special. Seeing them engage with each other in a new way was magical. The supporting cast meshed well throughout the episode and did an excellent job blending their fresh take with Rick’s story.

It is going to be fantastic to see how this unfolds.

Episode 1 of The Ones Who Live was a great start to this new thrill ride, and I am all in!!!

Ten stars!!

L.L.

Check out the trailer below. The Who Live airs Sundays on AMC at 9:00

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The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Review

Posted in AMC shows, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 12, 2023| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Review

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, starring Norman Reedus, is a sequel series to the Zombie flagship show, The Walking Dead.

We last see Daryl at the end of season 11 of The Walking Dead as he says Goodbye to his beloved friend Carol, then rides off, setting his sights on a journey to find Rick.

Daryl Dixon opens with him lying on a small, capsized boat, floating towards an unknown land. He ends up on the shores of France, where he tries to figure out how to navigate this new situation.

Secure behind the walls of a convent, Daryl contemplates the decisions he has made. Isabella, a nun who helped bring Daryl to safety, slowly reveals his purpose for being there. Skeptical and reluctant over the nun’s faith in him, an earlier incident with some people comes back to haunt Daryl and the nuns in the worst possible way. During his stay in the convent, Daryl also meets a unique child named Laurent, faced with a destiny that could possibly save the world. With Daryl’s help; he begins a new journey to return to America as soon as possible. I got some Last of Us vibes, but I believe Laurent’s story will be interesting.

Daryl Dixon is a show where boundaries are pushed, and adventure awaits around every corner. We were taken back to the days of old when Rick was left to find his family, and along that path, Rick was faced with seen and unseen dangers. We see Daryl as he embarks upon a new venture to save the people he loves while he is faced with new dangers, new friends, and new territory.

This show is a breath of fresh air. Just Norman alone is enough to carry this show; however, just by viewing the first episode, I can see how the cast of characters mesh well. The expansion of the Walking Dead universe works in France, and I see the possibility of multiple seasons from this. The show feels different compared to Dead City, which is not bad.

Norman is great. We see a fully developed character with many layers and complexities within him. We see a person we know well but still want to know more about.

This show excites me, and I am very proud of Norman and Daryl for giving us such a heartfelt character to love.

Check out the trailer below:

Daryl Dixon airs on Sundays on AMC

L.L.

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Equalizer 3 Review

Posted in New Movie reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 4, 2023| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Mild Spoilers Below:

Equalizer 3, directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and starring Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning, was a great action-packed film that gave fans everything they wanted in a thrilling Denzel Washington cinematic adventure.

This time, we find our anti-hero assassin, Robert McCall (Denzel Washington), on the beautiful banks of Italy as he deals with some unfinished business. That unfinished business leads him on the path of retirement. But before he can actually sit back and relax. He soon finds himself once again protecting the people he loves.

Entangled in a world of the Italian Mob, Robert partners up with CIA Agent Emma Collins (Dakota Fanning) as they work together to bring down the powerful organization that has been constantly terrorizing the citizens of a quaint Italian community.

Equalizer 3 was well-balanced and presented moviegoers with a familiar yet fresh take on character expansion while delivering a tone that ties in trauma, loyalty, and purpose. The story and action sequences were captivating. Denzel’s performance was magnetic; the second he appears on screen, you are drawn to his character. The effects were wild, and the reunion and chemistry between Denzel and Dakota were fantastic. The supporting cast added to the depth of the storytelling process while providing fans with a level of connection that creates an emotional reality based on the understanding that dark times won’t last forever.

This is a must-see action film. The director‘s perspective and the magic of the cinematography connected all the elements to make this movie a spectacular Labor Day weekend Blockbuster.

I gave this movie 5 stars.

Please check out the trailer below:

L.L.

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 7, 2023| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

The third installment of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise was an incredible adventure that dug into the past while providing a hopeful future for the characters we know and love.

Directed by James Gunn, this film takes place sometime after the tragic events of End Game. We see the devastating impact that Gomora’s (Zoe Saldana) death has had on Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and the rest of the Guardians.  

In their attempt to move forward, the Guardians must find a way to heal from their loss as a new threat surfaces to destroy the universe.

With an unshakable cast, a strong and tight storyline, and consistent and larger-than-life special effects, Guardians of the Galaxy volume 3 is a must-film that will move you. Character connections evolve throughout the story and impact how the audience receives the realistic components within the theme. Additionally, the delivery of humor was intertwined gracefully, while the majestic nature of these superheroes is genuinely touching in multiple ways.

The cast brought this film to life; the director’s perspective created a movie that fans would love and appreciate.

I gave Guardians of the Galaxy 5 stars. It’s a must-see and hopefully will set the tone for (a fantastic summer blockbuster season.

L.L.

Check out the trailer below:

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John Wick Chapter 4 Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 26, 2023| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

John Wick Chapter 4, directed by Chad Stahelski and starring Keanu Reeves, continues the saga of the legendary hitman as he battles his way to free himself from The High Table and all the expectations that come with it.

This movie is the definition of high-octane action. We are once again drawn into a world of international luxury where the darkness of high society rules the world and where no one is safe from escape. The complicated story of The High Table becomes more intense as John attempts to face his inner and outer demons.

John Wick Chapter 4 is a fast-paced film, yet it flows nicely to where you can follow the direction as to where John Wick is going. He meets old friends and new enemies throughout his journey as he maintains his classic style and calculated nature.

This movie, by far, is one of the best Keanu Reeves action films I have ever seen. The fight sequences, fantastic choreography, stunning backdrops, fabulous fashion, and diverse casting created a visual experience like no other. Almost every scene is unforgettable, and the film establishes a tone of familiarity while still able to evolve into a new elemental force within the genre.

I hate to admit that John Wick Chapter 4 was the first movie in the franchise I’ve seen in the theater, and I must say that it was such an exciting adventure that I couldn’t stop thinking about it ever after it was over.

The cast was chosen to create an interlocking ensemble that united the storytelling process. In addition, each character delivered a performance that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

John Wick Chapter 4 is a film that must be experienced in the theater. It was amazing and did not disappoint. This movie will take you all over the world. The draw-dropping scenery is a character in its own right. John Wick Chapter 4 pushes the limits of high-energy concepts and displays a variety of fighting styles. We see John Wick explore different weapons as well as diversify his world while giving movie-goers a thrill ride filled with new reveals, the exposure of deeper secrets, and shocking moments that will surely rock your world.

I gave John Wick Chapter 4, 5 stars.

L.L.

Check out the trailer below:

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Avatar: The Way Of Water Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 18, 2022| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Avatar: The Way of Water, directed by James Cameron and starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Kate Winslet, Sigourney Weaver, Cliff Curtis, and Stephen Lange, takes place years after we see Jake Sully permanently assimilated into the world of Pandora. Now mated for life with partner Neytiri, portrayed by Zoe Saldana, we find that Jake is also the father of four children. However, the Sully family’s happiness quickly fades as Jake’s old enemy Quaritch, portrayed by Stephen Lange, takes the form of an Avatar to finish the war he started against Jake.

Jake and his family are no longer safe within the trees of their forest home, so he makes the tough decision to move his family out of the forest and into the water world to seek refuge among a new community of warriors. The Sully family begins a new life as they learn the ways of the Metkayina Tribe.

Avatar: The Way of Water is a cinematic masterpiece with a little bit of everything packed into the three hours plus film. This film made magic real for me as I took this magical thrill ride of adventure into another realm of imagination and wonder. The addition of new characters quickly became favorites while we were enthralled to explore how Jake and Neytiri’s world has evolved since we last saw them.

This movie was a visual spectacle on levels that are difficult to express. Experiencing it in 3D created a layer of dimension that only a movie theater could bring. The characters and the actors that brought them to life created an element of cohesiveness and chemistry that worked to maintain a balance that made the movie flow effortlessly. The storyline-maintained interest, while the score made me want something more to add to the theatrical experience. James Cameron has done it again with his directorial skills and deserves an Oscar nomination and win for best film and director.

Overall, I gave this film five stars. It is worth watching again. It is absolutely amazing!!

Check out the trailer below:

L.L

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Morbius Movie Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 4, 2022| Leave a Comment »

Warning: Beware of Spoilers!

Morbius starring Jared Leto and Matt Smith and directed by Daniel Espinosa, tells the origin story of the vampire hybrid that is known to be part of Spiderman’s Universe.

Morbius is a brilliant doctor that suffers from a degenerative blood disease. Determined to find a cure for himself and his best friend, he attempts to conduct an experiment that he hopes will change his quality of life. But instead, Morbius finds himself in a realm between good vs. evil.

I understand that the buzz going around has suggested that this was not up to Marvel’s standards, and fans have not been pleased; however, I thought that the film had a lot going for it. The most important concept was that this was not a traditional vampire story. This character was created in a laboratory: an extreme side effect due to the medication that Dr. Morbius injected himself with. The whole concept around this type of vampire was fascinating. The fluidity of the character was almost magical, and the transitions between vampire and human were blended creatively. When engaged in combat, the intensity behind the characters brought the anti-superhero concept into full force. I thought that the storyline had a good foundation, and the overall flow and mood of the film connected well. The movie gave us enough to gain interest and left us open enough for many questions to be asked.

I think that Morbius being added into the Spiderman Universe at this time could be interpreted as random since we haven’t even seen or heard of him since now. However, at least with Venom, he was slowly introduced, and then we got to see his character fully evolve with his stand-alone movies. Please note that the classic end credit scenes pose more questions, but we should anticipate a future Spiderman encounter with Morbius.

I am looking forward to a tighter storyline and more character development with Morbius, but I will continue to be optimistic about his involvement and evolution in the Marvel films.

Give this movie a chance; It’s not as bad as some reviews state.

I gave this film 3 stars.

L.L

Check out the trailer below:

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The Walking Dead Episode 9 Recap/Review

Posted in AMC shows, Comic Book Movies, Fantasy literature, Horror Movies, Horror shows, Reviews, Walkers, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 22, 2022| Leave a Comment »

Season 11 Episode 9: Major Spoiler Alert!

The Walking Dead Season 11-part B picked up where we last left Daryl as he was officially recruited to join the Reapers. Still reeling from Pope’s death and Daryl’s so-called “betrayal,” we find Leah completely changed as her true colors surface while taking on the leadership role of the Reapers. Maggie, Elijah, and Negan find themselves in an all-out war against Carver. Determined to capture her to settle the score with Maggie, Carver’s army of one is eventually subdued. Negan leaves after the fight with Carver. Daryl manages to make his way back to Maggie while using the Reaper Carver as bait to negotiate a peaceful truce between the two groups. Gabriel lurks in the shadows while he waits for the perfect moment to strike. He briefly battles an inner struggle of faith, reason, and survival while engaging in a defining character moment with the Reaper Preacher. This moment shows strength and a formidable force that Gabriel tries to remain contained within but unleashes when necessary. Elijah is injured from the fight with Carver and makes Maggie promise that the Reapers get what they deserve after they kill his sister Josephine. Maggie’s take no prisoners attitude quickly contributes to things ending with the deaths of the Reapers by her own hand. Daryl and Maggie find themselves on opposite sides as Maggie attempts to end things with Leah. She takes a shot at Leah but only grazes her shoulder. Leah manages to get away, and Daryl goes after her but allows her to leave, realizing that they might have had a life together if they had made different choices. Maggie and the group find the food they are looking for, and she keeps her promise to go back for Alden. Unfortunately, she learns that Alden is now a Walker.

Suffering from another loss, Maggie and the group push forward as they reunite with Gabriel and the members of their Alexandrian Community. Daryl discovers that Connie is alive and well. Aaron and Rosita save Judith and Gracie from the basement Walkers. The community experiences a moment of peace, and when they think, they may need to fight again, Eugene returns with the Commonwealth Community. 

No Other Way was a great episode that closed one story chapter and opened another. We soon experience another time jump in the Walking Dead’s storytelling process. In the upcoming scenes, some Alexandria members are trying to fit into the Commonwealth lifestyle. As we see Daryl dressed in Commonwealth soldier attire, we are unsure what this means exactly. He approaches The Hilltop and comes to talk to Maggie or offer her something. Maggie seems uninterested, and the Hilltop looks like it is undergoing reconstruction. Those who have read the comics know that the presence of the Commonwealth may not mean that it is a good thing.

Overall, the production of The Walking Dead has gotten better with time. The Basement Walker scene with Aaron was amazing. At this point, Aaron has taken on the persona of a superhero as he keeps pushing his human limits; he has evolved on so many levels. Judith’s abilities have also improved, and she proves time and time again that she is Rick and Michonne’s daughter. Maggie’s ability to lead and her strength has transformed into a powerful force to reckon with. We see a complete pillar of determination with her and the other characters as well. The Walking Dead’s look has also transformed into a blockbuster theater experience. The sets are more extensive and have more depth, personality, and energy. The story expands with each episode, and the bricks are being laid to reveal Rick’s return. As the story develops, Daryl is more than the lone wolf. We see his ability to love, fight and survive among the harshest and trying of circumstances. Daryl’s love for holding on to his true family has ignited a light in him that cannot be easily extinguished. This episode is worth watching more than once.

I am looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season will bring with the hope of Rick and Michonne returning before the end of the season.  

Check out the trailer below:

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Spiderman: No Way Home “Review”

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 19, 2021| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Spider-Man No Way Home Poster

Spiderman: No Way Home, directed by Jon Watts and starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Benedict Cumberbatch, picks up right after the events of Far from Home. Spiderman’s identity has been revealed, and he now must suffer the backlash of the world knowing who Peter Parker is. Out of desperation, Peter seeks help from Dr. Strange. Dr. Strange agrees to help, but in that process, the Multiverse is unraveled by a chain reaction of entities that poses a major threat to the current reality. Peter learns the hard way that his actions come with serious consequences despite the good intentions behind them.

Spiderman: No Way Home is packed with action that includes thrilling fight sequences that showcase a physically maturing Spiderman. The special effects are intensely done, and the cinematic elements transport the Marvel fan into Spiderman’s world. The Multiverse concept is blended into this story brilliantly and uniquely displays the creative components of writing. This film was exciting and worth all the time, energy, and funding used to create it. Tom Holland did a great job in his role as Spiderman. Benedict Cumberbatch was excellent as Dr. Strange, and the supporting cast had a beautiful way of projecting their chemistry on camera for all to see.

Spiderman: No Way Home is a must-see movie. I gave this movie five stars.

L.L.

Check out the trailer below:

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