The Flash (2014) - Season 1

The Flash

Number of episodes: 23

Broadcasting Station: The CW

Official Page











Trailer


STEPH SAID

Rating:

Review:

I don't know what I expected coming to this series. Everything I thought I knew about The Flash came from Smallville – I found out later that Smallville's Impulse is not Barry Allen, but Bart Allen. However, I was excited due to Barry's appearances in Arrow.

As opposed to Arrow, The Flash is an upbeat, heroic show; it has cheerful characters that only care about saving people. In each episode Team Flash confronts a human with super powers – a  Metahuman – that has gone rogue and is endangering life in Central City. Flash's team give each “Rogue” a funny nickname and do their best to incarcerate them in a special prison. Tension builds up as the season progresses, though. The rogue of the week takes a more secondary place in storytelling, and Barry starts dealing with the man who killed his mother: an enigmatic antagonist, known as Reverse-Flash, who always seems to be one step ahead of Barry. The “rogue of the week” storylines are fun, but they feel like fillers, unimportant. The Reverse-Flash storyline, on the other hand, is more compelling, interesting, and full of unexpected plot twists.

Many other things improve Flash’s, already good, standing. I personally love their ongoing jokes about the Metahumans’ prison. I mean, how do they eat? How do they go to the bathroom? Also, having Wentworth Miller playing Captain Cold is a plus, no matter how you look at it. The introduction of time traveling so early in the series could lead to a catastrophe, but I have decided to give it the benefit of the doubt. Nevertheless, the Arrow/Flash Crossovers are the best part. The Flash vs. The Arrow fight, and Cisco betting on it, was everything I could’ve hoped for.

Barry, Joe, and Harrison Wells are amazing characters. The latter was especially intriguing, mysterious, and alluring. Most of the other characters were difficult to like at first, especially Cisco. When I met Cisco in Arrow, he felt cheesy and purposely nerdy. Like, nerdy viewers will like him just because of his shirts. But, let me tell you, he grows on you. I have come to like him quite a lot. Eddie went through the same trial, and also came out victorious. I didn’t even know how much I had come to like him until I saw the choice he made in the finale. 

Unfortunately, I can’t say the same thing about Caitlin, Ronnie or Iris. Ronnie and Caitlin suffer from the same lack of development. You can expect that lack of depth when it comes to Ronnie because he is only in the series for a couple of episode. But, Caitlin was in the series since the story started in Arrow. Yet, Caitlin doesn’t evolve through the season. She is a blank, I-lost-the-love-of-my-life, genius, pretty scientist; that is all there is to know about her. And, Iris… well, she is an entirely different case. Her constant whining and nagging is just annoying, and it distances her from the audience and from the Flash’s mood. Not one of her actions in this season moved me or compelled me to like her. She was in a completely different universe from every other Flash character. However, that is the only negative thing I can say about the Flash as a series. Is not a small part, but everything else in the series makes up for it.

Arrow - Season 3

Title: Arrow

Season: 3

Number of Episodes: 23

Broadcasting Station: The CW

Official Page











Official Trailer

Ell Said:

Rating:

Review:

With the excitement of the first season of The Flash, and the epicness of the previous season, our expectations were sky high when this season started. Alas, from the get-go, it was a disappointment. From Sarah's death in the second episode, the series was filled to the brim with terrible writing. First, Malcom's plan in the beginning. From what I can tell, Malcom's plan was to kill Sarah by means of Thea, to draw Nyssa out, which in turn would eventually lead to a confrontation between Rah's and Oliver. So, basically, he brainwashed his daughter, killed a pottential ally, and drew his biggest enemy to Starling City. Thing is, it worked. But, somehow, Thea managed to give Malcom to the League of Assassins in her stead, clearing herself of the 'charges' placed on her head by Sarah's murder. This would have been a great conclusion, but no, this wasn't even the mid-season episode. Because, for some reason, Oliver thought it was a bad idea, and decided to save Malcom from the League, and put himself in the path of it by protecting Malcom. You know, the enemy of a distant, non-enemy league is definitely your ally, or something. This brought about one of the worse group of episodes since Smallville season 10. The episodes after Oliver 'dies' at the hand of Rah's are the most boring episodes I've ever seen, but the worst thing is, it gets worse. Because, when Oliver comes back, Rah's wants to make Oliver the next Rah's Al Ghul, and won't take no for an answer. As the righteous vigilante that he's not supposed to be, Oliver declines, slowly forcing Rah's to use worse and worse tactics to force Oliver to obey. But, here's the thing: If Oliver had just said yes in the beginning, he'd have been able to do everything earlier, and no one, at all, would have had to die. The end itself was, without a doubt, anticlimatic, with it ending on a inconvincing high note of Oliver and Felicity driving into the sunset. Which, you know, would totally bum Ray Parker out. This, with the inclusion of Deathshot's death and the mere existance of Cupid, this season is the worst one of the three we've seen so far. (And don't get me started on the Felicity and Oliver scene in Rah's temple.)

On the other hand, this season also has some of the best moments in the series, and yes, they belong to the one and only Barry Allen. In his first official appearance as the Flash in Arrow, the two duke it out in an amazing fight. The interactions between Oliver and Barry were cool and fresh. Deadshot's few moments were pure gold. And, in all honesty, even Ray seemed more likable to me than other characters, like Felicity or Laurel, that have become something the writers want to ram down your throat. That one episode, were Thea and Oliver go back to the infamous Island to train, during which Deathstroke gets loose, is quite fantastic. But, I wish it would've had a bigger impact on the story and not been a one-time thing. Katana was a happy surprise (no, I didn't know it was her until I saw the ridiculous mask), and that's about it. So, in conclusion, literally everything good about this season comes from somewhere else: The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, or better Arrow seasons.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Title: The Dark Knight Rises

Year: 2012

Director: Christopher Nolan

Rating (by the MPAA): PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language

Official Synopsis: It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act. But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane.

Official Page and IMDb Page

STEPH SAID

Rating: 

Review:

This movie isn't even a Batman movie, it is more of a compilation of sidekicks who battling many bad guys, who turned out to be the same bad guy. Batman is mostly absent through the movie. When he decides to make an appearance (even thought he knows he's not ready) it is only to get his behind brutally kicked. In other words, all the awesomeness that is Batman, and the reasons we loved The Dark Knight, are gone.

Catwoman was the bright side of this movie. Her smarts and wit carried this whole movie. Which leaves a lot to be desired considering how easily she believed the restart program actually existed. Then again, If witness protection is possible, then Catwoman's wish was possible.

Tom Hardy's transformation into the huge beast that is Bane would have been the movie's greatest asset if it wasn't so difficult to understand him. I had to rely on subtitles every time he talked. It was frustrating. Nevertheless, Hardy's acting was remarkable and endearing. I couldn't understand why I found Bane endearing, I mean, he certainly wasn't. Then, when I learned his background story, everything became clear.

Blake's assistance wasn't that important, and his ending was meaningless considering what we know about the franchise.

Overall, the story didn't give me a superhero feeling or battle. Much less a Batman feeling or battle. After watching The Dark Knight and meeting The Joker, the expectations were really high for this movie, and, unfortunately, it didn't live up to them.

Arrow - Season 2

Title: Arrow

Broadcasting Station: The CW

Season: 2

Number of episodes: 23

Official Synopsis: Starling City has been torn apart by the Undertaking, so the need for the hooded vigilante archer – now known as The Arrow – is more urgent than ever in the explosive second season of the hit action series based on the DC comics character. After retreating to the island where he was once stranded, Oliver Queen returns to protect his mother, sister and besieged corporation – but comes to realize that allies and enemies have switched sides, and the stranglehold of evil on family, friends and city is diabolically linked to his fateful shipwreck. A comrade-at-arms from the island and a mind-warping, strength-enhancing serum developed there may prove to be the mightiest adversaries The Arrow has ever encountered. [...] 

Official Page



STEPH SAID

Rating:

Review:

There's not much to say about the second season of Arrow, and in this case, that is a good thing. Almost everything about this season is great.

The new characters, and the further development of old minor ones, are this season's best presentation card. For starters, Thea gave a turn for the best. She stopped whining, became all mature, and started being understandably reasonable.  In the end of the season, everyone betrays her, and she rebels again. Though this time, instead of whining and doing drugs, she actually stood up for herself, talked straight and demanded the truth. When none of those worked she took the only route she saw as possible. At this moment I realized I cared for her. And, of course, shooting Merlin was just the cherry on top. 

Sara Lance as “The Canary” was simply badass. (I apologize if you find this word vulgar.) She always had the right mind-set and attitude. It is really sad that she is not the real “Black Canary”. Her sidekick Sin, was adorable. Sin's attachment to Sara, and subsequently to Roy was endearing. I only wish I would have seen more of her.

Another character I would have love to see more of is Deadshot. I found about Deadshot through Smallville, and immediately became a fan. I was glad to see him in the first season of Arrow, and to see him return to the second season. Still, he deserves more.

Some that did appear more this season were Roy and Slade. Their evolution through the season was a sweet surprise, and their respective endings were unexpected. Slade's ending is amazing because it leaves the door open for him to appear again on the show. Roy's ending, on the other hand, left a bit to be desired. After struggling for more than half a season with the effects of Mirakuru, Roy ended up Mirakuru-free. This, along with the fact that Roy didn't achieve much tanks to it, makes the storyline seem useless. It takes a turn for the worst when you realize that if Roy hadn't have the Mirakuru Thea would still be with him. Fortunately, something good came out of it, and now we will see Roy join Team Arrow officially.

On top of all of this is the Special Appearance that stole everyone's heart: Barry Allen, as the future Flash. Grant Gustin was excellent as the awkward, nerdy scientist. I'm definitely looking forward to his own spin-off series.

The overall writing of the season is better than the first season's. This time every episode was good. And the background story as good, if not better, than the present-day story. Although you could guess how the Island story was going to end for Slade and Oliver, it was never boring, it always kept me at the edge of my seat.

Two things I didn't enjoy about this season. Firstly, Laurel. During this season she behaved as Thea did on season one. Even though Laurel went through an ordeal, she made it really hard for me to understand her or feel sorry for her. Secondly, I didn't like Oliver's decision to not kill. I understand why he did it, but I don't support it. Take Slade for example. Oliver left him alive, that means he could escape at anytime and finish what he started. It's not an easy decision to make, but he knew he had to kill ever since he decided to “clean” Starling City. Also, his end-justifies-the-means attitude is one of his traits, otherwise he'd be another mild-manner Superman.

Despite these unsavory situations, that did put a bit of a damper on the story, the season was thrilling, dramatic and intense. It had many plot twists and touching moments. In the end it was all worth it.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Title: The Dark Knight

Year: 2008

Director: Christopher Nolan

Synopsis: When Batman, Gordon and Harvey Dent launch an assault on the mob, they let the clown out of the box, the Joker, bent on turning Gotham on itself and bringing any heroes down to his level.

Official Site and IMDb Page

ELL SAID

Rating:

Review:

Wow. Just wow. This movie was magnificent, if not pure perfection. I literally have nothing bad to say about it! The actors portrayed their characters to such an extent that they took acting to another level. But the jewel that pushed this movie to new heights was The Joker himself. When he first gives an explanation for his scars, I shuddered and had to stop the movie for a bit just to relax, because he was seriously terrifying. At other times, he was funny to the point that I was laughing out loud, a balance few characters can achieve. I have yet to see a better portrayed villain anywhere. The tension was nerve-wracking during the ferries "game", and Two-Face was just completely terrifying and awesome. Batman was more agile and skilled than before, and his gadgets and tools just keep getting better and better. A small appearance by The Scarecrow was epic, and the Batman impersonators added to the whole "Gotham Is Changing" feel. So, if you want a thrilling, action-packed, hero movie, you can't get anything better than this.

STEPH SAID

Rating:

Review:

The only thing I didn't like about this movie was Batman's new stupid voice. But, this was such a minor part of the movie that I'm going to let it slide. 

Besides this small nuisance, the movie was utter perfection. It build up on what Batman Begins had already started; it kept the same tone, the same harsh view of reality and the same amazing actors.

What makes The Dark Knight different and way better than its predecessor is the new things that it introduced (besides Batman's new voice!). The new characters, the Joker and Harvey Dent, stole the show. They are the actual stars of this movie. The actors' portrayal were intense and on point. Each actor lived and became his role. Aaron Eckhart excelled at portraying both good and evil sides of his character, his slow transition from Gotham's White Knight to Harvey Two Face was dramatic and powerful. Nonetheless, Heath Ledger outshone even Eckhart. His performance was creepy, disturbing and chill-educing. He didn't won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for nothing. He was THAT good. 

I also liked is that this story doesn't follow the usual dramatic structure of rising action, climax and falling action. Many things were happening at once, many stories unraveling. This created many plot twists and many climaxes throughout the movie. It was, definitely, well written. 

However, to fully understand the brilliance of this movie, words are not enough. You will have to go ahead and watch it.

Batman Begins (2005)

Title: Batman Begins

Year: 2005

Director: Christopher Nolan

Rating by the MPAA: PG-13 for intense action violence, disturbing images and some thematic elements

Official Synopsis: Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force of good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.

IMDb Page and Official Page

STEPH SAID

Rating:

Review:

This movie has to be seen as an introduction of, and a new reboot to, Batman. The story started with Bruce as a young boy and followed him through all the important moments in his life that helped him become the Caped Crusader. That took about half the movie and, while it was important and intriguing, it was slow-paced and wasn't engaging. The second part of the movie was, however, thrilling and suspenseful. 

The casting of the movie was incredible. My jaw dropped when I saw Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman. I couldn't believe such big names were involved in a superhero movie.

I also liked that the actual plot of the movie tied perfectly with Bruce's decision to become something more than a man. The movie's realistic feel and somber tone.  And the nod, in the end, to the upcoming villain; it was unexpected and something to look forward to.

What I didn't like about the movie, besides the slow-paced beginning, was the forced romantic scene at the end. Nothing suggested that Bruce and Rachel's relationship was more than friendship. From what I gathered, Bruce saw Rachel as a good friend and Rachel saw Bruce in the same way. Yet, in the end she kissed him. Then, she said that she's not interested in this new Bruce. I didn't really get it.

Nevertheless, these few aspects I don't like didn't spoil my overall enjoyment of the movie. When seen as an introduction – as literally Batman's beginnings, not a stand-alone movie – it is easier to enjoy because you have something to hope for.

Arrow (The CW) - Season 1

Title: Arrow

Year: 2012

Season: 1

Broadcasting Station: The CW

Official Synopsis: After a violent shipwreck, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen was missing and presumed dead for five years before being discovered alive on a remote island in the Pacific. When he returns home to Starling City, his devoted mother Moira, much-beloved sister Thea, and best friend Tommy welcome him home, but they sense Oliver has been changed by his ordeal on the island. [...] As Oliver reconnects with those closest to him, he secretly creates the persona of Arrow - a vigilante – to right the wrongs of his family, fight the ills of society, and restore Starling City to its former glory. [...]

For more information you may visit its Official Page or its TV.com Page.



STEPH SAID

Rating:

Review:

I didn’t know what to expect from this series. I’m a fan of Smallville and its Green Arrow, but I had heard that Arrow was not going to follow into Smallville’s footsteps. I’m not entirely sure that it doesn’t.

Arrow was an amazing introductory season, most of the time. This season is full of intrigue, drama, intensity and thrills. It focused on giving a more mature, dark and realistic feel to the superhero and his troubles. Most episodes of this season follow the same pattern: Oliver tries to stop a bad guy while the background story is developed in accordance to what’s happening in the present. The background story –what happened to, and while, Oliver was stranded on an island for five years and what got him there and out– is as interesting as what’s happening in Oliver’s present, sometimes even more. 

The characters were another plus for this series, most of them. They were interesting, intriguing and with something to hide. The actors portraying them were even better. Susanna Thompson, Paul Blackthorne, Emily Bett Rickards and David Ramsey are amongst the bests, but it was John Barrowman, as Mr. Merlyn, who impressed me the most. Also, Seth Gable's small appearances were scene stealers. 

However, not everything was good in Arrow land; and, what was its stronghold proved to be its downfall at one time. About halfway through the season, the episodes began to get really boring, monotonous and dull. Nothing interesting happened. I mean, they were OK, but, when you watch a TV series that has thrills to the max, where every episode is more intriguing that the previous one and where every episode ends in a mind-boggling cliff-hanger, having a relaxed episode where not much happens is not a good thing. Nevertheless, the dullness lasted for only a couple of episodes. Afterwards, Arrow came back hard, better than it was before.

This TV series is so thrilling that you can't just watch one episode per week. Fortunately, the first season already ended and you can watch the episodes back to back. Unfortunately, you won't be able to do that with the seasons to come. So, get ready for days full of tension and torture while you wait for the next episode to air.