All Forms of Art

  A woman who hosts a podcast about sex, love, and relationship failures falls in love with a rabbi. You can probably guess things won't be particularly straightforward! Nobody Wants This is a light romantic comedy about two people whose lives, backgrounds, and expectations couldn't be more different. Their relationship naturally creates plenty of awkward situations, some funny misunderstandings and quite a few complications. It's not exactly a groundbreaking premise, but the show has enough charm and humor to make it work. Love comes with a few compromises One of the funniest aspects of their relationship is watching Joanne (Kristen Bell) try to navigate Noah's (Adam Brody) world. She's impulsive, independent, and used to doing things her own way. Suddenly, she faces a whole set of rules and expectations that don't exactly fit her personality. And she's not always particularly good at thinking things through before making big decisions. Sometimes she j...

  Two brilliant scientists with absolutely no idea how to deal with people end up pretending they're in a relationship. What could go wrong?  Well, apparently, quite a lot of awkwardness, questionable decisions, and hilarious situations. Dr. Adam Carlsen (Tom Bateman) has charm, and the chemistry between him and Olive ( Lili Reinhart ) makes the predictable romantic developments enjoyable rather than frustrating.  We know where this is going almost from the start, but the journey is still worth it. The Dark Side of Academia As the movie unfolds, we see a lot of arrogance and, quite frankly, discrimination. Everyone thinks they are better than the others, and some believe that gives them a reason to humiliate others.  Yet, no one goes as far as Tom (Arty Froushan). The movie offers an uncomfortable glimpse into how women can be treated in professional environments, especially when power and reputation make it hard to challenge those responsible. This is an interes...

  I have a confession :  Crew Girl  probably isn't  for me. From the very beginning, it has that unmistakable Gen Z teen-show vibe. A girl is forced to move to a small town, hates it, and then, naturally, meets a boy. Add some romance, complicated parents, friendships, and a few emotional secrets, and you have a formula we've seen many times before.  It reminded me of The Summer I Turned Pretty in a way I can't quite explain. Maybe it is Teagan (Miku Martineau) herself, who has something of Belly's closed-off, slightly awkward personality. At first, I found it a little boring. I'm not Gen Z, and I suspect some of the things that make this show immediately appealing to its target audience simply don't work on me in the same way. And Teagan isn't exactly the greatest actress either. But eventually,  something about  Crew Girl   gradually won me over. It is warm, funny, and sweet, even when it is also decidedly silly. More Than Just a Teen Roman...

  The Gorge initially seems to set up one kind of story, then suddenly becomes something very different. What begins as a slow exploration of isolation and the human need for connection eventually turns into a much more conventional science-fiction action story about genetic experimentation, military power, and the consequences of treating human beings as expendable. I actually found that division quite interesting because the two halves of the film are connected by one idea: what happens when we stop treating people as individuals? The Loneliness of the Gorge The first part of The Gorge is surprisingly focused on solitude. Two people are placed on opposite sides of an enormous gorge, with a very specific task: watch what comes out of it and make sure nothing gets through. There is no one else around them. No colleagues, no ordinary human interaction, and, most importantly, no real possibility of leaving. The people who send them there already know they won't come back alive....

  There was something comforting about The Summer I Turned Pretty when it started . It was a coming-of-age story about first love, family, grief, and the strange realization that childhood is slowly disappearing. Even when Belly was frustrating, her choices felt believable for a teenager trying to understand herself. By the third season, though, everyone is older—and somehow, they don't seem to have moved very far. Season 3 is easily my least favorite of the series. It isn't that the show suddenly becomes completely unwatchable. There are still emotional moments that work, and some characters get surprisingly good arcs. But the story that once felt like a bittersweet exploration of growing up now feels increasingly stuck in the same romantic drama. Growing Up Is Hard The season jumps ahead in time, immediately reminding us that these characters are meant to enter a different stage of their lives. Belly ( Lola Tung ) has opportunities ahead of her, including an internship i...

  The second season of The Summer I Turned Pretty picks up about a year after the emotional finale of season one —and it doesn’t waste time diving into grief, change, and complicated relationships.  While it remains heartfelt and engaging, this season also brings some frustrations that may divide viewers. A Story Shaped by Loss Season 2 begins in the shadow of Susannah’s (Rachel Blanchard) death, and her absence is felt in every scene. Each character copes differently, making the story deeply emotional and relatable. The use of flashbacks is particularly effective. As the season unfolds, these glimpses into the past slowly fill in the gaps, helping us understand how everyone has changed over this year.  When Cultural Differences Break the Immersion However, this was also the first time I experienced a real “cultural shock” while watching an American show. The legal situation surrounding the beach house was especially frustrating. The house, owned by Susannah and her ...

  With a cast that includes well-known actors like Natalie Dormer ( Game of Thrones ) and Henry Cavill ( The Witcher ) , The Tudors immediately establishes itself as a high-quality production.  Season 1 introduces viewers to the court of King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) with confidence, blending political drama with personal relationships. Historical Fiction — With a Twist This series is ideal for fans of historical fiction—though it comes with many inaccuracies.  The show prioritizes drama over strict historical truth, which may frustrate purists but makes for engaging television. Intrigue, treason, and murder are constant; it feels as though there are no limits to how far characters will go. Love as a Passing Fancy Romance in The Tudors is intense but fleeting. Love is less about deep connection and more of a whim —a sudden desire that burns brightly and fades just as quickly.  Relationships are driven by passion, power, and convenience rather than las...

  The second part of Bridgerton Season 4 (see the part 1 review ) arrives with drama, heartbreak, and a few narrative choices that may leave viewers with mixed feelings.  While the romance between Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Sophie (Yerin Ha) remains the central storyline, it is not always the most compelling element of these final episodes. From tragedy to social commentary, the season's final chapters expand the series. (Spoilers Ahead!) A Romance That Sometimes Feels Like a Cliché The love story between Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie continues, and continues, and continues... In episodes five and six, the emotional core of the season often feels dragged out (and incredibly boring). Sophie's arc leans heavily into familiar tropes: the misunderstood outsider, the hidden noble identity, and the long struggle for acceptance in high society. While these elements fit the romantic tone of the series, the execution in the early episodes of this second part lacks urge...

  It Ends With Us is, unfortunately, not a good movie. The execution is weak, the pacing uneven, and the emotional payoff often missing.  While the story aims high, the film never fully reaches the depth it needs. What could have been a gripping, emotionally complex drama ends up feeling shallow and, at times, unintentionally artificial. Flat Characters and Weak Relationships One of the film’s biggest problems lies in its characters. They are not particularly interesting, charismatic, or well-developed. Ryle (Justin Baldoni) is a major flaw.  As a character, he is emotionally flat and offers very little to explain why Lily (Blake Lively) would be so drawn to him. There is no real chemistry or depth to justify such intense involvement. Blake Lively delivers a committed performance and does what she can with the material she’s given. She brings sincerity and vulnerability to Lily, but even her performance isn’t enough to carry the film.  The emotional reactions...

  Cinderella? Really? That reveal almost completely pulled me out of the story. It felt tired, predictable, and honestly unnecessary. For a moment, I genuinely thought I might lose interest altogether. And yet… they somehow manage to keep you watching. Still, the frustration is real . Benedict (Luke Thompson) looks at every other woman and instantly knows, nope, not her . But the woman he talks to every spare minute, the one he’s clearly drawn to— that doesn’t ring any bells? It’s ridiculous. The secrecy isn’t romantic, it’s annoying. Borderline infuriating. At this point, Sophie (Yerin Ha) not telling him who she is isn’t cute or mysterious—it’s just exhausting. Please. Just tell him already. Queen Charlotte: Fragility, Loneliness, and Letting Go The most quietly heartbreaking thread so far is the Queen (Golda Rosheuvel). Her fragility is painfully visible. The way she desperately searches for something— anything —remotely interesting to distract herself from everything...

  The Summer I Turned Pretty is a coming-of-age teen drama based on the book series by Jenny Han . The story follows Belly Conklin ( Lola Tung ), a teenage girl who spends every summer at a beach house with her family and the Fisher brothers, Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah(Gavin Casalegno - Walker ).  One particular summer marks a turning point: Belly is no longer “just a kid,” and her relationships, feelings, and sense of self begin to shift in ways that are both exciting and painful. At its core, the show explores first love, family dynamics, friendship, grief, and the bittersweet transition from childhood into adolescence. It’s a story about the summers that shape who we become—and the emotional messiness that comes with growing up. A Refreshing Take on Teen Romance One of  The Summer I Turned Pretty's biggest strengths  is how well it fits its genre while still feeling refreshing. The show is romantic and sweet without relying on shock value. Unlik...

  Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) Lena Dunham’s latest Netflix series Too Much arrives with a bold voice, an eccentric lead, and a lot of emotional baggage.  Created by Dunham and starring comedian Meg Stalter as the erratic, heartbroken New Yorker Jessica, the show attempts to blend offbeat comedy with a cross-cultural romance in London. Unfortunately, while the premise holds promise, the execution feels flat. A Rom-Com That Struggles to Engage From the first episode, Too Much sets itself up as a quirky, self-aware romantic comedy. Jessica, reeling from a breakup and an over-the-top life in New York, relocates to London and falls into a whirlwind connection with the reserved and emotionally withdrawn Felix (Will Sharpe). It’s a classic opposites-attract setup—but instead of sparking excitement, the pacing feels sluggish, and the story never quite takes off. As a viewer, I found it difficult to stay engaged. The stakes feel low, the emotional shifts abrupt, and while the dialogu...

  10 Inch Hero is a charming mix of comedy and drama that celebrates the value of friendship, love, and being unapologetically yourself. Set in a cozy sandwich shop, the film introduces us to a quirky cast of characters, each navigating their own challenges and desires.  From romantic pursuits to personal growth, every storyline is woven with warmth and humor, creating a delightful viewing experience.  It’s not just a movie about relationships; it’s about finding where you belong. Discovering Gems I stumbled across this film while exploring Jensen Ackles' work, and his role as Priestly is a standout. His comic timing and quirky persona bring both hilarity and heart to the film.  Whenever I appreciate an actor, writer, or director, I love diving into their other projects, and this movie was an absolute treat. The Beauty in Simplicity What makes 10 Inch Hero truly special is its simplicity. It doesn't try to be overly dramatic or groundbreaking but excels in deliveri...

  The third season of Bridgerton has received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Some are not as happy as they were with the first two seasons, while others were positively surprised. I belong to the second group. I thought the second season was just "one more" and that the show would probably get too repetitive. Yet, the first four episodes of the new season have revived some of my interest. Great Performance from Nicola Coughlan Nicola Coughlan , our sweet Penelope Featherington, gave us a great performance. A former secondary character, Nicola brought depth and charm to the role. She made her transition from a supporting role to the main protagonist quite successful.  Now, she and Colin finally have the place they deserve—the central romance of the story. Instead of bringing a new character to the spotlight, the writers gave more screen time to these two well-known (and beloved) characters. Sure, it might not have the steamy excitement of previous seasons, but the relat...

  Heartstopper is a beautiful British teen show about love and discovery. The main characters are Charlie and Nick. Charlie is a gay boy who was deeply bullied, and Nick is discovering his sexuality with a mist of fear and curiosity with all the naivety and sweetness of the teen years. It is a comedy-drama show, so you'll have moments when tears come to your eyes, but you'll also give good laughs. And that's life, isn't it? Sweet and Real One of the main problems with teen shows, especially American ones, is that teens are portrayed as adults with no consequences. What they do and how they behave is closer to a young adult than to a 16-year-old (And the actors are never teens, are they?). That always bothered me as a teen and as an adult. They pass terrible expectations of what your life should look like, and sometimes, that generates some negative feelings and confusion. Heartstopper is different, and I liked it. These teens' behavior is closer to real teens'...

  Queen Charlotte is a story from the Bridgerton series, where the main character is the queen.  It is not exactly a surprise because of all polemics surrounding the fact that a black woman represented the queen. The authors used that in their favor, and in a good way if you ask me - they created another successful series. Queen Charlotte is not brilliant, but it is a sweet story. Irreverence and Strong Female Characters Bridgerton already got us used to strong female characters that are not exactly aligned with the historical era they represent. Queen Charlotte wasn’t different. The impetuosity and bravery of the young queen are evident in the first scene. She is a fantastic character, and despite seeming so “badly behaved” for the time, she showed to have the biggest heart. It also focuses on the needs and intimacy of older women, which is rarely approached, especially in such a sensitive way as this.  Love Lesson Love is capable of everything, and you should do ev...