Darkest Hour

Darkest Hour (Joe Wright, 2017)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Biopic, Drama, History, WWII

It took me a while to watch this film--I have to be in the right mood to watch war and political films--but once Darkest Hour started, I was hooked. A wonderful behind-the-scenes history drama and profile of Winston Churchill. What an incredible performance by Gary Oldman. Seriously, how can that even be him? A fierce force, Churchill's personality and leadership is one the world won't forget, especially now that we have this film.

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The Frankenstein Chronicles Season 1 and 2

The Frankenstein Chronicles (Barry Langford and Benjamin Ross, 2015-present)

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Season 1 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=7 / Decadence

Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=3

Season 2 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Thriller, 19th Century England, Horror, Crime, Mystery

What a fascinating, refreshing, and thrilling show. I didn't know what to expect when I started the first episode but I was hooked by the end of it. I like it all: the gritty and dirty atmosphere, the quiet and deliberate dialogues, the strange and spooky story, the mystery and fantasy, even the gruesome moments.

I've seen a lot of period drama shows/series but few from the early 19th Century. Dickens--one of my favorites, as you know--was writing not long after when The Frankenstein Chronicles is set. It's fun to see the street scenes and city life--I could feel the smog and soot as I watched. Really well done. I can't wait for a third season (I hope they'll produce one!).

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Kubo and the Two Strings

Kubo and the Two Strings (Travis Knight, 2016)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Animation, Fantasy, Japan, Mythology, Coming of Age, Adventure

I've been sick for the last week :( The only good thing about that is that I got to watch some fun movies and shows. Kubo and the Two Strings was one I enjoyed--a fun adventure. I was thoroughly impressed by the artistry and liked the concept. Origami coming to life when music is played? What a great magical power.

The story is sweet and has a good balance of light-hearted and suspense/thrill. You get a dose of scary right from the beginning, which I appreciated. And this tale isn't overly full of stupid jokes and gags like many recent animated films. Overall a good film!

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