Cobra Kai Seasons 1 & 2

Cobra Kai Season 1 (Various, 2018)

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

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

Karate, Complex Relationships, Bullying, High School

I was skeptical, at first, that I would like this show. But many people kept telling me I would. And they were all right. It's fantastic. Yes, it is a little soap-opera-like. Yes, it is violent at times. But it's all about masculinity, father-son relationships, coming of age, redeeming yourself, etc. In other words, everything I like in a show. Well worth the watch. If you liked The Karate Kid films, you'll probably like this. And the fight choreography is excellent, too, if that matters to you.

Cobra Kai Season 2 (Various, 2019)

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

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

Karate, Complex Relationships, Bullying, High School

Everything that I liked about Season 1 continued into Season 2. But even more conflicts and tension and interesting relationship developments. Can't wait for the next!

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Kingdom of Heaven

Kingdom of Heaven (Ridley Scott, 2005)

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

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

12th Century, Crusades, Religion, War, Action/Adventure

The next film in my quest to watch all things related to the Crusades was Kingdom of Heaven. I enjoyed this film more than I expected, despite the mediocre acting and plot. Orlando Bloom (as Balian) is fine, better than in most of his roles. The whole romance between Balian and Sybilla is unnecessary. And every other character has so little screen time. But the setting, lighting, music, and costumes all helped me feel immersed in the time. I will say that if you aren't at least a little familiar with the history, there would probably be lots of questions.

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The 13th Warrior

The 13th Warrior (John McTiernan and Michael Crichton, 1999)

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

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

Medieval, Fantasy, Vikings, Epic

I've been really getting into historical fiction stories set during the Crusades, mostly due to reading Robert E. Howard short stories (Lord of Samarcand, etc.) I found it interesting that there are only a few films actually about the Crusades, though many films are set during the Crusades. 13th Warrior came up, though it doesn't mention or even allude to the Crusades. No matter, it's still a good film.

This is a more fantasy than historical fiction, but it does have elements that immerse you in a specific place and time, like all good adventure/journey stories. The acting is great because the characters are great--especially all the Viking warriors. There are some bloody, gruesome scenes and moments of peril (I can't watch underwater escapes, I've discovered). If you like action/adventures, you'll like this.

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1917

1917 (Sam Mendes, 2019)

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Rating: Q=8, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

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

WWI, Drama, Action, Psychological

What a feat, Sam Mendes. This film blew me a way--the story, the setting, and especially the intricate artistry and camera work. The way one long shot (seemingly) makes the viewer feel is incredible. And for me it was frightening. It has the effect of making you feel truly immersed in the action and, in this case, that is the war. When the characters are in the trenches, we are in the trenches. When they are walking or swimming over dead bodies, we are too. The point-of-view shots are so much more intense, the silence is that much more devastating. This film and its story and its characters don't get a break. We go with them on their journey and it is all adrenaline and panic and courage. One of the best war films I've seen.

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