Sherlock- It’s been two years since Sherlock left us on a colossal cliffhanger, and finally we’ve gotten an explanation right? Well, I’ll let you find out for yourself, but the boys of 221B Baker Street are back.
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman have exploded into Hollywood since season two, and a grandiose return is only fitting. Season 3 takes advantage of the hour and thirty minute run time in cinematic fashion. Each episode is treated like a single film in a trilogy. Previous years focused on a lone case- which works- but a change of pace is arguably necessary after an eventful series of off-screen events.
Holistically, there are a fair few alterations to become accustom to. Self-referential humor and teasing of fan speculation becomes almost as commonplace as Sherlock’s wit. Most dramatic though is the deeper look into the characters of Sherlock and Watson. Actual cases take a backseat until the finale, which to be fair is arguably the best case of all three seasons.
After a two year break, it’s understandable major alterations were made. Especially because of the influx of popularity and hype. You’ll likely be disappointed if you're expecting more of the same. If you want to see Sherlock take the next step towards some sort of climax, then I’m willing to bet you’ll be thoroughly pleased; especially by the finale. Seriously, it’s the best episode of the entire series.
Kyousougiga- You know how Kingdom Hearts gets incredibly convoluted after the first game but you still enjoy it? Well, that’s Kyousougiga. The creators must have even realized the messines, because it’s amusing a 10 episode anime would have a recap at the end. Explanations arrive late but an endearing/heartwarming tale loosely founded in Japanese history and folklore makes for one of the more enjoyable anime of 2013.
Attempting to explain the complexities of the plot would more than likely end in all of us having a headache, so here’s the highly simplified version. A young girl named Koto gets trapped in another world where she meets three people who await the return of their mother and father. Reunion and familial issues is what Kyousougiga is all about. That and stunning visuals mixing traditional and hypnagogic for a result both familiar and new.
If not for the half-explained setting, which has its moments of brilliance, and deliberately confusing naming of several characters, Kyousougiga could have been something really special in the frame of something light-hearted and impactful.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari- Finally, my college education is paying off. Film History and Appreciation is the course title and silent films and early “talkies” are the name of the game...or movie. Last week we watched a portion of The Birth of a Nation, which is pretty bad in its own right. I get it’s influential but the racism is too much. But that’s not today’s subject. For now, we discuss a legitimately good silent film.
As part of the post-World War I era, one can safely expect plenty of morbidity. Even so, I was surprised by how well executed the horror is. The genre is not known for ageing well.
Side note: many are under the impression horror means scary, which is simply not true. Horror is an atmospheric thing and damn does Caligari nails it. The set design is stunning in a Tim Burton sort of way. From start to finish the uncomfortable feeling of alien-like despair doesn’t let up.
Essentially a circus act has come to town and along with it multiple homicides which the protagonist gets caught up in. Portions can be fairly predictable but the major twist leaves just enough hints to be fair but not obvious. Acting will be the biggest issue for a modern audience. Over-acting is ingrained into the silent era, but there’s something equally brilliant about the performances. For example, Dr. Caligari’s influence can be seen in all mustache twirling villains.
I’m surprised by this one. The few silent movies I’ve seen are interesting more so for novelty’s sake rather than being genuinely well made. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari isn’t the perfect film, dated acting and off-tempo pacing are just a few issues, but if you have a passion for entertainment of all kinds like myself, why not give it a shot?
Ghost in the Shell- Admittedly the first time around I inexplicably zoned out as I wasn’t in the ideal mood for watching something so complex. Shit happens- oh well- I gave it another go a few days later
"We wanna do that for real,” said the the Wachowskis when they approached producer Jason Silva with their proposal for The Matrix. And who can blame them? Mamoru Oshii’s widely acclaimed sci-fi flick with a purpose is damn good.
Coursing through the veins is the theme of identity. What does it mean to be human? Are sex and gender things to be overcome by the ingenuity of humankind? Even ahead of its time, GitS poses the question of where humanity is headed when we become more integrated with our technology by the day? Such themes I revel in as a both sci-fi junkie and dabbler of paradoxes, yet I wish the hour and twenty minute run-time was more like two hours. The themes at play are handled incredibly well and make for a rich experience, but I want more dammit!
Motoko Kusanagi, the protagonist, easily ranks among my favorite leads. You can’t really place her in one category. Not quite female or male. And not entirely cyborg, but certainly not all human; she embodies the themes both literally and metaphorically. Humanity clashes with human-made evolution, crashing into the antagonist of the hacker with momentous results.
There isn’t a single heinous weak point to be found. One could write their college dissertation on the many influential aspects of Ghost in the Shell and how they permeate throughout the entirety of the entertainment industry. The animation ranks with the best of them- and coupled with a uniquely haunting soundtrack- Ghost in the Shell cannot be ignored.
Unless you’re an idiot like myself and decide to zone out the first time through.
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