BEEF – 10 Episodes
Year: 2023
Genre: Drama, Dark-Comedy
Duration: 35 Minute Episodes
Where to watch: Netflix
Netflix has been on a weird roller coaster in regards to the quality of their original shows, however Beef is a bright, new and comically intriguing drama that raises the bar. Beef follows two strangers Danny (Steven Yeun) and Amy (Ali Wong) who have an incident in a car park that comically blows out in a wild frantic road rage situation. To most people, this small accident would be just a small dent in their day. For Danny and Amy, this turns into an all out petty war as they get tangled up in each other’s lives, content on just ruining each other’s lives.
This show, wow… It’s fantastic. The performances from Steven and Ali are fantastic to watch when they are on screen together (episode 10 is especially great), but even the supporting cast are great. Amazing chemistry amongst all the members and you can really feel it in some scenes too. What helps though is the script, the complex personalities and intricate storyline’s all circulating and blending to make a well balanced yet complex cocktail. Aside from the amazing script, visually Beef is great to look at. The lighting, the variety in its settings and the cinematography in some scenes left me astonished. Some of the best looking television I’ve seen in a long time, genuinely impressed.
There is absolutely nothing bad I can say about this show, honestly if you haven’t seen it already you are missing out.
9/10
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3
Year: 2023
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Comedy
Duration: 2 Hours 29 Minutes
Where to watch: Cinemas
There are very few trilogies in the world of cinema where all three films are fantastic. Christopher Nolan’s Batman, Austin Powers, Shrek and Toy Story (we don’t count the ones after number 3… they never happened). But director James Gunn has not only made one of the best Marvel movies, he has made an incredible movie on its own.
The Guardians of the Galaxy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has always been the franchises shining beacon of hope. James Gunn has been able to turn a rag-tag group of random obscure characters into household names, and with this trilogy he is able to completely close the book on this part of the MCU. GOTG movies aren’t shy when it comes to going through their character’s flaws and traumas, from Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and her sister Nebula (Karen Gillan), Star Lord (Chris Pratt) and now it’s everyone’s favourite CGI pet Rocket Racoon’s turn, voiced by Bradley Cooper. All the cast in this film give a stellar performance, no one really falling behind and giving it 100%. James Gunn has made me cry over the CGI Racoon and I absolutely cannot forgive him… I loved it. Visually this film is the best the MCU has looked since Avengers Endgame, but James Gunn has always had a keen and particular eye in visually appealing storytelling with his films. Stunning, and I truly mean stunning, real set pieces. Fantastic costume design and oh my days… the needle drops in this film are just as great as the first two films. Perfectly placed and fit the energy and vibe of the scene it accompanies.
The titular villain of this film is the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), a super powered being who is obsessed with creating the perfect species, he is also the creator of Rocket Racoon. If you look on the internet, you will absolutely without a doubt see as a collective, the whole world hates this character. No real evil bad guy schemes, he is just the worst possible living being in the multiverse. James Gunn has written one of the most fascinating and chronically evil villains in cinema history.
I’m pretty much ranting at this point, barely giving any real insight into this film. I’m doing my absolute hardest to not spoil this fantastic movie because there isn’t a scene that’s wasted in this film. Please, please, please go see it. James Gunn’s last Marvel film before he goes to take control of DC’s new cinematic universe. We cry for the present but celebrate for the future.
9/10
