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In this post, I will be explaining some of the newest shows on Netflix and Disney +, as well as reviewing some of the shows I've been watching currently, or have watched before!
WandaVision:
First up is WandaVision, since I've been counting down the days since November until the first two episodes were finally released on January 15th. For those of you who don't know, WandaVision is a mini-series that is officially the first installment of Phase 4 in the MCU (it was supposed to be Black Widow, but they had to push back the release date due to Covid). It takes place in the town of Westview, thought to be somewhere in New Jersey (there are multiple references, including an area code on a phone number on a For Sale sign in front of Wanda and Vision's house).
The series is set under the guise of sitcoms through the decades-the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80, 90s, etc. The first episode was based off of The Dick Van Dyke Show (Dick Van Dyke himself actually consulted on set) and I Love Lucy. The second episode was modeled after Bewitched (Marvel is releasing the episodes in twos).
For the show itself, it is definitely something very different from Marvel's other projects. The first two episodes aren't especially action-packed, as the show is still establishing the basic setting and introducing characters. There were, however, quite a few easter eggs and unsettling instances that indicate that Westview isn't exactly as nice of a town as it seems. After watching several speculation videos, it only serves to intrigue me more as to what the final conflict will be and who exactly is the villain in this warped reality.
Basically, it was everything I had been getting so hyped up for and all the little hidden secrets make it even more exciting. The actors are all very talented, and all in all, I can barely wait for next Friday, when two more episodes will be released. If you're as much of a Marvel fanatic as I am, you will definitely want to check out these easter egg analyses videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgtLRWoH6Wo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52ICM2NTtHo
They really go into detail and make you even more excited for all the hidden undertones peeking through the cheery guise of the sitcoms. This show is available on Disney +, and is definitely a haunting and interesting way to return to the MCU for Phase 4.
Rating: 9/10
Cobra Kai:
Next is Cobra Kai, a show that's been on Netflix for only a handful of months. Cobra Kai is a show that is based directly off the famous Karate Kid movies, taking place almost 35 years later. It follows the original Karate Kid stars, Daniel LaRusso, his rival Johnny Lawrence, and Johnny's evil karate teacher, John Kreese. Daniel is now the proud owner of a car dealership, and has a wife cand two kids, Anthony and his daughter Sam. Johnny, on the other hand, is a depressed alcoholic, the victim of the harsh methods used on him by John Kreese. Johnny is struggling to get through to his son, Robby, who lives with his mostly absent mother and is getting into all sorts of trouble.
Johnny eventually gets the bright idea of bringing back Cobra Kai, the karate studio where John Kreese taught him (using unsavory methods and ideas). Johnny promises that this time, Cobra Kai will be different. Johnny meets Miguel, his struggling neighbor, who is suffering from bullying at school and convinces him to join Cobra Kai. Soon, Cobra Kai is thriving, but Daniel is upset at the return of Cobra Kai and doesn't like the ideas that Johnny is teaching his students. In retaliation, Daniel opens Miyagi-Do Karate, a free karate studio where they teach a more defensive type of karate. His daughter Sam, and eventually Johnny's son Robby become the two starts of Miyagi-Do, much to Johnny's chagrin.
As you can imagine, all the karate frenzy ends up in big fights and lots of lessons. Toss in the return of John Kreese, jealous teenagers, and an old rivalry and it turns into one big mess. It is definitely entertaining and will have you signing up for local karate lessons in no time. The characters are lovable, face real issues, and constantly keep you questioning which side you're taking. There's really something for everyone, whether it be love triangles, school fights, or adult grudges. Season 3 just released at the beginning of January and you can watch this series on Netflix!
Rating: 8/10
Soul:
Soul is the new Disney movie that is sort of like Inside Out. The main character, a struggling black jazz musician who is a middle school band teacher, is just trying to prove to the world and his family that he can make it as a real musician. Before he gets the chance, he dies and is sent to this realm of souls traveling towards the great unknown. In a frenzy, he attempts throughout the movie to escape and travel back to Earth as a new soul. Along the way, he meets troublesome Soul 22 and soon they team up with the crazy Moonwind to attempt to return Joe to his body.
It's a typical Disney movie, complete with plenty of life lessons, quirky animation, and lovable characters. Not a must-watch, but Daveed Diggs is in it (one of my favorite Hamilton actors!) so you should probably watch it anyway. ;) It's available on Disney +.
Rating: 5/10
Shawn Mendes: In Wonder:
One of the newer Netflix documentaries, Shawn Mendes: In Wonder was released in early December. I find these documentaries quite interesting (especially the Taylor Swift documentary, Miss Americana, so watch that first!) as they show all the behind the scenes issues singers struggle with on a daily basis and you can literally watch their thought process. It's a good opportunity for them to express their opinions and thoughts as well, and it gives fans an inside look at their home lives.
Shawn Mendes's documentary follows him on his world tour and eventually back to his hometown in Canada. We watch him as he tackles one problem after another, including overworking his voice and consequently having to cancel a few shows. We get an inside look at just how dedicated to his fan base he is and we can all witness the heartbreak he experiences from having to cancel shows. He also goes a bit more into detail about his relationship with Camila Cabello, and more about falling in love with her from an early age. Camila even makes a few appearances in the documentary, including some behind the scenes footage from the AMAs, where they performed Senorita together.
Finally, Shawn takes us back to his home in Canada, where the documentary interviews his sister, and he explains his first few shows and how crazy it is to be playing his hometown stadium. All in all, it's quite interesting and as my mom says, "That Shawn Mendes is a pretty neat kid." If you are bored or have an hour or so to kill, I would highly suggest watching this documentary on Netflix.
Rating: 7/10
To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You:
The sequel to the original Netflix movie, To All The Boys I've Loved Before (which I highly recommend watching), P.S. I Still Love You continues the story of Lara Jean Covey and Peter Kavinsky. This time, Lara Jean meets her old best friend, John Ambrose, from Model U.N., who was also the recipient of one of her love letters. They begin to grow closer through their "internship" at a retirement home. Soon, Peter discovers the close relationship between Lara Jean and John, and tensions rise.
Lara Jean herself is caught in between her old best friend, John, or her boyfriend and love, Peter. After a series of dramatic scenes, including the acceptance of Peter's ex-girlfriend and Lara Jean's ex-best friend Genevieve's close relationship with Peter. In the end, Lara Jean makes her choice and returns to the people that matter most. Definitely a series you don't want to miss, one of the most iconic rom-coms on Netflix. Be sure to catch the third movie, To All The Boys: Always and Forever, coming out in February.
Rating: 10/10
Gossip Girl:
While Gossip Girl may not be new, it is a show I am currently watching with my brother on Netflix. Gossip Girl revolves around the "scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite" and follows the main stars of the Upper East Side, Serena Van der Woodsen, Blair Waldorf, Chuck Bass, and Nate Archibald. Joined by their friends Dan Humphrey, Georgina Sparks, Vanessa Abrams, and the ever-mysterious Gossip Girl. The gossip blog is constantly exposing their deepest secrets and stirring up drama. We follow the group through their last few years at prestigious Constance St. Jude's until they each go off their separate ways in college and work, Gossip Girl still a thread spinning them together. Between the addictive plot twists, crazy love triangles, and designer clothes, there is plenty to love about this show. If you're looking for a show that you can just binge and get your daily dose of drama from, this is the show for you. It is leaving Netflix soon, though, so make sure to watch it fast! Luckily, a reboot is already filming, and will be available on HBO Max sometime this year. It will star original cast member Kristen Bell as the voice of Gossip Girl herself, so don't miss it!
Rating: 9/10
Anyway, that's all I've got for you guys right now! If you enjoy hearing about current shows and movies, or things I'm watching, let me know and I'll do an update soon! I hope you have some good ideas for movie night. Now, go binge!
-Loreleixx
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