It’s been a rolley-coaster year, between the highs of Dune: Part Two and high-profile bombs like Borderlands, with plenty of interesting stuff in between. Now the summer is nearly over and we’re headed into spooky season, which then gives way to awards season (groan). Hollywood might not be fully back yet, but there’s plenty to look forward to! Shall we review some examples? … More What’s New and Notable in 2024, Cue-Fore
Shortening it to “G.” on the off-chance she googles herself and finds this website. Hey, I’ve been there before, and in doing so, I also find this website. So, this is a story that sort of isn’t a story. It’s just something that’s been bothering me for, like, seven years now, and it isn’t even a particularly uncommon non-story. … More The Universe and Janina G.
My initial reaction to Cosmic should’ve been a bellwether. I don’t know if it’s just how I respond to music generally or if it’s something about Red Velvet specifically, but upon each of their new releases, I tend to have relatively neutral feelings at first. This has led to the observation of a sociological phenomenon – localized entirely in myself – where I think, “Academically, I recognize that this song is good, but it hasn’t hit me yet,” and I know it will soon. That’s finally happened with Cosmic. I’d been able to recognize that it was solid, but now I can see it’s a 10/10. It’s the best Red Velvet album. … More Through the Solar System
And my Red Velvet fandom at five! Earlier this week, their new album released, Cosmic. As far as the promotional tour goes, they did the usual: a live countdown, live performances, a few interviews, video of the recording sessions. I don’t know, I was kind of expecting something really big, but they did just do an international tour and a season of Level Up Project. The fact is, I shouldn’t have been expecting anything, as a K-pop group at ten is fairly uncharted territory, although it’s happening more and more. Apink’s tenth anniversary was years ago, and Red Velvet debuted alongside Mamamoo. Next year, it’ll be Twice, Oh My Girl, others I’m sure. … More Red Velvet at Ten
Today, my mom and I made the perilous trek into the city to visit the hallyu exhibit at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. From the official website, “Today, South Korea is a cultural superpower—a global trendsetter producing award-winning films like Parasite, riveting dramas like Squid Game, and chart-topping music by K-pop groups such as BTS and BLACKPINK. But behind the country’s meteoric rise to the world stage—a phenomenon known as the Korean Wave, or hallyu—is the story of remarkable resilience and innovation.” … More ‘Hallyu! The Korean Wave’ at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts
Last time we spoke of Wendy’s solo outing, it was her debut, 2021’s Like Water. That title track remains memorable, especially as a snapshot of a tumultuous time in Red Velvet history. Of course, I’m glad they went in a different direction with this one, “Wish You Hell” being more pop-punk — a soft Paramore, let’s say. Though for Mother Wenresa, that marks a stylistic departure (and a really good song). … More Redefining What It Is to Be a Wendy
It’s March now, so we’re nearing the end of the first quarter of our entertainment year, which is exactly how entertainment is measured. I have to say, of the titles I previewed in this earlier post, not one that I’ve seen has been good. I like Gyeongsong Creature, but it’s so deeply flawed that the flaws become its very substance, for one’s acceptance or rejection — I don’t think it cares either way. I found Echo to be empty, and True Detective: Night Country uneventful. One show I did not list was FX/Hulu’s Shogun, something I’d seen in snippets last year for my job and assumed, when it made landfall, it would be brushed off as hoary-old white-savior nonsense. Wow, how wrong I was. … More Made It
As the year comes to a close, let’s look ahead to coming attractions just around the bend (and far beyond). While I didn’t find a K-Drama to fall in love with in 2023, I’ve got a good feeling about next time! Plus, action heroines, prestige sci-fi, and American television! … More What’s New and Notable in 2024?
First of all, I want to establish that there are no stakes here, and I am in no way disappointed or upset. Red Velvet is so far past the point of “they don’t have to do anything,” nearing a decade and having released a masterpiece in the after-years. They’ve given me everything; I don’t get to be disappointed or upset. Red Velvet doesn’t have to do anything, and so anything they do is a bonus – for which I’m grateful. Their latest album has been occasion for behind-the-scenes footage, and that’s always fantastic. The album itself? I haven’t finished it. I tapped out after four songs. Of those four, the title track “Chill Kill” was the best, where the others are shockingly low-key mood pieces. … More DO NOT POST: “Chill Kill” Thoughts
Here’s what’s gonna happen: I will watch a horror movie made for children, and not write about it because there’s no use. Nobody cares if this movie is “good” or “bad,” or even “recommended.” It simply is. Other horror titles, like The Banana Splits Movie and Willy’s Wonderland, were produced to capitalize on the market this intellectual property created (most likely). And at the end of it, the Five Nights at Freddy’s movie proved a box office success in a wild year of ups and downs. … More Sometimes Film Criticism is Dead
With Eyes East 