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Dead Talents Society

Movies watched in 2025

Dead Talents Society (2024, Taiwan)

Director: John Hsu

Writers: John Hsu & Tsai Kun Lin

Mini-review:

John Hsu impressed me a lot with his debut, Detention, a supernatural horror film that made great use of its historical setting. I've been looking forward to his second feature, and while this one leans much more towards a comedic tone, it's still a pretty solid effort. What stands out the most is the originality of its plot; these days it's pretty hard to make something so refreshing and creative. It's never as scary as a horror comedy should be, and the pacing could use some polishing, but it does have a lot of funny moments. It certainly helps that the cast is clearly having the time of their lives with these roles. All in all, Dead Talents Society is an entertaining horror comedy with originality to spare.

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Pangolin: Kulu's Journey

Movies watched in 2025

Pangolin: Kulu's Journey (2025, UK/South Africa)

Director: Pippa Ehrlich

Mini-review:

I ran to watch this as soon as I found out it was made by one of of the directors of the wonderful My Octopus Teacher. And, once again, we got an unforgettable documentary, this time about an animal as rare and mystifying as the pangolin. You can't help but root for Kulu and his caretaker, Gareth, throughout the entire rewilding process. But the documentary also takes the time to showcase other animals and their surroundings, eventually turning into a sort of call to protect the environment and endangered species. I will continue to follow Pippa Ehrlich's career, but for now I can surely recommend Pangolin: Kulu's Journey to anyone who loves wildlife and animal documentaries.

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to all y’all graduating, finishing a semester, thinking about starting school, leaving school, looking for a job, working, resting, improving, or trying every day to do whatever you can to be the person you want to be… I’m so proud of you, and I hope you are proud of yourself. it hasn’t been easy, but here you are, and you’re doing so good. I love you, keep it up, I know you can do this

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My Hero Academia: You're Next

Movies watched in 2025

My Hero Academia: You're Next (2024, Japan)

Director: Tensai Okamura

Writer: Yōsuke Kuroda (based on the manga by Kōhei Horikoshi)

Mini-review:

I'm always up for more My Hero Academia, so I jumped at the chance to watch the latest movie. The story itself is nothing special; Giulio and Anna's relationship is engaging enough, but the villains are mostly unexplored and lack true reasons to create such chaos. Still, the core cast is as fun as ever, and their charms can make anything entertaining as hell. On top of that, the animation is thoroughly spectacular, giving us some of the smoothest and most stunning sequences this franchise has ever done. So yeah, You're Next doesn't really add much to the series, but that doesn't mean it won't delight fans.

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Seems like it's time to review another busy day in the world of K-pop:

Countdown! by TWS

It kind of feels like a repeat of Plot Twist, BUT it's a really good one. Their vocals shine more than ever, and the rap works very well. It's basically perfect for the spring season.

Only cry in the rain by Chuu

This is easily my favorite out of all her solo releases. Both the song's style and the MV's aesthetic are right up my alley, plus her voice sounds gorgeous.

Wait On Me by Kai

Afrobeats-inspired songs always work for me, and this is no exception. He really excels at this sort of thing.

Bonus:

Go In Blind by &Team

I already reviewed this dark bop, but the official MV release deserves a mention. Such an edgy aesthetic!

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The announcement of this book was one of the biggest surprises of last year, and since then I've been basically counting the days to get my hands on it. Suzanne Collins has once again woven a heart-wrenching tale of survival, resilience and defiance. You already know how it's going to end, but seeing the details of the story play out is truly horrific. And Haymitch proves to be even more fascinating as a narrator than he already was as a supporting character. All in all, this prequel is way more engaging than TBOSAS; that one was also captivating in its own way, but this one just flows much more smoothly. Of course, the themes remain as timely as ever, and I feel like this prequel in particular came out at the perfect moment, considering current world events. The epilogue makes me think that Collins doesn't intend to return to this universe, but if Sunrise on the Reaping is really the end, then it serves as the perfect send-off forThe Hunger Games series.

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I'm finally starting Sunrise on the Reaping. Surprisingly, I haven't come across any major spoilers, but I've heard great stuff about it. See you all on the other side!

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I hadn't seen such a cool comeback trailer in a while. Can't wait for the album!

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Way Back Love

TV Shows/Dramas watched in 2025

Way Back Love (2025, South Korea)

Director: Choi Ha Na

Writers: Song Hyeon Ju & Jang In Jeong (based on the novel by Seo Eun Chae)

Mini-review:

I knew right upon reading this drama's plotline that it would be right up my alley, and I wasn't wrong. It's just such a great mixture of comedy, romance and tragedy. And despite its short length, the two leads are beautifully written and developed. Hell, even some of the supporting characters are pretty well defined. Both Kim Min Ha and Gong Myung are perfectly cast, plus they share some amazing chemistry. I also loved the cinematography, which gives the whole thing a movie-like vibe. My one gripe would be the editing; there are moments where it feels like some scenes are missing. Anyway, if you're looking for a short drama that can make you both laugh and cry, Way Back Love is the answer.

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Why does he need a- … oh

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Thank god they uploaded the official video on their channel, cause I keep rewatching all the fancams regardless of the video quality. Now I just need Big Hit to add the full show too 👀 👀 👀 👀👀👀

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It's a shame that they're back to 2-minute title tracks after not getting any last year, BUT this is still a banger. It makes great use of their vocals, and the instrumental is fire. Can't wait for the official video.

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Deaf (Sorda)

Movies watched in 2025

Sorda (2025, Spain)

Director & Writer: Eva Libertad (based on her own short film)

Mini-review:

This was quite a pleasant surprise. I went in with limited expectations and came out feeling I had just watched something very special. For starters, it's probably the best and most sensitive representation of deafness I've seen. I could tell Eva Libertad had researched the topic in all the right ways. On top of that, I'm pretty sure all the deaf and hard-of-hearing characters are played by actual deaf and hard-of-hearing actors. Still, it's a pretty intimate affair, so it probably wouldn't be as effective without the stunningly layered performances by Miriam Garlo and Álvaro Cervantes. I'm not sure if Deaf (Sorda) will get much of a worldwide distribution, but I'd definitely recommend watching it if you get the chance.

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Hello, wonderful souls! 🤍🌍

I hope you're doing well. 🌿

Could you help me amplify my family's story and bring awareness to our struggle? 🙏🏻

💬 Please reblog my pinned post or consider donating just $5—your support could truly make a difference in saving lives amidst war and hardship.

Your kindness and voice matter more than you know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 🤍🌿

🕊️ @mosabsdr | Every share counts. 💫

Everyone, go check this person's blog and see if you'd like to donate!

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I can't believe it's really coming out in like two weeks! It feels like I've been waiting since forever 😭😭😭

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The White Lotus (Season 3)

TV Shows/Dramas watched in 2025

The White Lotus (Season 3, 2025, USA)

Creator, Director & Writer: Mike White

Mini-review:

Man, I really needed another of Mike White's salacious romps about obnoxious rich white people. It's true that this season treads much of the same ground as the first two, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable as hell. While it takes the story a little longer to get going, the twists remain gasp-inducing, and every single member of the cast is in top form. Plus, a lot of the satire feels especially timely in the current era we're living in. The production values are also better than ever; every single scene is a visual delight, and the enthralling score really gets under your skin. At this point, I wouldn't mind it at all if White made a bazillion more seasons of The White Lotus: I'll be there to eat them up.

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Severance (Season 2)

TV Shows/Dramas watched in 2025

Severance (Season 2, 2025, USA)

Creator: Dan Erickson

Directors: Ben Stiller, Sam Donovan, Uta Briesewitz & Jessica Lee Gagné

Mini-review:

I've basically spent the last couple of years thinking about the first season finale of this show, so I couldn't wait to start the new one as soon as possible. And, once again, it was a pretty crazy ride. We finally got some answers, but also a ton of new questions. On top of that, the show continues to embrace its delightful sense of weirdness, even if that quirkiness threatens to overwhelm the rest of things at some points. Still, both the story and the characters are more than fascinating enough to balance it. Of course, the cinematography and production design remain excellent, probably the best in the TV industry right now. I also wanted to pick out an MVP from the cast, but every single performer had their moment to shine; there's some seriously incredible acting on display here. And with that ending, I will definitely keep thinking about Severance until we get another season.