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It's not every day that two boygroups release amazing bops at the same time 👀👀👀

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Alien: Romulus

Movies watched in 2025

Alien: Romulus (2024, UK/USA)

Director: Fede Álvarez

Writers: Fede Álvarez & Rodo Sayagues

Mini-review:

Full disclosure: I don't really know much about the Alien franchise, for reasons I won't get into in this post. So, in a way, this is the first time I'm truly dipping my toes into this world. And... I'm definitely left impressed. I have always enjoyed Fede Álvarez's films (he's the main reason I gave this a try), and his trademark style shines as much as ever in this film: he's a master at creating claustrophobic atmospheres, and he always makes an effort to use practical effects whenever possible. Thanks to his work, the movie ends up becoming a surprisingly scary and anxiety-inducing experience. I must admit some details required a little suspension of disbelief, but overall I'm super satisfied with Alien: Romulus. I really should get over my dumb gripes with this franchise and try watching some of the original movies...

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XO, Kitty (Season 2)

TV Shows/Dramas watched in 2025

XO, Kitty (Season 2, 2025, USA)

Creator: Jenny Han

Directors: Katina Medina Mora, Steven Tsuchida, Anna Mastro & Sherwin Shilati

Mini-review:

Let's be honest here: XO, Kitty is cringey as hell. Cheesy, too. It seems to be out on a mission to hit every trope and cliché in the book. And yet... I can't stop watching. The writers have a knack for creating as much messy drama as possible, and if you're into that, the show can be a really fun experience. The characters keep doing dumb shit, sure, but that's also part of their irritating charm. Minho/Sang Heon Lee remains the most engaging part of the ensemble, and this time he gets better material than in season one. So yeah, I can't say this show is good, but I also can't say I don't enjoy watching it. I don't really know where else it could take the story, but I guess we'll have to wait and see what mess the writers can concoct next.

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Thank god they made an MV for this song too, cause I know we all needed it 🐺🐺🐺

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The MV is finally here! I must admit I teared up a bit watching it 🤧 

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Teasing Master Takagi-san: The Movie

Movies watched in 2025

Teasing Master Takagi-san: The Movie (2024, Japan)

Director: Rikiya Imaizumi

Writers: Tomoki Kanazawa, Jun Hagimori & Rikiya Imaizumi (based on the manga by Sōichirō Yamamoto)

Mini-review:

The Teasing Master Takagi-san drama was one of the highlights of 2024 for me. And now, in this sequel with adult versions of the characters, the whole thing remains the sweetest, cutest thing ever. Some people might find it unrealistic or coy, but I think Rikiya Imaizumi's low-key style keeps the movie grounded and intimate, on top of making for a visually pleasant experience. It also helps that he made spot-on choices for the leads: the main couple really does feel like the grown-up version of the original characters. Mei Nagano and Fumiya Takahashi share effortless chemistry, mainly thanks to their impressively naturalistic performances; it was like watching people I could know in real life. Anyway, it's safe to say this film is a must-watch for anyone who enjoyed the drama.

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Asura

TV Shows/Dramas watched in 2025

Asura (2025, Japan)

Director & Writer: Hirokazu Kore-eda (based on the novel by Kuniko Mukōda)

Mini-review:

Kore-eda is back with four of the most talented actresses in the world, and in that regard, Asura delivers: it's beautifully made and the acting is simply sublime. However, I must admit I expected the writing to be more... socially conscious. It kind of lacks the powerful messages that Kore-eda's work tends to have. And the drama's nonchalant and dry approach to cheating will be divisive, that's for sure. Tbh, the show is at its best when the sisters are just talking, squabbling and laughing; the rest of the time it feels a tad too old-school (maybe because of the source material?). Still, it's worth watching for the performances and the cinematography alone.

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Yunjin's solo music is always incredible, but her voice sounds particularly beautiful in this one 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

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Love in the Big City

Movies watched in 2025

Love in the Big City (2024, South Korea)

Director: E.oni

Writer: Kim Na Deul (based on the novel by Park Sang Young)

Mini-review:

The drama adaptation of this book was my favorite k-drama of last year, so I came into this movie version with my interest piqued but also kind of wary. And, while there were certainly a lot of things about it that I liked, at the end of the day I didn't connect with it as much. I feel like this film doesn't reach the same level of depth, neither in the characters nor the approach to social issues. Still, the relationship between the leads is very engaging; in a way, it shows that your soulmate doesn't necessarily have to come from romance. And the acting is great, especially Kim Go Eun's. Now I just have to read the book, and then I'll have enjoyed all versions of Love in the Big City.

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Blue Period

Movies watched in 2025

Blue Period (2024, Japan)

Director: Kentaro Hagiwara

Writer: Reiko Yoshida (based on the manga by Tsubasa Yamaguchi)

Mini-review:

This movie came out at the perfect moment, as it hasn't been long since I binged the manga. Thankfully, it ranks among the upper echelon of live-action adaptations. It's true that the limited runtime means giving up on a lot of the source material's depth, especially when it comes to the supporting characters, but the film does its best with the time it's given. And, most importantly, this adaptation succeeds where the anime failed spectacularly: the visuals. While the anime looked flat and lifeless most of the time, the movie puts a lot of emphasis on colors. It's pretty obvious that the director had a clear vision from the beginning. What's more, the cast is perfectly chosen, with Fumiya Takahashi giving a particularly memorable performance. Oh, and the soundtrack is great too! So yeah, Blue Period is not perfect by any means, but it was nice reliving the manga's first arc.

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K-pop is off to a great start this year, thanks to the one and only Boynextdoor 💗💗💗💗💗💗

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Wicked

Movies watched in 2025

Wicked (2024, USA)

Director: Jon M. Chu

Writers: Winnie Holzman & Dana Fox (based on the musical by Stephen Schwartz & Winnie Holzman and the novel by Gregory Maguire)

Mini-review:

Few things give me the high of a super hyped-up movie that actually delivers: Wicked is just as great as everyone keeps saying. Tbh, I went in knowing next to nothing, cause this particular musical never made it to my country, afaik. I'm obviously acquainted with The Wizard of Oz, but that's about it. And what I found here was almost three hours of pure magic and unforgettable songs. The entire cast smashes it out of the park in every way: acting, singing and dancing. The sets are absolutely stunning, too; it's arguably the best production design I've seen recently. However, I do think the cinematography and lighting leave much to be desired; at points it looks like a run-of-the-mill Marvel movie. But still, everything else is exceptional enough for that detail not to bring the film down at all. I'll definitely be looking forward to part two!

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Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

Movies watched in 2025

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024, UK)

Directors: Nick Park & Merlin Crossingham

Writer: Mark Burton

Mini-review:

It's taken a very long time for us to get another feature-length Wallace & Gromit movie, but the wait has been more than worth it. From the very first scene, it throws you back into the delightful and whimsical world of these characters, with a good ol' dose of wholesome humor that hits the right spot. And, of course, Aardman's animation is simply incredible; stop-motion doesn't get smoother than this. You can just tell how much love and passion was put into making this film. All in all, Vengeance Most Fowl will delight both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise. First movie of the year and the bar is already sky high!

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Ppl without ADHD be like “oh if I get rid of all possible distractions then you’ll be forced to focus on the boring task!” Fool… You underestimate my Power 

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Cunk on Life

TV Shows/Dramas watched in 2025

Cunk on Life (2024, UK)

Director: Al Campbell

Writers: Charlie Brooker, Ben Caudell & Erika Ehler

Mini-review:

Philomena Cunk is finally back! I just love the way this format interpolates actual insight with the character's hilarious commentary. But the truth is that it probably wouldn't work as well without Diane Morgan's superb deadpan delivery; she's just a master of this type of comedy. Even her glances can get a laugh out of me. And I'm so glad they kept the usual long-running gags for this special, too. Obviously not all jokes hit equally well, and some of the guest experts are clearly more into the experience than others, but Cunk on Life maintains the quality we've come to expect from this character.

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HUH YUNJIN ♡ SMART, 240721