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The Wonder Netflix Review: Faith, Famine, and Florence Pugh Doing What She Does Best

October 9, 2025 Watchmantis Leave a comment

If you’ve ever watched a Florence Pugh movie, you know she doesn’t do simple at all.

Instead, almost all her movie roles from her haunting performance in Midsommar to her captivating the audience in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer proves that her entire schtick is raw, layered, complicated. In true Pugh fashion, The Wonder on Netflix is all of that and more.

So, let’s break down this gem of a movie from its weird beginning to that perfect ending that everyone can’t seem to stop talking about.

The Wonderful Storyline of The Wonder

Set in Ireland in 1862, which is basically when the Great Famine had a huge hold on the country, Florence Pugh plays English nurse Lib Wright. She has been sent to a small, suspicious village to observe a young girl, Anna O’Donnell (played by the incredible Kíla Lord Cassidy), who claims she hasn’t eaten in four months.

The townsfolk call Anna a miracle, the church sees her as a sign from God, but Lib, being the practical English nurse that she was, thought all of that was just pure balderdash (see what I did there?)

To Lib, Anna was a medical mystery—or maybe a tragedy waiting to happen. Her job is to watch the girl for two weeks and report her findings. Of course, things get complicated fast. The deeper Lib digs, the less sense anything makes and the harder it becomes to separate truth from belief.

Florence Pugh Is the Whole Show

As with nearly every other movie in her discography, I think it’s safe to say that the entirety of The Wonder Netflix sits on Florence Pugh’s shoulders, and she carries it really well. As Lib, she’s sharp, skeptical, and heartbreakingly human. You can see every ounce of her inner conflict: her frustration, her guilt, her exhaustion, just in the way she breathes.

Lib’s nights are a haze of laudanum (a mix of alcohol and opium), which she drinks to dull old pain. She pricks her finger for blood before bed, almost like she’s checking if she’s still alive. It’s weirdly poetic—and very Pugh.

The cast of The Wonder Netflix adds to the movie’s eerie magic. Young Kíla Lord Cassidy is haunting as Anna. She could be calm one minute and terrifyingly devoted the next. Her real-life mom, Elaine Cassidy, plays her mother in the film, and that chemistry shows. Tom Burke (The Souvenir) shows up as William, a journalist who becomes Lib’s unlikely ally. And then there’s Niamh Algar, who bookends the story as both character and narrator—and she absolutely nails it.

Faith and the Lies We Tell Ourselves

About halfway through the movie, Lib figures out what’s really going on. It turns out that Anna’s mother has been secretly feeding her daughter by mouth—literally transferring chewed food through a kiss. It’s disturbing (and honestly disgusting, if you ask me) but it makes sense. That’s the only way Anna was able to survive that long without eating. And when Lib forbids the mother from visiting, Anna’s health spirals very fast.

Even with proof, nobody wants to believe the miracle isn’t real. The priest, the villagers, even Anna’s family; they all cling to the story because it’s more comforting than the truth. That’s when you realize what The Wonder is really about. It’s about how far people will go to protect the stories that give their lives meaning. Faith can keep people alive, but it can also destroy them.

The Perfect Ending Everyone Deserved And Got!

Okay, here’s The Wonder Netflix explained in plain English. Lib decides that if stories can kill, they can also save. So she makes up a new one. She tells Anna she can die—but be reborn as someone new, free from the pain and guilt she’s been carrying.

Lib fakes Anna’s death, burns down the family’s cottage to cover her tracks, and, with the help of the Journalist, sneaks the girl away to Australia under a new identity: Nan. The last shot shows them at a dinner table, finally eating together, alive and free.

Why The Wonder Netflix Is Worth Watching

Now, The Wonder isn’t a movie for when you’re half-asleep or multitasking. It’s this sort of deeply atmospheric movie that requires your full attention. The cinematography makes Ireland look both breathtaking and haunted. The sound design; creaking floors, whispered prayers and faint wind, keeps you tense even when nothing particularly “big” is happening.

But when it does hit, it hits hard. The incredible direction by Director Sebastián Lelio (who gave us A Fantastic Woman, by the way) combined with Pugh’s emotional gravity, turns what could have been a historical curiosity into something painfully human.

So, is The Wonder Netflix movie worth your two hours? Absolutely! Florence Pugh gives another powerhouse performance, and Sebastián Lelio crafts something that feels like both a dream and a warning. You’ll walk away thinking about faith, storytelling, and the fine line between devotion and delusion.

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Is Fantastic Four (2025) Marvel’s Best Comeback Yet?

October 8, 2025 Watchmantis Leave a comment

After what seems like 123,456,789 attempts at trying to make the perfect Fantastic Four movie, Marvel may have finally gotten it right.

The cinematic universe has somehow remembered that this story was never about dark realism or angsty heroes. It’s about a weird, lovable make-shift family of superpowered nerds trying to keep it together.

And it is glorious!

Marvel has had a rough couple of years: a few hits, too many misses, and fans starting to drift away from the cinematic universe as a whole. But Fantastic Four (2025) feels like a creative reset. It’s not trying too hard to connect to twenty other films or shove in cameos. It’s just telling a good story with charm, humor, and a genuine sense of fun.

Back to the Sixties (Kind Of)

This version, titled Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), throws the audience into a retro-futurist New York (think 1960s sci-fi with flying cars and round TVs). It’s nostalgic, colorful, and weird (which is honestly very fitting for the storyline, to be honest.)

In the movie, Pedro Pascal graces the screen once again, but this time as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic).

This time around, however, Reed isn’t your typical brooding genius. Instead, he’s awkward, warm, and often hilariously overconfident. Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm (the Invisible Woman) is, in Gen Z speak, “MOTHER.” She brings calm to the chaos, balancing Reed’s restless energy with wit, strength, and insane amount of aura.

Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) is pure charisma as the Human Torch, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm, the rock-skinned Thing, is a total scene-stealer. His dry humor and heart make him one of Marvel’s most endearing characters in years. Together, they’re messy, relatable, and incredibly fun to watch, kind of like The Incredibles met I Love Lucy on caffeine.

Cosmic Chaos: Silver Surfer and Galactus

Then comes the cosmic curveball. Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer enters like a ghostly ballet dancer on a board of light. The Fantastic Four (2025) Silver Surfer scenes are visually stunning and emotionally charged which helps to add real depth to the story. And right behind her looms Galactus. Ralph Ineson’s deep, bone-rattling voice gives the gives the planet-eating giant a terrifying, godlike presence. The Fantastic Four (2025) Galactus sequence turns the movie’s energy up to eleven. It is massive, dramatic, and visually jaw-dropping in that classic Marvel way.

Now let’s talk about that scene—the Fantastic Four Dr Doom scene. No spoilers, but it’s easily one of the coolest post-credit moments Marvel’s pulled off in a long time. It’s just a glimpse, but that’s all it takes. Fans in my theater literally gasped. And if the next movie delivers on that tease? Yeah, it’s going to be huge.

A Love Letter to Comic Book Weirdness

Director Matt Shakman (yep, the guy behind WandaVision) clearly gets what makes this team special. He leans into the old-school comic book energy by seamlessly incorporating the color, the optimism, the playful banter, all without making it feel corny. The production design is pure retro eye candy, with every costume and gadget bursting with personality.

Even before opening weekend ended, Fantastic Four Marvel movie box office numbers were already looking strong which just goes to show that audiences are hungry for something light, warm, and a little silly again.

If you’re tired of gloomy, overcomplicated superhero movies, Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) might just be your palate cleanser. It’s charming, it’s goofy, and it’s absolutely worth the trip to the theater.

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The Thursday Murder Club Netflix Review: Seniors, Secrets, and Seriously Good Fun

October 8, 2025 Watchmantis Leave a comment

If you’ve been missing a good old-fashioned British mystery with a generous dose of charm and chaos, The Thursday Murder Club might just be your next Netflix obsession.

Based on Richard Osman’s wildly successful novel, this new Thursday Murder Club Netflix series gives “cosy crime” a shiny streaming-era glow complete with a star-studded cast and enough tea, wit and twists to keep you smiling through every scene. The thrilling limited series starts off inside Coopers Chase, a luxurious retirement community that looks like it was designed by someone who couldn’t decide between Downton Abbey and a golf resort. This beautiful haven that was meant to be very peaceful ended up being the main site for a deliciously catastrophic series of events.

Four residents: Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron, form the so-called “Thursday Murder Club,” meeting each week to dig into old unsolved crimes. When a local developer ends up dead, their amateur sleuthing suddenly turns very real.

A Star-Studded Cast That Shines in Every Scene

It’s almost not surprising how good the series is because The Thursday Murder Club Netflix cast is pure gold. Helen Mirren leads the pack as Elizabeth, a retired MI6 agent whose sharpness could cut glass. Pierce Brosnan brings swagger and just the right amount of roguish charm as Ron, while Ben Kingsley’s intense Ibrahim and Celia Imrie’s endlessly cheerful Joyce round out the dream team. It’s like watching a group of senior-citizen Avengers, each with their own peculiar superpower, from observation to intuition to pure stubbornness.

Director Chris Columbus (yes, Home Alone and Harry Potter Chris Columbus) clearly understands the assignment. He somehow managed to keep things light without ever forgetting that heartwarming humor is the real hook of the story.

Perfectly Paced and Comfortably British

Each of the Thursday Murder Club Netflix episodes is beautifully paced, without feeling too rushed or dragged out. In fact, Watch the full series and you could almost forget it’s not just a two-hour Benoit Blanc-style mystery. There’s something oddly satisfying about watching retirees outsmart both the cops and the criminals with nothing but brainpower and biscuits. The writing never feels forced. Instead, it is sharp, funny, and surprisingly touching.

What’s especially nice is how the show doesn’t lean on cheap sentimentality. Yes, there are moments that tug at your heart (especially around Elizabeth’s husband, played by Jonathan Pryce, who’s dealing with dementia), but the tone always bounces back to optimism. It’s less about dying and more about living and finding purpose no matter your age.

Visually, the series has that polished British look with rolling lawns, soft lighting, cozy interiors and enough tweed to outfit half of Sussex. The setting feels so familiar you might start craving shortbread and afternoon tea halfway through an episode. It is clear Netflix wanted to capture the comfort factor of classic British TV while giving it a global binge-worthy appeal.

Charm Overshadows the Mystery (and That’s Okay)

Now, if there’s one tiny flaw, it’s that the mystery sometimes takes a back seat to the charm. The whodunnit aspect isn’t as nail-biting as a Knives Out (another Knives Out mention, I know. It’s a great movie franchise. Sue me.) or Broadchurch, but honestly, that’s not what this show is trying to be.

It’s less about shock and more about the slow satisfaction of putting the puzzle pieces together while enjoying the ride. Think of it as Midsomer Murders meets The Golden Girls, and you’re pretty close.

The Thursday Murder Club Netflix review consensus so far seems to agree that the show is a comforting, well-acted slice of crime comedy that’s perfect for Sunday afternoons or late-night cozy binges. The chemistry between the leads is so natural that even when the plot veers into slightly silly territory, you don’t really mind. You’re just happy to be hanging out with these characters again.

Ultimately, The Thursday Murder Club works because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It lets its heroes be both brilliant and vulnerable, funny and flawed. Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie and Ben Kingsley make growing older look like an adventure rather than a limitation. So, if you’re scrolling through Netflix this weekend and looking for something that’s equal parts clever, heartwarming, and comfortingly British, give this one a go. You might not solve a murder yourself, but you’ll definitely fall for this delightful gang of detectives.

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What To Expect From Universal Studios’ Oppenheimer

February 13, 2023 Watchmantis Leave a comment

Attention all Nolanites, it’s time to get ready for a ride of a lifetime! Universal Studios is bringing you “Oppenheimer,” a mind-boggling movie directed by the one and only Christopher Nolan, who some might say is the greatest movie director of our time.

“Oppenheimer,” a story that will transport you to the 1940s and show you renowned theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, played by the truly talented Cillian Murphy, was inspired by the highly regarded book “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer” by Martin J. Sherwin and Kai Bird.

It’s a story to witness the journey of a genius who was the mastermind behind the Los Alamos Laboratory during the Manhattan Project and made a massive impact on the world with his contributions to the creation of nuclear weapons.

Mark your calendars, folks, because “Oppenheimer” is set to blow your mind on July 2023, and the trailers have already got us on the edge of our seats!

It’s time you get ready for a star-studded explosion of talent, folks! “Oppenheimer” is about to shake up the movie world with its all-star cast. Leading the pack is none other than the brooding and brilliant Cillian Murphy, who’s no stranger to working with Christopher Nolan, as seen in the blockbuster hits “The Dark Knight” and “Inception.”

Cillian Murphy is about to set the screen on fire with his captivating performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer, and we can’t wait to see him bring his signature intensity to the role. After all, art is indeed a bang, and with Cillian Murphy on board, we’re in for one explosive performance!

But wait, there’s more! “Oppenheimer” has assembled an all-star cast of A-listers, including Emily Blunt as Katherine Oppenheimer, Matt Damon as Leslie Groves, Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark, Sherlock Holmes etc) as Lewis Strauss, and Florence Pugh (our darling) as Jean Tatlock.

There’s also some of the biggest names in Hollywood and they’ll bring their A-game to this thought-provoking film. With a cast this impressive, you better grab your shades, because the on-screen talent is going to be brighter than a summer day.

We’ve got Casey Affleck, Jack Quaid, Benny Safdie, Gary Oldman, Rami Malek, and many more.

If you want to get your minds blown (not in a sci-fi time-manipulating kind of way, but in a more real-life kind of way), Oppenheimer’s the one to see. Christopher Nolan’s new movie on the horizon is making waves before it’s even hit the screens. It’s probably his most important movie since his “The Dark Knight” roamed the streets. And why, you may ask, is this movie so important? Well, let me tell you.

It’s been a while since Nolan has been with Warner Bros and the world has been eagerly awaiting his next move since Tenet. Tenet, you may remember, was the movie that had everyone scratching their heads and trying to untangle the mysteries of time. And despite the pandemic putting a damper on things, Nolan was determined to release his masterpiece in theaters.

Well, he was criticized for his decision to release it in theaters instead of on streaming platforms, but that didn’t stop the movie from receiving praise for its stunning visual effects, jaw-dropping action sequences, and fantastic cast performances. However, Tenet was also criticized for its confusing plot. Many folks like me found it hard understanding it at first. You could say that makes it Nolan’s most divisive work yet.

Now, Oppenheimer is here to take center stage. Based on a true story and featuring real-life characters, this movie is set to be more straightforward than most of Nolan’s works. But don’t let that fool you, there will be twists and turns aplenty (because it’s a Nolan movie, after all).

This movie has the potential to be both a summer blockbuster and really wouldn’t be surprised if it won an Oscar with its big production, exciting story, and star-studded cast.

Unlike Tenet, Oppenheimer is ready to make its mark and leave a lasting impression.

I’d say you buckle up and get ready for a wild ride with Oppenheimer. Who knows, while you’re at it, you might even pick up a few historical facts. Are you anticipating it too? Let’s hear it in the comments. Hands in the air if you wanna see Tommy Shelby and Tony Stark do their thing.

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Why The Wire is One of the Best Crime TV Series Ever Made

February 7, 2023 jowellapollo Leave a comment

The Wire is an American crime drama TV show created by David Simon and broadcast by HBO. The series, which featured 5 seasons and 60 episodes, premiered in 2002 and ended in 2008. Although the Baltimore-centered show wasn’t given the appreciation it deserved when it was originally released, it is now regarded by many television critics as one of the greatest TV shows ever made. In this article, we’ll discuss why The Wire deserves a permanent place among the best crime series ever made.

5 Reasons The Wire is One of the Greatest Crime TV Shows of All Time

Here are 5 reasons The Wire is one of the best crime series to grace television:

1. Rich Plot

The Wire presents a well-conceived, entertaining, and largely unpredictable crime plot loosely based on true events. It features several literary societal themes and portrays urban life and the affairs of criminals and law enforcers in Baltimore, Maryland. As reflected in the show’s name, the employment of electronic surveillance and wiretap technologies is a recurrent theme in the series.

For the most part, particularly in the first three seasons, the show is centered on the Barksdale crime family/organization and the members of the Baltimore Police Department, who investigate their criminal activities using wiretaps and other means. The show also incorporates other intriguing subplots, such as the life of the Sobotkas, a Polish-American family of port workers associated with unlawful smuggling, and the Hamsterdam project– a social experiment involving the legalization of drugs in a monitored space to reduce the rate of homicides. Generally, the show dishes out an immensely enjoyable plot that makes you anxious to see the next episode.

2. Illuminating Portrayal of the Life and Activities of Police Officers and Lawyers

Suppose you want to learn about the US police or you’re interested in knowing what to expect if you become a police officer. In these circumstances, The Wire is your best bet at finding the answers to your questions without reading them up in a book. Although The Wire focuses on the Homicide and Narcotics units of the Baltimore Police Department, these two units are enough for you to peer into the life and activities of cops.

The show characterizes different shades of police officers. You get to see an overzealous, broken cop in the character Jimmy McNulty, a lesbian cop with a relationship crisis in Kima Greggs, an intelligent and decent policeman in Lester Freamon, loyal policemen in Bunk and Carver, a clumsy, protected cop in Roland Pryzbylewski, a middle-aged policeman with the desire to make a change before he retires in Bunny Colvin, a police lieutenant determined to do what he thinks is right in Cedric Daniels, and even a cop that uses drugs.

Furthermore, the show depicts the interaction between police officers, lawyers, judges, and the FBI to achieve better results. It also illustrates the sexcapades, flirting, and romance between these government officials, as well as depicts the corrupt ones.

3. Accurate Depiction of Baltimore Politics

David Simon wasn’t afraid to portray and explore Baltimore politics in the show. The Wire frequently demonstrated the activities of the police authorities, including the commissioner, deputy commissioner, police majors, and other commanding officers, and how they pulled the strings and manipulated the Baltimore Police Department. Similarly, it revealed the political games in the Baltimore mayoral office and how the Mayors, both Clarence Royce and later Tommy Carcetti, made sure any decisions they took favored them ultimately.

4. Sumptuous Portrayal of Various Crimes

The Wire succeeds in captivating aficionados of the crime genre as it serves its viewers an “eyeful” of various crimes. The show featured drug trafficking, drug abuse, murder, smuggling, human trafficking, robbery, animal abuse, corruption, financial crimes, torture, illegal prostitution, illegal immigration, and so on.

5. Representation of Realistic Societal Elements and Issues

The Wire deserves applause for its ability to display real societal issues and events on television. The series threw light on realistic elements, such as drug addiction, the life, struggles, and activities of the urban poor, gang conflicts, HIV/AIDS, crime in Baltimore, prison life, public empowerment programs, betrayal, drug wars, family bond, marital crisis, and gun violence. More interestingly, the Hamsterdam project in season 3 of the show illustrated the consequences of legalizing drugs.

Bottom Line

Other factors that seal The Wire’s status as one of the GOATs of crime TV shows include its impressive acting, characterization, and character development. Overall, the show is one of the best things to have happened since the invention of television.

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5 Post-Apocalyptic Movies like HBO’s The Last of Us’ That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat

February 1, 2023 Watchmantis Leave a comment

Just like the games, HBO’s The Last of Us series is a true showpiece, and it appears that the franchise’s fans are utterly charmed with it. With an average of 21.3 million viewers per episode, it’s no wonder why movie fans across the world are clapping their hands and cheering.

And let’s not forget, it’s not just the first time HBO has multiple original series with over 15 million viewers, it’s also only second in line to the Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon, which was a real winner with an average of 29 million viewers.

HBO'S The Last of Us series image description

But what makes The Last of Us so special? Well, let’s just say it’s a real breath of fresh air in the zombie genre! The show offers a dynamic mix of character development and post-apocalyptic action that will leave you feeling both moved and exhilarated. And really, who doesn’t love a good guide to follow when searching for the best options in the zombie world? Let’s be real, once you’ve fallen in love with “The Last of Us”, you’ll be on the hunt for more post-apocalyptic adventures that’ll give you the same rush of excitement and emotion.

Don’t worry, I’ve got your back because I’ve scoured the vast world of zombie movies to find the top 5 hidden gems that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.

So, grab your popcorn, sit back, relax and get ready for some ultimate post-apocalyptic movie marathon!

The Road (2009)

The Road; 5 movies like HBO's The Last of Us

The Road is an unforgettable adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that is a must-see if you love “The Last of Us”. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of beauty intertwined with unrelenting horror and darkness. With breathtaking cinematography and powerhouse performances, this film will have you holding your breath from start to finish.

The movie, featuring Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee, depicts a father and son as they make their way through a world where the environment has been devastated and where roving bands of cannibals prowl the barren landscape.

If you’re a fan of The Last of Us and its heart-wrenching drama, you won’t want to miss The Road. It’s a film that will leave a lasting impact, as the brief moments of peace in its post-apocalyptic world are always followed by harsh and complex life lessons that will stay with you for a long time.

A Quiet Place (2018)

John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place,” a rather terrifying and heartbreaking post-apocalyptic movie, follows the journey of a family as they struggle to survive in a world overtaken by blind aliens possessing super-sensitive hearing. The lead characters, played by John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, are just like The Last of Us characters as they bravely fight to protect their loved ones in the face of this new, dangerous reality.

Well, the film’s opening scene sets the tone, as the family’s young daughter is tragically killed by one of the aliens. And throughout the film, the audience is transported to a world of ruins, where remnants of civilization lay in tatters and danger lurks around every corner.

The sequel to the film only amplifies this sense of peril and sorrow, showing the first day of the alien invasion similarly to how “The Last of Us” portrays the start of the zombie outbreak.

The Walking Dead (2010)

The Walking Dead; 5 movies like HBO's The Last of Us

The Walking Dead; released in 2010 has shuffled off this mortal coil after 11 seasons of gripping cable TV, and it looks like The Last of Us is about to take its place as the next big zombie franchise.

These two shows are all about the characters, a bunch of regular folks who are determined to survive in a world that’s crawling with the undead and other not-so-friendly humans. But it’s on a whole new level.

Just like The Last of Us, The Walking Dead is about families of choice and how people’s morals change in a post-apocalyptic world. If you’re itching for a good zombie saga, now’s the perfect time to dive into the world of The Walking Dead.

Bird box (2018)

Bird box; among 5 movies like HBO's The Last of Us

Oh yeah, let’s not forget Bird Box! Veteran actress Sandra Bullock stars as a mother of two who is trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world that’s controlled by an evil spirit in this popular Netflix thriller.

Although it doesn’t really have traditional zombies like The Last of Us, the focus on the challenges of parenthood during hard times makes it a pretty close comparison. Well, sometimes.

Like HBO’s The Last of Us, the protagonist’s physical journey mirrors their mental journey as they come to accept love for the children in their care. That sort of adds an extra layer of drama to the already high stakes of life and death. Lol. And let’s not forget the human threats that are always lurking in the shadows, making danger a very real and tangible thing. Bring on the creepiness.

The Battery (2012)

The Battery; one of 5 movies like HBO's The Last of Us

While it might sound like a big-budget blockbuster, The Battery is more in line with George A. Romero’s independent roots and focuses on character and dialogue. It’s a film that follows a former baseball player duo as they navigate the ups and downs of a good old-fashioned zombie apocalypse.

Quite the perfect movie for fans of HBO’s The last of us, The Walking Dead is just the movie for horror lovers who are looking for a movie that explores the monotony of post-apocalyptic living.

But don’t let that fool you, the naturalistic conversations in The Battery make it one of the best movies for fans of The Last of Us, too.

So there you have it guys and ladies, a list of 5 hidden gems that are sure to light up your screen if you liked “The Last of Us.” These films are intense, thought-provoking, and will keep you guessing until the very end.

So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to be transported to a post-apocalyptic world where survival is the only thing that matters. And remember, don’t trust anyone, not even your best friend, they might be a zombie, or worse, a Gary Oldman. So, I wanna know what you think of these.

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Unleashing the Hype: Will The Netflix Wednesday Series Light Up Our Screens Again with Season 2?

January 25, 2023 Watchmantis Leave a comment

“So, Season 1 of Netflix’s Wednesday Series was like solving a Rubik’s Cube with one hand tied behind our backs. We finally got all the colors to match, but now we’re left with a whole new set of mysteries.

Are we going to find out who has been watching Wednesday? Who will take over as Nevermore High’s new principal? Will Bianca’s mom’s cult finally be exposed? And the real question on everyone’s mind: will we see Tyler in the new season. Oh yeah I forgot. How ’bout Xavier and his weird dreams of the Hyde. Is there any meaning to it? Well they haven’t shown us any links so we can pretty much expect that. Right?

Season 2 definitely got us thinking so much these days though. And in case you haven’t seen Wednesday that everyone’s talking about, Imagine a world where The Addams Family grew up, got a little edgier and decided to take a page from the Stranger Things and Harry Potter handbook. That’s exactly what the creators of Wednesday did, and it was a recipe for success.

Headlined by the incredibly popular Scream and X star; Jenna Ortega as the one and only Wednesday Addams, this show was a coming-of-age, supernatural, comedy, horror masterpiece.

With a cast that included heavy hitters like Gwendoline Christie, (yeah, GOT fans are pretty familiar with her), Christina Ricci (who’s already played Wednesday in the past), Riki Lindhome, Jamie McShane, Percy Hynes White, Emma Myers, and more, it was like a horror lover’s dream come true.

So, whether you’re a fan of Charles Addams’ original comics, or just looking for a good old fashioned spooky time, Wednesday is the show for you. Just don’t blame us when you can’t stop humming the theme song at 3am.”

So what are we expecting from season 2 of Netflix’s Wednesday? Well, although the mystery of the monster hunt on Wednesday has been resolved, the top detective at Nevermore Academy is still facing challenges.

The season finale leaves viewers with a cliffhanger, revealing that Wednesday is being stalked by an unknown third party. While the show’s creator may have intended this as a way to build suspense, some fans have speculated about the identity of the stalker.

Based on the clues provided, it seems likely that the stalker is someone associated with the academy, either another student or a teacher. However, it is certain that the stalker is not one of the main antagonists from season one.

It is expected that the second season will focus on uncovering the whereabouts of these characters and potentially bringing an end to the ongoing conflict between the “normies” and “outcasts” at the academy. Overall, the season 2 of Nevermore Academy is going to be more thrilling, exciting and most importantly a mystery to solve for the top detective Wednesday.

Who will replace the current Nevermore Academy principal? Who knows? Weems could be back and likely healthy. However, I’m going to bet on Morticia Addams (Catherine Zeta-Jones). Can you imagine her in a stern black suit, scowling at the students as they walk by? Or maybe it’ll be a normie, someone who wants to continue Weems’s quest for unity between Nevermore and Jericho. But let’s be real, that sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry. Well, can’t say past that.

Will We See more of Tyler And The Others?

Let’s not forget about Tyler. That last scene with him turning into a Hyde had me on the edge of my seat. I’m pretty sure we haven’t seen the last of him. And while he might not be the main villain of Season 2, he could definitely play an important role in answering some of the show’s unanswered questions. Like who is the stalker? And what’s Wednesday’s deal? Tyler could be the key to unlocking all of these mysteries.

But hey, that’s just my theory. Only time will tell who will be the new principal and what role Tyler will play. All we know is that Nevermore Academy is going to be one wild ride in season 2.

Netflix's Wednesday series's The gang from left to right; Ajax, Yoko, Bianca and Eugene.

Bianca’s got a lot of baggage, and I’m not just talking about the designer luggage she packed when she fled from her family. She’s got some demons to confront, like her family and her past identity as Brandy Jane Barclay. Will her tempestuous relationship with her mother come to a head in Season 2? Will Gideon, Gabrielle, and Morning Song be the next season’s villains? (Gabrielle is her mom while Gideon is Gabrielle’s partner who she since married. Or Bianca’s stepfather).

The drama that surrounds her life is like a never-ending saga, it’s like a telenovela, a reality show and a soap opera all rolled into one. Only the future knows what secrets she’ll uncover and what obstacles she’ll face.

And let’s not forget about Xavier, the boy who seems to have it all: the looks, the brains and the mysterious powers. He was wrongfully accused, but there’s still a lot we don’t know about him. Like why was he having those intense visions of the monster? And what’s the deal with those detailed drawings? Will we learn more about his powers in Season 2? And what about his famous seer father? Maybe he’ll be introduced next season and offer some insight into Xavier’s abilities.

Netflix's Wednesday series's Xavier chatting with Wednesday Addams in the woods

Don’t forget about Xavier’s love life. While some fans are shipping Wednesday with Enid, others are rooting for Xavier. Maybe in Season 2 we’ll see Xavier trying to win Wednesday over by teaching her how to use emojis considering he got her a phone. ( It would be a nightmare for Wednesday). Or maybe he will start writing love letters in blood to win her over.

Nevermore Academy is a magical wonderland just waiting to be explored, and we’re hoping that Season 2 will take us on a deeper dive into the inner workings of this mysterious school. Imagine wandering through grand gothic buildings that would make even Hogwarts jealous, and taking classes in fencing and herbology, but also delving into drama, literature, and even P.E.

And let’s not forget about Wednesday’s aspirations to become a published writer, despite the rejection from those narrow-minded editors. I want to see more of the magic that Nevermore has to offer and the enchanted education opportunities it provides.

What We Want

But it’s not just about the setting, we want to see more of the characters and their captivating storylines. With such a massive following, it’s no surprise that Nevermore Academy was the second most pre-release followed Netflix original series on the platform, behind only The Witcher and debuted at number one in over 83 countries.

But let’s not forget, a good twist is always exciting, so who knows what surprises the show has in store for us. And speaking of surprises, I’d love to see Thing’s body. What about you? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Death Battle : Captain Marvel Vs Dark Phoenix

December 31, 2021 Watchmantis Leave a comment

Looking at recent years, the clamor for more female actresses in lead roles has skyrocketed. This is the case in the Marvel Cinematic Universe which has more females taking the pole position in delivering justice to the bad guys and girls. Today, we’ll take a look at two very powerful characters in the Marvel Universe. We’ll be pitching Captain Marvel against Dark Phoenix to see who would defeat the other if they were to say take each other on in a death match. Looking forward to that in the movies by the way.

When we see heroes like Captain Marvel especially after her big unveiling in Avengers; Endgame, we see unprecedented power levels due to her Binary energy that can be rivaled to Dark Phoenix if you’ve watched X-Men or probably you’ve read the comics. Captain Marvel after taking down Thanos is probably the strongest character, brave and daunting in the face of evil while Dark Phoenix is another powerful heroine that possesses the Phoenix Force which is a mighty cosmic power.

Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel aka Carol Danvers is a former Air Force pilot imbued down to cell level with alien Kree technology and energy which grants her Binary powers when the need arises to make use of them. She is regarded as a hero nonetheless in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as she was instrumental in taking down Thanos. Skilled for close combat fights, possessing speeds of up to 250,000 miles per hour, capable of shooting energy blasts through long distances and carrying structures of up to 500,000 Ibs all thanks to her Photonic Energy form from the Binary powers.

Dark Phoenix

Dark Phoenix aka Jean Gray is another super-powered character in the Marvel Universe. A telekinetic and telepathic psychic superior to even Charles Xavier of the X-Men, she was a part of the X-Men and possesses the Phoenix Force which grants her tremendous energy levels and immortality powers and is also capable of immense powers which could nuke whole planets( really scary). She is really on a different level other than the rest superheroes.

Pitching them against each other in a fight

It’s really pretty clear who’s gonna win in any sort of situation. I’d give Dark Phoenix the upper hand against Captain Marvel due to very good reasons. This being that Captain Marvel might have the advantage when it comes to close combat or speedy fights or energy blasts probably even without her Binary powers which by the way are kinda limited sort of, as in finite. But looking at Dark Phoenix’s powers which feature telekinesis which is super and telepathy which by the way is sort of scary seeing how she wraps her mind around her opponents’ and disables them, coupled with the Phoenix Force’s capability of resurrecting its possessor. It makes her powers the ultimate villainy type of power that you could use to embark on conquests of planets and stars. Really, I’ve got to give it to Dark Phoenix because I think there’s no character in the Marvel Universe that can rival or even surpass her power. Well, most people might say Black widow might do it or maybe Captain Marvel wins it or even Scarlett witch might just take her down. But I say nah. It ain’t gonna happen. I want you to tell me who you think is the most powerful among them. Feel free to drop your comments below in the comment section. Waiting for it.

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Top Five Spiderman Movies of All Time

December 31, 2021 Watchmantis Leave a comment

One of the most popular and loved characters/superheroes in the Marvel universe is no doubt our friendly neighbourhood Spiderman. He ranks high in both the Marvel comic and entertainment universe due to his cool powers to sling webs, sense danger, and so on. Well, besides being a cool character and all that, Spiderman has also grossed billions of dollars in the box office worldwide.

Spiderman having spanned over a length of 19 years since its debut in 2002 has had a total of eight movie franchises played by three actors of Tobey Maguire trilogy, Andrew Garfield duology, and the Tom Holland trilogy. One can see and say that the franchise is one that “fans will not want to end”.

All the Spiderman movies are good but some are more preferred by fans than others. Despite that, we are all different individuals and our preferences can vary. Well, this is my ranking of the best Spiderman films as I consider the villains involved, character development, display of strength of Spiderman, and the life of Peter Parker.

5/5

Spiderman(2002)

Sam Raimi Spiderman was the first Spiderman film to air in theatres and cinema in 2002 and continues to be acknowledged by fans till today. How can we forget the nice experience we got from that show, almost every child at that time wanted a spider to bite them and wanted to sling webs. This show has starred actors like Tobey Maguire(Peter Parker/Spiderman), James Franco(as Harry Osborn), Kristen Dunst(as Mary Jane Watson), Willem Dafoe( as Norman Osborn/Green Goblin), and so on helped make this movie remarkable. The movie portrayed Spiderman as a superhero to look up to.

The movie sees a young nerdy high school boy become a hero after losing his uncle. We later see the young boy grow and become a fine young man who was ready to take on responsibilities. Just like any superhero movie, the movie gave us the green goblin which while being a crazy psychotic killer was a perfect villain for Spidey going through his struggles. We saw Peter Parker make some difficult choices like forsaking his love for MJ to protect her and everyone he cares about.

4/5

Amazing Spiderman 2(2014)

Marc Webb adopted franchise of Spiderman led to the birth of Andrew Garfield as Spiderman co-starring Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy and Jamie Foxx as electro. From his role in the movie hacksaw ridge, we saw that Andrew Garfield is quite the drama guy. Although the criticism about him being a bad Peter Parker, I enjoyed the romantic scene between him and his love interest Gwen Stacy right up till her death. He might not have looked like the typical nerd but he sure displayed the emotional and lover boy Spidey quite well. Not minding the story of this movie, the battle between Spiderman and electro are still considered memorable and breathtaking.

3/5

Spiderman 2(2004)

Tobey Maguire reprises the role of Spiderman in this second franchise which is considered to be one of the best Spiderman. Inside two years of being Spiderman, Peter Parker Owns up to his new life as Spiderman and later battle the evil scientist, doctor, Otto Octavius played by Alfred Molina. One reason fans love this franchise is that we got to see the strength of Spiderman in the train fight with doctor Octavius where Spiderman fucking stopped a moving train. We also see the struggles of Peter as an adult joggling the challenges of life together with his superhero and romantic life. We also had a better understanding of Peter Parker’s abilities during the period he loses them temporarily that spider-man is still human and needs to be physically, mentally, and emotionally stable for the job.

2/5

Spiderman Far From Home(2019)

The Spiderman adventures continue with Tom Holland as Spiderman in far from home with Jon watts as the director. This franchise is particularly unique with its incorporation in the avenger’s universe. Yes, Spiderman leaves his neighbourhood and tours with the avengers. Most fans claim Tom Holland is the ideal Peter Parker having the correct outlooks and stature. He also gives the nerdy vibe quite well and was mentored by iron Man(Robert Downey Jr).

Set in the era after the death of iron Man in avengers endgame, Peter now struggles with how to be the modelled superhero just like his mentor and was quite skeptical. Tom did great in his portrayal of a confused teenager who has no idea where to begin following the death of his mentor Tony Stark(Iron Man). Due to that, he fell prey to the trickster Mysterio, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. Mysterio can be considered to be the perfect villain for Peter at that time as his tricks all suited to peters wishes. We saw how peter steps up to responsibility and saves the day as iron Man would want him to. Huge character development I must say and the ending in particular where Mysterio reveals Spiderman’s identity was an unforseen one. Nice suspense marvel, kudos.

1/5

Spiderman No Way Home(2021)

The just-released Spiderman movie in December 2021 made it the third trilogy of Tom Holland Spiderman which has made waves around the world. Although some criticisms about various plotholes, fans still consider it a good movie with a box office success of over 1 billion dollars, and a high rating to show for it. It is one of Marvel’s highest-rated movies at that. If it’s the characters we talking about, we got to see all our Favourite Spiderman in one movie. Not an easy feat to accomplish but Jon watts pulled it off. So many plot twists for young Peter Parker leading to quite an ending. I think it’s safe to assume another franchise is on the way.

Final thoughts

All Spiderman movies were good, but we talking relatively now. This is my opinion, If you disagree, you can drop your opinions and reviews in the comment section below.

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The Witcher Series: 5 Most Powerful Characters So Far

December 31, 2021 jowellapollo Leave a comment

The Witcher is a fantasy drama television series running on Netflix. The show, which premiered in 2019, is based on the eponymous book by the Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. Just like the book, it focuses on the activities of Geralt of Rivia, a magically enhanced monster slayer, and Ciri, the princess of Cintra, in a fictional landmass known as The Continent. The TV series stars Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, and Anya Chalotra as its main roles.

In December 2021, the second season of the show was released. This season was filled with intense events and an eye-opener into the immense power some characters in the show possess.

Accordingly, in this composition, we’d be reviewing the most powerful characters in the Netflix series, The Witcher. Take note that this list only comprises characters with physical embodiments, as potent spirits like Voleth Meir will be deliberately left out. Also, note that this piece is entirely sourced from the Netflix series and no reference or spoilers from the book will be shared here.

5 Characters That Hold the Most Power in The Witcher TV Series

In a continent where magic is real, and humans, mages, elves, witchers, monsters, mutants, spirits, and dwarves coexist, it is certain for beings with massive strength to prevail. Regarding this truth, we’d be presenting the most powerful characters indicated by the first and second seasons of The Witcher series.

5. Fringilla Vigo

Fringilla is a mage who was assigned to the Nilfgaardian Empire. The character was excellently portrayed on screen by Mimi Ndiweni. Previously, she was one of the initiates taken in by the sorceress Tissaia and taught how to control chaos to perform magic at Aretuza.

During the flower and rock lesson by Tissaia, she was the first student to succeed in lifting a rock without touching it. However, her hands soon began to instantly age and shrivel up as a consequence of the “give and take” principle of magic. She was also able to trap lightning in a bottle during another lesson. Subsequently, Fringilla was among the mages inducted into the Brotherhood.

After the conquest of Cintra by Nilfgaard, she was successful in determining that the missing Princess Cirilla was in Brokilon Forest. Fringilla was again spectacular at the battle of Sodden, as the principal mage assisting Nilfgaard against the Brotherhood. When she realized they were losing the war, she opened a portal through which the Nilfgaardian soldiers shot arrows, annihilating Vanielle, one of the Brotherhood mages, and several others. She was able to break down the frontline of her opponents and take down most of the Northern mages, including Tissaia.

Furthermore, Fringilla was skilled enough to intercept Yennefer’s telepathic message and capture her to be offered as a tribute to the White Flame.

Another extraordinary feat performed by Fringilla was the dramatic paralysis of the White Flame’s generals, who were plotting against her at the dining room, with botany and possibly magic, and consequently executing them. She’s surely a formidable character as Cahir would agree.

4. Tissaia de Vries

Tissaia is an experienced mage who serves as the rectoress of the Aretuzan mages. She is also a member of the Chapter of the Gift and the Art, a higher chamber of the Brotherhood usually reserved for 5 talented individuals. In the Netflix TV series, she is played by the Swedish actress MyAnna Buring.

Tissaia was in charge of training the initiated mages of Aretuza, including Yennefer, Fringilla, Triss, and Sabrina, proving she was adept at practicing magic. Similarly, she helped mold Yennefer into the fine mage she eventually became, teaching her how to control chaos and her emotions. At one point, Yennefer directed lightning at her due to anger and frustration, but she rechanneled the lightning into the sky.

She also led the Brotherhood to defend the Northern Kingdoms against the Nilfgaardian forces at the battle of Sodden. Tissaia also mentally tortured a captive Cahir in an attempt to find out Yennefer’s whereabouts and fate, after the battle. Additionally, she rescued Yennefer when she was being tortured by the Redanian intelligence officer Dijkstra.

3. Geralt of Rivia

Geralt is the protagonist of the show, and the series is named after his profession. This character, who was masterfully portrayed by Henry Cavill, is agreeably one of the strongest characters in the show. Additionally, he’s also known as the White Wolf and Butcher of Blaviken.

Geralt is a magically enhanced monster-killer, known as a witcher, and an incredibly skilled one. He exhibits superhuman abilities, exceptional swordsmanship, and alchemy skills. Throughout the series, the Butcher of Blaviken has slain various monstrous creatures, including the kikimora, selkiemore, bruxa, and leshy. He also defeated Princess Renfri and her soldiers, and helped cure the Striga.

His destiny is bound to Princess Cirilla of Cintra who he earned through the Law of Surprise after defending her father Duny from the opposition of Queen Calanthe. Geralt has also shown his capability by protecting Ciri from several adversaries. Notably, he fought and killed otherworldly monsters, got rid of the Michelet brothers, and defended Ciri against Voleth Meir, the deathless mother. His ability to stand his ground against a Voleth Meir-possessed Ciri speaks highly of his power.

We couldn’t possibly finish this writing if we were to mention all the amazing deeds of the great White Wolf of Rivia.

2. Yennefer of Vengerberg

Yennefer, Yenna, Yen, and Piglet seem to be too many names for one character. Still, you’ll realize that Yennefer, played by Anya Chalotra, is more than one character if you properly watch the series. She is a quarter-elf from the town of Vengerberg, initially having the appearance of a hunchback, who was sold by her father to Tissaia for less than the price of a pig. Tissaia took her to Aretuza as an initiate to be taught how to tap into chaos to execute magic.

Though she wasn’t a quick learner at the Aretuza school of mages, like Fringilla, she later transforms and grows up to become one of the greatest and most reputable mages in the show. Geralt of Rivia even called her the “most powerful mage” he ever knew. Yennefer and Geralt, who had their moment of romance, once fought side-by-side to protect an old dragon and his child. He had also previously persuaded her to help cure Jaskier, his bard, from the effects of a djinn.

Yennefer was also terrific when she defended Queen Kalis of Aedirn and her baby against an assassin and a koshchey, opening portals upon portals, until she ultimately killed the koshchey.

Undoubtedly, Yennefer’s biggest moments in the show was when she performed fire magic, one of the most immense types of magic, at the battle of Sodden. This heroic act made her already losing side win the war against the Nilfgaardian Empire, thanks to her stamina. Although she subsequently lost her magical abilities, she was also impressive in helping to contain Voleth Meir, seizing her magic back in the process. Which better mage could Geralt have entrusted to nurture Ciri?

1. Princess Cirilla of Cintra

Commonly referred to as Ciri, Princess Cirilla is the Child of Ithlline’s prophecy, Child of the Elder Blood, granddaughter of Queen Calanthe, Lion Cub of Cintra, daughter of Emhyr the White Flame, Geralt’s Child Surprise, and heir to the Cintran throne. How could this highly special child, portrayed by Freya Allan, not be the most powerful character in the show?

Ciri inherited the elder blood from her mother, Princess Pavetta, who didn’t live long enough to fully depict what it feels like to have elder blood running in your veins. She was already pledged to Geralt of Rivia before her birth and has been the interest of many beings, including elves, kings, men, mages, monsters, and demons.

Her first major feat was collapsing a monolith and causing an earthquake, with a scream, when Cahir and the Nilfgaardian soldiers attempted to abduct her after conquering Cintra. After being claimed by Geralt, she went on to learn some basic fighting skills at Kaer Morhen, indicating her resilience. It was later discovered that the monolith she fell brought otherworldly monsters into The Continent.

Princess Cirilla’s massive strength was also displayed when Voleth Meir, the highly powerful deathless mother, used her as a vessel of chaos. She shattered more monoliths with her screams, manufactured deadly weapons, summoned various monsters from other spheres, and killed several witchers. Indeed, Ciri is a great force to be reckoned with.

Given that she’s young currently, she’s likely to exhibit more powerful stunts as the series progresses.

Bottom Line

Apart from these characters, other powerful figures worth mentioning include the Nilfgaardian commander Cahir Mawr Dyffryn aep Ceallach, the old witcher Vesemir, and the mage Triss Merigold.

If you don’t agree with this list, feel free to drop your opinions in the comment section below.

ALSO READ: 5 Reasons House of the Dragon Won’t Measure Up to Game of Thrones