129 Contributions by: Kerine Wint (Page 6)

Based on Nathan Pyle’s famed webcomics of the same name, Strange Planets is a blunt and offbeat series that encapsulates the magic of Pyle's internet-famous relatable aliens. It uses a sitcom format (complete with recurring characters) to play on the absurdity of these human-like aliens and their human-like problems. With well-delivered jokes, crisp animation, and simple storylines, Strange Planets doesn't overcomplicate its premise, making it an easy, enjoyable watch. Although the writing and scenarios aren't entirely original—outside of Pyle's signature descriptive alien diction, that is—the wholesome, no-brainer vibe is a welcome change in pace for adult animation. Pyle's original work brought humor to the mundanity of everyday living, and the show (co-created with TV veteran Dan Harmon) doesn't disappoint.

Genre: Animation, Comedy

Actor: Danny Pudi, Demi Adejuyigbe, Hannah Einbinder, Lori Tan Chinn, Tunde Adebimpe

Rating: TV-PG

Not fully a mystery and not entirely a thriller, yet on the cusp of both, the initial setup of Burn the House Down promises a definite answer and dismantles it in every episode. Sure that her mother was framed, Anzu infiltrates Makiko's new lavish life to prove that the fire set to her home thirteen years ago was no accident. She knows the culprit but lacks evidence, but when she's reacquainted with Makiko's eldest son, his reclusive demeanour takes a sinister turn. The premise is straightforward, yet it's hard to look away from Anzu skulking around as she finds remnants of her mother's old life and sweet-talking the family that destroyed hers. Trying to piece together that fateful night isn't simple but feels worth the unexpected detours three episodes in. 

Genre: Drama, Mystery

Actor: Asuka Kudo, Kie Kitano, Kyoka Suzuki, Mei Nagano, Michiko Kichise, Mitsuhiro Oikawa, Taishi Nakagawa, Tamaki Shiratori, Yuri Tsunematsu

Rating: TV-14

It's a new term at Kimberly Magic School, an academy with an 80% survival rate. Immediately we are introduced to the school's magical compound and our two main leads, Oliver Horn and Nanao Hibiya. Nanao, in particular, sticks out in her samurai garb and nonchalance toward danger (and most social cues), which is saying something since this is already an odd world filled with talking plants, magical creatures, and a busty, threatening headmistress. Because it chooses worldbuilding over backstories, the fantasy series doesn't seem as formulaic as it could be. But it does expertly set up the dangers the students will experience in the next seven years. It's also interesting that the magical students rely on swords instead of the usual wands; the possibility of even deadlier fights later in the series makes it an easy draw.

Genre: Action & Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Actor: Atsushi Tamaru, Hitomi Ohwada, Misuzu Yamada, Riho Sugiyama, Yuka Nukui

Rating: TV-14

Often overlooked, overshadowed, and overwritten, the contributions of Black women in the 50-year history of hip-hop are seldom celebrated. In the four-part series, the hip-hop legends (Sha Rock, Roxanne Shanté, Queen Latifa, MC Lyte) all the way to the current stars of the genre (Tierra Whack, Saweetie, Chika, Latto) break down the history and hardships of being a woman in hip-hop. From misogynistic treatment and predatory contracts to the reclamation of sexuality and autonomy, the docu-series covers a broad enough spectrum to be an introduction to the women at the forefront and cornerstones of the beloved genre. The tone is positive and uplifting, building an overall bright sisterhood vibe that never breaches the more tumultuous in-fighting/policing and equally influential controversies. This isn't necessarily bad but is, instead, limiting for viewers that won't dig deeper. But in the spirit of celebrating, this series gives these women their flowers, pays homage to the pioneers, and shine a light on the future of hip-hop that fights for inclusivity, representation, and equality. 

Genre: Documentary

Actor: Latto, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Rah Digga, Saweetie

Rating: TV-MA

It's chilly this summer with vengeful spirits, cursed hands and double pupils in the horror-comedy Dark Gathering. Keitarō Gentōga has always attracted ghosts, and despite his fear, he is ready to socialize again after two years. Unlucky for him, his first student as a tutor is Yayoi Hôzuki, his best friend's cousin obsessed with finding the ghost that stole her mother. Although Yayoi's obsession with using a reluctant Keitarō is played up for laughs, her moe appearance preserves a level of disturbing (thanks to her double pupils). By episode two, the story still feels shallow, but there's enough spook to carry you through the heat. 

Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama

Actor: Kana Hanazawa, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Rina Kawaguchi, Yu Sasahara

Aspiring boxer Kim Gun-woo (Woo Do-hwan) befriends fellow rookie Hong Woo-jin (Lee Sang-yi) during the heights of Covid-19. After a ruthless loan shark, Kim Myung-gil (Park Sung-woong) cons Gun-woo's mother into taking a predatory loan, they team up with a moneylender (motivated by his own painful history with Myung-gil) to shut down his schemes for good. 

As with many South Korean revenge action thrillers, Bloodhounds sheds light on the economic exploitation of the working class. Standard, to the point of being predictable, the fight for justice feels formulaic and quickly paced due to its oversimplified and convenient plot. With an abundance of zestful action scenes and empathic beats, the series delivers enough on its promised premise.

Genre: Action & Adventure, Crime, Drama

Actor: Choi Si-won, Choi Young-jun, Heo Joon-ho, Jeong Da-eun, Kim Sae-ron, Lee Hae-yeong, Lee Sang-yi, Min Kyung-jin, Park Hoon, Park Min-jung, Park Sung-woong, Ryu Soo-young, Tae Won-seok, Woo Do-hwan, Yoon Yoo-sun

Director: Kim Joo-hwan

Rating: TV-MA