Levi

Levi

Joined September 2026

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Moominvalley

Moominvalley

**'Moominvalley'** is a modern adaptation of Tove Jansson's beloved "Moomin" characters. As a lifelong Moomin fan, I'm glad it exists—and disappointed by its missed potential. On the whole, it's a fine, inoffensive take on the world of Moomin. The voice cast is great, and the soundtrack is breathtaking, especially for the first season, which featured original songs from artists like _MØ_, _First Aid Kit_, and _Josef Salvat_—a great fit for the material. As for the animation, it can be a bit controversial to choose CG/3D animation for a TV show, and while my preference definitely leans 2D, I can't really complain. For what it is, I find the animation acceptable, even pretty good. I do find a lack of expression sometimes, but I'm not fussed about it—it doesn't present an outright _problem_ for this show. However, I do think a different approach would do a lot to elevate it as a whole. Where _Moominvalley_ falters is in its writing—specifically, its characters. This is a pretty critical point of failure because so much of the magic of the source material comes from the characters and their complexity, whereas in _Moominvalley_, they feel somewhat flat and one-dimensional. Moomintroll is written as timid and self-interested. His adventures tend to happen _to_ him rather than _because_ of him—he’s forced into them, or pursues them for personal gain, and frequently complains along the way. He avoids becoming outright unlikable, but this portrayal feels like a betrayal of the curious, open-hearted character I remember. Moominpappa fares somewhat better. He’s portrayed as self-obsessed and a bit foolish, but eager for adventure—which isn’t far from Jansson’s original. The problem is depth. Moominpappa was always likable to me because he's flawed, but still manages to have some level of depth and complexity. I find those attributes to be lacking here. The rest of the cast follows a similar pattern: competently written, but static. They fit their roles and rarely escape them. One exception is Snork, who feels genuinely considered—a standout in an otherwise underdeveloped ensemble. The writing quality varies widely episode to episode. Some installments are sloppy and poorly paced; most are passable; a rare few are genuinely very good. _Moominvalley_ never pushes boundaries. It lacks the quiet magic, the melancholy, the sense of mystery and longing that permeates Jansson’s work. I enjoyed watching _Moominvalley_, but I often felt frustrated by it. It’s fine. It’s competent. It’s inoffensive. But it’s incapable of greatness—and because I know what Moomin can be when it _is_ great, anything less feels like a loss.

8mo ago
TRON: Ares

TRON: Ares

The standout feature of _TRON: Ares_ is undoubtedly its visuals. Whether it’s the big-screen theater effect or the sheer quality of the CGI, the movie offers an impressive amount of eye candy. [spoiler]Gone are the days of PS3-like retouches of Jeff Bridges face;[/spoiler] _Ares_ definitely delivers on the visual front. The use of color theory and grading is as stellar as you'd expect from a _TRON_ entry. I kept my eyes peeled for any shots that fell below par, but honestly, it was a visual treat throughout. It feels almost clinically precise, but in a way that complements _TRON's_ cold, sleek sci-fi world. On the writing and plot side, though, things are much more straightforward. The story is nothing groundbreaking, and if we're comparing it to _TRON: Legacy_, _Ares_ falls short. The characters lean into classic archetypes, and there isn’t much emotional depth to anchor the experience. While I don't believe character likability or relatability is always a true marker of good writing, the movie does take a safe, familiar route that feels a bit uninspired. _Legacy_ was able to draw me in more effectively with its narrative, offering something a little richer. When it comes to the soundtrack, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross bring their signature style, which feels like a natural fit for the _TRON_ universe. While Nine Inch Nails doing a movie soundtrack is far from unusual these days, it’s a solid pairing for the franchise. That said, much like with _Legacy_ and Daft Punk's contribution, I couldn’t help but feel like I wanted _more_. The music is great, better than great, actually... But just when it starts to grab you, it fades out, and we're onto the next scene. It’s an evocative score, but I was hoping for a little more presence. Ultimately, _TRON: Ares_ is serviceable. It's not a bad film, with gorgeous visuals and solid effects. However, the writing doesn't push any boundaries. It'll be a low 7/10 for me.

11mo ago

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