DC Extended Universe 15: Aquaman 2 [The Lost Kingdom]

DCEU 15: Aquaman 2 [The Lost Kingdom] (2023)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


DCU does not seem to be improving. Can't say I'm a fan of how they continue to paint Aquaman as a bit of a lumbering drunk while still trying to be a hero and king. Arthur must seek help from his brother Orm who is currently imprisoned. Meanwhile, the Atlantis council seems to block every opportunity for peace and coexistence while casting doubts on his rule and Black Mantis is back with even more deadly power backing him to cause trouble for both land and sea. While there is technically still a bit of family infighting given the king behind Black Mantis' power is their own ancestor's brother, Arthur's immediate family has a bit of a turning point and several realizations along this journey that hopefully will mean further improvements in the future. 

The Demon Prince of Momochi House

The Demon Prince of Momochi House (2024)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Himari is excited to have found a home, and supposedly one left to her by her late parents. Unfortunately, it would appear that her house is a hot spot of the supernatural, including 3 long-term residents - Aoi, Yukari, and Ise. Against all odds, she seems to get along with this odd troupe and appears to have her own unique abilities inherited from her family. While the boys were originally quick to try and drive her off, they seem to have warmed up to her significantly, and she's proven both caring and helpful in more than one situation so far. With her feelings now out in the open however, Aoi's is in a slump and his powers aren't working as well, resulting in a unique sort of confusion and chaos in Momochi house. That doesn't put a pause on all of the other supernatural things happening around town however, and it would seem that Himari and her friends are about to walk into yet another one.

DC Extended Universe 14: Blue Beetle

DCEU 14: Blue Beetle (2023)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Jaime Reyes is just trying to get a job to help his family keep their house. His family are a group of odd-balls and conspiracy theorists who love to egg each other on. When he is charged with protecting the scarab, of course they get him to open the box, resulting in actually handling it and being chosen to be it's symbiotic host as the new Blue Beetle. There's no time to learn though Victoria Kord is convinced the scarab holds the key to her ultimate weapon, leading to the success and recognition she craves. She doesn't care who she has to destroy along the way to get what she wants. The Reyes family are a tight knit group though, and with a little help from Victoria's niece, Jenny Kord, who does not agree with using her father's legacy to create weapons, they might have a chance to turn things around. The movie itself is an odd mix of humor, trying to be action, and copying from other films (anyone else recognize that trunk jingle at the beginning reminiscent of Ant-Man?). A good portion of the movie is also in Spanish, so hope you don't mind subtitles. While it's okay overall, and I'm glad we saw it at least once so we won't be lost in later movies if they tie all together, can't say this one really rates too high or is likely to be repeated any time soon.

My Happy Marriage 6 (Light Novel)

My Happy Marriage 6 by Akumi Agitogi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Kiyo is adorable and really, what did Kiyoka expect when Miyo is alone, presented with a child version of himself that she thinks is just serving his wishes and otherwise an object brought to life, and is barely holding on trying to use her own determination to find a way to save him from Usui? Really, it's adorable the way these two care for each other, and a great relief when Kiyo is able to remind Miyo she is not as alone as she feared. While Arata was still a bit of a wild card, it seems everyone else she knew in her circle was still firmly on their side and doing what they could to assist in the best possible outcome. It will be curious to see what a non-military Kiyoka is like and how Miyo continues to live with her Gifts now fully awakened, even if she doesn't intend to use them outside of training going forward. 

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Mint Chocolate 10

Mint Chocolate 10 by Mami Orikasa

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


By some miracle, everything works out with their teacher, though Nanami may have some more misconceptions floating around school as a result of her delay tactics. This kid neighbor seems to actually mean well and just be a very lonely little boy, though that may not help much now that the cat is out of the bag so to speak. Guess it's a good thing they had already decided to tell their parents after the family vacation, though that certainly wasn't how given they'd yet to form any plans and Nanami was still panicking about it all. Kyouhei seems the most unconcerned and okay with everything, though it's hard to tell if he's really okay with it all or just keeping it inside so he can be strong for Nanami and calm her fears.

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Marvel Cinematic Universe 33: Captain Marvel 2 [The Marvels]

MCU 33: Captain Marvel 2 [The Marvels] (2023)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Nick Fury is rather relaxed in his role with this new space research currently, a far cry from the all black, always armed, and ready for action Fury from S.H.I.E.L.D. Carol as usual means well, but doesn't always seem to hit the mark. She's especially a bit of a fish out of water when it comes to family ties and anything outside of her "work" as a superhero, largely due to her own guilt and mixed up emotions. She's forced to face more than a few things she actually can remember about her past when the Kree try to fix their homeland, resulting in literal tears in space. At the same time, Carol's powers are temporarily linked with both Monica's and Kamala's, resulting in more than a little bit of confusion and some forced family reunions. We see some tie ins to the X-Men universe a result of this installment as well, though it's very clear that this is a parallel universe and not the same one, so if more mutants will enter the Avengers current timeline remains to be seen. Monica, for her part, is still very hurt by her mother's death and Carol's disappearance, as this topic comes up frequently throughout the film. Kamala, meanwhile, hero worships Carol to an extreme, even going as far as to copy her alias as Ms. Marvel. They never do seem to come up with what Monica's name would be as a Marvel, especially as she insists she doesn't need one.

My Gently Raised Beast 5

My Gently Raised Beast 5 by Yeoseulki

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Interesting that Briddy defines her place now as being in the palace and with the Divine Beasts, specifically Amon. She still seems a bit clueless as to what he's after, but she clearly trusts him most of anyone as well. It's good to see her relationships with her brother and father improving, though her sister seems to being going down a rather dark path, and determined that no one will stop her. This new power could indeed be problematic in many ways, especially with Adellai in control. Amon certainly won't stand for any of this once he learns how real these threats may be, let alone that Briddy seems to be Adellai's focal point, to the point that she can't even see her own obsession.

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