A very delayed post and no thanks to being overworked in a workplace that is understaffed. I can't remember everything so I'll just summarise quickly.
Cobra Kai season 5
Was it actually a good thing to act Asian characters in this season? The writers threw in strict overseas Sensei who trained the students fiercely and were all about pride, not being emotional and simply existing to fight or support the main (White) heroes. There was also narrowing them to being a tad eccentric or weird and not good with socialising, playing on the obvious cultural difference. Chozen obviously fancied Kumiko in the old days and while it was sweet of him to leave her a message when he tried to ring her, it would have been more poetic if he spoke in Japanese. Though I guess nobody wanted to read subtitles if that were so.
Johnny and Carmen's next chapter by becoming parents was...kind of expected but then again I liked how Johnny just let Robby and Miguel simply fight out their frustrations and eventually became good mates after that.
Terry Silver as the main baddie in this season well he did not mess around. Trying to take over the whole world with your version of Cobra Kai and hoping to get into the biggest Karate tournament. Yeah he was classic villain and he didn't have to do so much to ruin people's relationships (look at how he made Amanda and Daniel fall apart for a few episodes). I liked his fight against Chozen. Then how his students turned on him when he was exposed for his faults, paying off the referee to let Tory win against Samantha.
I also knew deep down Kreese wouldn't die like that so easily. But he escaped from prison. So what will he do next since he is out? Also Mike Barnes - nice to see you again. He turned his life around after Karate Kid 3's shenanigans.
Having Jessica Andrews return and as Amanda's cousin was fun. It was a trip down memory lane with Karate Kid 3. The middle-aged mean girls fight - did we really need that included? Then again we know there is no age limit with mean girls. Look how petty the work place can get. It's almost like a school playground with the toxicity.
Turning Red
The film took a while to really sink in. I absolutely appreciate the diversity in the characters and the fact it's set in Canada showcases the different communities. There is a focus on the Chinese culture. I've read some articles from both Chinese and non-Asian writers say it's too Chinese and that nobody else can relate. Well, given I have not had anything good represent me I nitpick a lot of the mainstream/hyped content. Some of the traits are relatable - protective, picky mother who insists you must work hard, study and not look at trivial hobbies.
You get the tiger mother but the nicer father who doesn't shout. The female characters seem to be portrayed as strong-willed and more in control. I would have liked to see some equal respect for both male and female characters here. Yes I appreciate the other ladies who have the same curse as Meilin and her mother but I was just hoping for more than the father or other males to not be seen as useless and average. If this is a counter attack to the typical gender hierarchy seen in many cultures then oh well.
I did however like the lowkey fanboying for the boy group 4*Town by the bully turned friend Tyler who was 'Blasian'. I have a very small soft spot for boy group fanboys.
I couldn't imagine turning into a red panda when I hit my teens (though it would possibly have made me go down a different path in school) but I do recall having to cut corners behind my folks to still enjoy some hobbies without them knowing. What a testing time it was in the younger years versus being an adult working and earning your own money.
Shang Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings
Oddly enough this film balanced the East Asian vs East Asian American/Canadian identity and I just related to this a lot more. I felt the sting over how rude Shang Chi/Sean's father (the legendary Leung Chiu Wai) referred to Katy as "American Girl." OK Uncle the girl has a name. You'd not say that if she was Gwei Mui right?
Shang Chi's father was not an outright bad guy. More like misguided, heartbroken and angry from losing his wife and very determined to bring her back into his life. I liked Sean and Katy's interaction. Whether you want to keep their friendship or make them a couple is up to you.
I chuckled when I saw Wong reappear. He deserves more screentime in Marvel.
Batman Ninja
I watched this in English and Japanese because it is Anime. Sometimes the language does make a difference and even the subtitles didn't always match 100% with the dialogue. But I was amazed with how many Seiyuu I eventually recognised. The film overall is a huge action film, very all over the place packing in as much as possible. The other villains get very little screen time, though then again the same may go for the other Robins...but I can agree with many fans that the big fight near the end between Joker and Batman was memorable.
WayV - Phantom
Been a while WayV. Not sure what is happening with the one member who is on hiatus but it's good to hear some new music from the group nonetheless. The lower register in their voices was actually quite pleasant. I'll check out the rest of the album. Approving of the attire for this comeback.
ATEEZ - Halazia
Wasn't sure how I felt about the previous song "Guerilla" . It was the kind of genre I should normally get into where I headbang appropriately. But I got confused when I first listened to it. Maybe it needs a few more listens because it was not memorable. Halazia on the other hand was more fast-paced and dancey as the song progressed. I wish they wouldn't strain Jongho with more high notes though.
Official MV for Halazia.
Dance practice (Wooyoung's red hair stands out).