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‘Better Than Us’: And they speak Russian!

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Reviewed by Alicia Glass

A family on the verge of breaking apart becomes embroiled in the cutthroat domestic robot business when a brand new super-bot escapes and imprints on the youngest of them.

Who hasn’t seen ‘I, Robot’ or any number of other robotic works based on the writings of legendary sci-fi author Isaac Asimov? The show begins by detailing out the three main laws of robotics as set down by Asimov himself: robots may not harm humans, robots must obey human orders, and yes, robots have a right to protect their own existence so long as it doesn’t conflict with the first two laws. These 3 Laws present no end of conflict in both the existences of said robots, and the humans trying to take advantage of and keep a firm reign on robots they themselves are building.

In present-day Russia, the cybernetics company known as Cronos is the main contender for all robotic concerns in Moscow and beyond. Head of the company Victor Toropov (Aleksandr Ustyugov), is beset on all sides by serious issues – his wife teeters on the edge of insanity after the death of their only child Boris, and even the secret replacement Victor provided her isn’t really cutting it anymore. Vic’s father-in-law Alexei Losev (Sergey Sosnovskiy) is a strong shareholder in Cronos and makes no bones about barking orders at Vic for everything, including the best way to fix his wife, Losev’s daughter Svetlana (Irina Tarannik), by making her pregnant so they can have another child and solve everything wrong in their marriage that way. Vic’s partner and best engineer Maslovsky (Pavel Vorozhtsov) happens to be dipping his wick in the company ink, as it were, and disapproves of a great many things Vic does, but he doggedly continues to share his concerns aloud, take his verbal abuse in return and follow orders – until he doesn’t. And to top it all off, the brand new state-of-the-art top secret Chinese-made robot that Toropov had smuggled into the city for all kinds of nefarious purposes, has gone missing.

But that is far from all. That self-same one-of-a-kind robot Arisa (Paulina Andreeva), in the space of being left alone with the wrong users for a short period of time, managed to protect her own existence by committing a murder, escape her confines smoothly and without further incidents, and imprint indelibly on a little girl. This vivacious and unabashed daughter of George Safronov, Sonya (Vitalyia Kornienko), takes to Arisa like girls have done to pets, to friends, and friends that became family, since time immemorial. And so from the first flush of independence, Arisa the top secret next-gen bot everyone is after, knows love and compassion, from a little girl who is loved by all around her, even as her family wounds each-other with their dramas and pride.

Elder son Egor (Eldar Kalimulin) is a little teenage rebel, or likes to think he is. He certainly wants Jeanne, the cocky street girl he wants desperately to hook up with, to think so. Jeanne (Vera Panfilova) has concerns of her own, mainly the ones involving her brother Bars and his gang of would-be revolutionaries, the ones against the robots taking over their jobs and especially against the Early Retirement Act, they call themselves Liquidators, for that is what they do to bots. Gangs of aimless teenage thugs and miscreants, the lost searching for a cause, gather and storm unsuspecting bots, any model they can get their hands on really, and despoil and destroy them in a rather ‘Lord of the Flies’ fashion. And brother Bars (Aleksandr Kuznetsov) is their leader. This means, at least initially, Bars is the one Egor needs to impress if he wants to be with Jeanne.

Poor Safronov (Kirill Karo) is off trying to deal with his devious plotter of an ex-wife Lara and her attempt to take both children and her new husband off to Australia from under his very nose, when the final, a bit anticlimactic but certainly relevant, meeting and final imprint happens between Georgy and Arisa.

Having a bot who sees your ex-wife as a rival and is trying to convince you to go on dates with her between you and your past enemies who are now rearing their ugly heads again in the search for Arisa, has to be strange for Safronov. Georgy does manage to keep his cool a fair amount of the time, but then he starts yelling and even Arisa lets him finish. The hunt for Arisa begins to intensify as the people are trying to push through the government the Early Retirement Act and a contest of finest bot between China and Russia will go down, with Arisa slated for the main star of Moscow’s finest. The cops and especially Major Varlamov (Jonathon Fahn), are cracking down hard in the search too – for whatever they can use to prove, finally, that Victor Toropov is a murderer.

Excellent acting on all parts concerned, but of course main applause has to go to Paulina Andreeva, who played Arisa beautifully, in multiple believable bot-awakening-like displays of raw emotion. All good sci-fi dramas remember to layer mysteries in with emotional displays, and here again ‘Better Than Us’ does not disappoint, deftly leaving some answers right for the end, keeping you watching and fascinated. The question of robotic existence-cum-life versus the apparently declining value of human life is presented staggeringly well from every angle, including some unexpected ones. It is mildly strange to be listening to all of them speak Russian, but really, the production values were great and all the practical effects worked quite well.

In the finest Asimov tradition, give the show a chance to prove it truly is, ‘Better Than Us’!

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The Perfect Couple on Netflix – A Twisty and Engrossing Thriller

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Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Netflix’s The Perfect Couple offers an intriguing blend of suspense, romance, and family drama, wrapped in a murder mystery that leaves viewers guessing until the very end. Based on the best-selling novel by Elin Hilderbrand, the limited series dives deep into the complexities of relationships, secrets, and privilege in a story that pulls you in from the very first scene.

The show centers around the seemingly perfect union of Celeste and Jake, a couple whose idyllic Hamptons wedding turns nightmarish when a dead body is discovered. As tensions rise, secrets start to unravel, revealing that beneath the glamour and charm, dark truths and betrayals run deep.

Nicole Kidman delivers a magnetic performance as the matriarch, Annabelle, effortlessly conveying both vulnerability and authority. Her scenes are riveting, and she adds an underlying intensity to the family dynamics. Liev Schreiber as the groom’s father, Tag, gives a grounded and nuanced performance that complements Kidman’s. The young couple, played by Dakota Fanning as Celeste and Billy Magnussen as Jake, share a complex chemistry that evolves with each revelation, keeping viewers both captivated and unsettled.

The plot’s pacing is handled well, with each episode unveiling new layers of the story, drawing audiences deeper into the lives of these flawed characters. The series masterfully combines flashbacks and present-day scenes to reveal motives and hidden relationships, creating a web of suspense and intrigue. While the murder-mystery element drives the narrative, the story’s emotional weight rests on the characters’ strained relationships and societal pressures. This balance between mystery and drama is both compelling and refreshing.

Shot against the stunning backdrop of the Hamptons, the cinematography elevates the series, capturing the dichotomy of beauty and darkness within the affluent world of the characters. The lavish settings, paired with a haunting soundtrack, create an unsettling yet luxurious atmosphere that enhances the story’s tone.

While the series is an absorbing watch, the storyline sometimes stretches plausibility with a few twists that feel overly dramatized. At times, the show leans into melodrama, but the strong performances and complex character arcs keep it grounded enough to stay engaging. Fans of psychological thrillers might find the plot a bit predictable, but the character-driven drama and twists offer enough surprises to keep the experience fresh.

The Perfect Couple is a gripping watch for fans of high-stakes family drama and suspenseful thrillers. With a stellar cast, a visually captivating setting, and a storyline that keeps you hooked, it’s a binge-worthy series that digs deep into the layers of human relationships and the secrets we keep. This series is perfect for a weekend watch, delivering just the right amount of intrigue and emotional depth to satisfy thriller enthusiasts.

Rating: 4/5

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Dragon Ball Daima – A Fresh, Nostalgic Adventure for Dragon Ball Fans

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Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Dragon Ball Daima has landed on Crunchyroll, and it’s a wild, unexpected, yet nostalgic ride that blends the classic energy of Dragon Ball with some bold new twists. This latest addition to the Dragon Ball universe doesn’t just revive the beloved characters and world – it reimagines them, serving up fan-favorite elements while introducing some surprises that make it feel fresh.

In Dragon Ball Daima, the story takes an exciting turn when a mysterious magic spell transforms Goku, Vegeta, and others into children. This reversion back to childlike forms brings a fun, youthful energy to the series that harks back to Dragon Ball GT. Yet, unlike GT, which was often divisive among fans, Daima leverages the “de-aging” twist to delve into new adventures with an old-school vibe. As the characters face familiar threats with newfound challenges in their younger bodies, the plot offers a balance of high-stakes action and a humorous, nostalgic tone that longtime fans will love.

Toei Animation outdid themselves with Dragon Ball Daima. The colors are vibrant, the action sequences are fluid, and the character designs blend the retro look of Dragon Ball Z with a modern twist. The reimagined character designs – especially seeing iconic fighters like Vegeta and Goku as kids again – add a fresh visual layer that makes the series feel lighthearted yet intense, capturing the unique spirit of Dragon Ball.

One of the best aspects of Daima is how it allows fans to reconnect with the characters in a fun new context. Goku’s mischievous personality shines in his younger form, and seeing Vegeta adjusting to being small again is a constant source of amusement. Their dynamic is still strong, yet with new challenges in the mix. The voice acting is top-notch, with Masako Nozawa (Goku) and Ryo Horikawa (Vegeta) bringing the characters to life in ways that feel familiar yet fresh.

Dragon Ball Daima doesn’t hold back on the action, delivering the classic fast-paced, energy-charged battles that fans love, albeit with some interesting limitations due to the characters’ transformed states. The action scenes are a perfect blend of old and new, with each battle sequence bringing out the strategic side of the characters as they work around their changed abilities. The pacing is also well-balanced, keeping the story engaging without feeling rushed or dragging on.

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Anime Review: Tower of God

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Rating: 8.5/10

Tower of God is a unique anime that dives deep into a mysterious world filled with peril, ambition, and complex character motivations. Based on the popular South Korean webtoon by SIU, the series combines fantasy, action, and psychological drama in a way that keeps viewers engaged with every episode.

The story follows Bam, a boy who’s spent his entire life in a dark cave until he meets Rachel, his only friend. When Rachel disappears to climb the mysterious Tower in search of something greater, Bam sets out to find her, stepping into a world full of strange creatures, powerful individuals, and unyielding rules. The Tower promises anything to those who reach the top, from wealth to power, and even the realization of one’s deepest desires. However, each level is a deadly challenge, and Bam soon discovers that the Tower’s residents—both friends and foes—have their own motives and secrets.

The art style is unique, slightly rough but incredibly fitting for the otherworldly setting of the Tower. While some of the animation might feel less polished compared to high-budget series, Tower of God’s style has an authentic, almost raw feel that captures the danger and mystery of each level. The color palette shifts from dark tones to striking colors, setting the mood for each scene and making the intense battles and emotional moments stand out.

One of the show’s biggest strengths is its cast. Bam, the protagonist, is intriguing as he starts naive and innocent but quickly grows more complex as he learns the reality of climbing the Tower. Khun, a strategic and cunning character, becomes a fan favorite due to his loyalty and calculated mindset. Then there’s Rak, a battle-hungry giant with a hilarious personality, bringing some much-needed humor. The character dynamics are strong, and each character’s backstory adds depth, making them feel real and memorable.

Tower of God explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. It also delves into how power and desire shape individuals and relationships. The Tower itself serves as a metaphor for the hurdles people face in pursuit of what they want most, and it challenges the characters’ morals and values along the way.

Soundtrack: The soundtrack, composed by Kevin Penkin, is exceptional and elevates the anime to another level. The music captures the mystery and tension of the Tower while bringing an almost haunting beauty to the series. Tracks like “Against the Sky” are intense and epic, fitting the show’s dramatic tone.

Tower of God is a must-watch for fans of dark fantasy and psychological thrillers. It combines a complex storyline with unpredictable twists, layered characters, and thought-provoking themes. However, it does leave some questions unanswered and ends on a cliffhanger, so it may feel incomplete without a continuation. Overall, Tower of God offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre and a deep, rewarding journey up the Tower for anyone willing to follow Bam’s quest.

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