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Netflix presents ‘Cyberpunk Edgerunners’: Jack me into everything!
Reviewed by Alicia Glass
Edgerunners courier spoilers too!
Set in the dystopian cybernetic criminal world of the wildly popular video game Cyberpunk 2077, where megacorporations raise corruption to an art form and black market mercenaries called Edgerunners risk explosive insanity to make a living, the story centers on the descent of a very-poor teenager David into the world of Cyberpunks!
So, David Martinez (Kenichiro Ohashi) and his mom are about as dirt-poor as you can get, even in this filthy and sad future world of Cyberpunk, eking out an existence in the slums while mom Gloria works multiple jobs to ensure David can continue going to the prestigious Arasaka Academy. Inevitably David is bullied for his sorely lacking financial status and despises going to school there, but mom is determined not only for her sons success, but for his eventual escape from the slums after he gets a good megacorporation job after finishing school. And all of that, the hopes and meager dreams that keep the denizens of the ghettos barely alive, is crushed in an instant when David’s beloved mother is tragically killed.
The show makes very clear that Mom, her presence and her dreams and her hopes for her son, was the only thing holding David steady in a mundane humanoid existence. Almost immediately after her death, David proceeds to dive headlong into the Edgerunner life, but not before giving the school bullies a taste of the concentrated rage he’s been swallowing. They bleeping deserved it, too.
After his cyber-tech thieving targets on the subway are stolen by an extremely fast Netrunner named Lucy (Aoi Yuki), David is introduced the real underbelly of Night City, and the Edgerunner life. Maine (Hiroki Tochi) happens to run his own semi-successful crew of Cyberpunks and Edgerunners, and being a previous client of David’s EMT mom, Maine reluctantly takes David under his wing after it becomes clear that David’s heading for a Cyberpunk meltdown of epic proportions and should be reined in or at least taught the ropes!
Rounding out the rest of the crew is – Dorio (Michiko Kaiden), Maine’s second-in-command and girlfriend; the stoic and seemingly-cold veteran Kiwi (Takako Honda); Falco (Yasuyuki Kase), the twitchy getaway driver; the particularly foul-mouthed techie of the crew Pilar (Wataru Takagi) who’s also Rebecca’s older brother; and Rebecca (Tomoyo Kurosawa) herself, trigger-happy and full of righteous energy to slaughter their enemies in true Harley Quinn fashion. Also are fringe friends Faraday (Kazuhiko Inoue), a Militech fixer who provides Maine’s crew with corporate espionage jobs, and Ripperdoc (Kenjiro Tsuda) who, as his handle suggests, installs and maintains and upgrades cybernetic implants for Main’s crew.
The show addresses many heavy topics relatable right now despite being set in a dystopian future – the treatment of our war veterans after the war is over, corporate greed and the virtual slavery of its workers, the lengths people will go to to prevent drowning in poverty, debts owed to our parents’ dreams, the non-blood families we make around ourselves, even the question of surviving versus actual living. Even surrounded by a kind of neon-noir nightmare life, Cyberpunk Edgerunners is bombastic, colorful, and zany in a “Ima kill you but in the funniest way possible” kind of way. There is a great deal of death and horrific blood-spray, but that should be entirely expected. And the soundtrack is absolutely f*cking EPIC ya’ll.
Absolutely no one needs to have played the video game in order to enjoy the show, and indeed, the video game enjoyed a resurgence in popularity from fans who binged the show and then went to play Cyberpunk 2077! Chase down and blow up those corporate villains with Maine and his crew in Cyberpunk Edgerunners, on Netflix now!
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The Perfect Couple on Netflix – A Twisty and Engrossing Thriller
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
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
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.