RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under - Season 1 (2021)

Title: RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 54 minutes
Release Date: May 1, 2021
Genre(s): Reality, Series, LGBTQ+
Production Co.: World of Wonder Productions
Starring: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Rhys Nicholson


Who would I recommend this to?
You.

What is this about?
Ten queens compete to become the first Down Under Drag Superstar!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Soon.

Where does it take place?
The New Zealand Werk Room and Main Stage.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I love Drag Race.

How did I like this?
It was delightful! It's one of those seasons where I didn't have a standout favorite, and just generally liked almost everyone. This one felt closer to the US seasons than Canada and UK did, which I found interesting. Although, the talent show didn't have a single lip sync, which made me sooo happy!

Have you seen RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Laid-Back Camp Season 2 (2021)

Title: Laid-Back Camp
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: January 7, 2021
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Adventure
Production Co.: C-Station
Director: Yoshiaki Kyougoku
Starring: Nao Touyama, Yumiri Hanamori, Sayuri Hara


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the first season.

What is this about?
A group of girls go camping.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first season and when you just wanna chill.

Where does it take place?
Yamanashi, Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I really enjoyed the first season.

How did I like this?
It's not as laid-back as the first season, as the girls get up to more hijinks. It also focuses on all of the girls, so it'll bounce between some girls camping and some girls at work/home in the same episode, which makes things move much faster rather than the slower pace of the first season. However, I've come to really like these girls and it's fun to see what they all get up to.

Have you seen Laid-Back Camp? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fena: Pirate Princess (2021)

Title: Fena: Pirate Princess
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: October 3, 2021
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Adventure
Production Co.: Production I.G
Director: Kazuto Nakazawa
Starring: Asami Seto, Ryouta Suzuki, Takahiro Sakurai


Who would I recommend this to?
I'm not sure.

What is this about?
A young woman escapes a brothel to become a pirate captain and find a lost island.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
The oceans around Europe.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like pirates.

How did I like this?
I didn't like it at first, because Fena is an annoying shouty heroine for comedic effect, even though she just had her virginity auctioned off?!!? The tone was all wrong. I did settle in once I got past the first few episodes. However, it's not that exciting or interesting.

Have you seen Fena: Pirate Princess? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! X (2021)

Title: My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! X
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: July 3, 2021
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy, Romance, LGBTQ+
Production Co.: SILVER LINK.
Director: Keisuke Inoue
Starring: Maaya Uchida, Tetsuya Kakihara, Saori Hayami


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the first season.

What is this about?
The villainess may have gotten the good ending and a harem of her own, but her doom may still be coming from new foes!

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first season.

Where does it take place?
Fortune Lover.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I liked the first season.

How did I like this?
It's cute and I adore everyone's adoration for Catarina while she just has eyes for food! I don't think the overall plot was as good as the first season, but it was still a good time. And it really gets into the main character's back stories.

Have you seen My Next Life as a Villainess? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

In the Land of Leadale (2021)

Title: In the Land of Leadale
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: January 5, 2021
Genre(s): Anime, Adventure, Fantasy, Series
Production Co.: Crunchyroll
Director: Yuuji Yanase
Starring: Eri Yukimura, Kaori Nazuka, Tomokazu Sugita


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of lady lead isekai.

What is this about?
A woman dies while playing an MMORG and reincarnates into it 200 years later.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have free time with nothing else to watch.

Where does it take place?
Leadale.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked cute.

How did I like this?
It was cute, but didn't fully hold my attention. There didn't seem to be a focus, just Keina going from situation to situation, showing off her awesome powers.

Have you seen In the Land of Leadale? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Belle (2021)

Title: Belle
Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 hours 1 minute
Release Date: July 16, 2021
Genre(s): Anime, Drama, Musical
Production Co.: Studio Chizu
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Starring: Kaho Nakamura, Ryo Narita, Shota Sometani


Who would I recommend this to?
You?

What is this about?
A shy girl finds her voice in virtual reality and saves a user known as the beast.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need an emotion release.

Where does it take place?
U.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked pretty and I love Beauty and the Beast.

How did I like this?
Tears. More tears. Great songs. Beautiful animation. Crying. Emotion. So pretty.

Have you seen Belle? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level (2021)

Title: I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: April 10, 2021
Genre(s): Anime, Fantasy, Adventure, Series
Production Co.: Square Enix
Director: Nobukage Kimura
Starring: Aoi Yuuki, Kaede Hondo, Sayaka Senbongi


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes cute girls doing cute things.

What is this about?
A woman dies and is reincarnated as a witch, but after 300 years, her slow life is being interrupted.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Soon, before the second season.

Where does it take place?
The Highlands.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I read and enjoyed the light novels.

How did I like this?
It's so cute! I liked the light novel when I read it a few years ago, but I liked the anime better! So many smiles!

Have you seen I've Been Killing Slimes? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars - Season 6 (2021)

 

Title: RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars - Season 6
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: June 24, 2021
Genre(s): Series, Reality, LGBTQ+
Production Co.: World of Wonder Productions
Starring: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Ross Mathews


Who would I recommend this to?
Drag Race fans.

What is this about?
Past contestants compete to be added to the Drag Race Hall of Fame!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime.

Where does it take place?
The workroom and main stage.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I never got a chance to watch my DVR of it!

How did I like this?
Obviously, I knew who won going into this, since it's been two years already and I'm obsessed with the series. I wasn't familiar with her at all, because I still haven't seen Seasons 2-4. Oops. In fact, this is probably my least favorite All Stars season, because I wasn't excited about any of the queens. I adored Season 1, even though I didn't know most of the queens, so that's not a problem. Just no one here made me care. I didn't dislike anyone. I was just...indifferent.

I'm also not a huge fan of the lipsync assassin twist. The assassins have no stake in this competition. Let the winner enjoy all of the perks of winning! Or do the true Lip Sync For You Legacy between the top two queens. And the Lipsync Smackdown? I don't see how winning a string of lipsyncs is equal to surviving the main challenge to the end. I like when an eliminated queen returns; I just don't care for this format. Not to mention, that Jiggly totally beat Silky in that second round, and Jan beat her as well. There's no way. But Silky totally won that Barbie Girl.

Have you seen RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021)

Title: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Release Date: September 3, 2021
Genre(s): Comedy, Animation
Production Co.: Cinereach
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Starring: Jenny Slate, Dean Fleischer Camp, Isabella Rossellini


Who would I recommend this to?
A very specific type of person.

What is this about?
A man staying in an AirBnB, filming a documentary about a talking shell.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now's as good a time as any.

Where does it take place?
An AirBnB...

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked weird and cute and I was trapped on an 11 hour flight.

How did I like this?
I wasn't sure at first, but soon I was hooked on this adorable little shell's story. Once he started talking about "hardy hairs" I was done for. It was surprisingly dark in places, but overall super sweet.

Have you seen Marcel the Shell with Shoes On? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Cyrano (2021)

Title: Cyrano
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 3 minutes
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Genre(s): Musical, Romance, Drama
Production Co.: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Director: Joe Wright
Starring: Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett, Kevin Harrison Jr.


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of sad musicals.

What is this about?
A man in love with a woman who is in love with another man who is in love with her but uses the first man's words to woo her.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime is a good time for musicals.

Where does it take place?
1600s Italy.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I love musicals and I was trapped on an 11 hour flight.

How did I like this?
I adored it! I loved most of the songs. The acting was great. Sure, I knew how the story goes, but that didn't keep me from enjoying it.

Have you seen Cyrano? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

HoriMiya (2021)

Title: HoriMiya
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: January 10, 2021
Genre(s): Anime, Romance, Comedy, Series
Production Co.: Aniplex
Starring: Haruka Tomatsu, Koki Uchiyama, Seiichiro Yamashita


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of awkward teen romance and friend groups.

What is this about?
A group of students who come together during their final year.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was drawn in by the loner boy with glasses, tattoos, and piercings who gets the girl!

How did I like this?
This is a really cute series, but the pacing and focus was all over the place. The first half is a really cute romantic comedy between Kyoko and Izumi. Then it shifts to being more episodic stories about each member of the friend group. Then it goes back to the romance, but not fully. I liked all of the characters, but shoving all of their stories into a handful of episodes didn't seem like the best choice. If only this series had been longer. Or shorter, and just focused on the initial romance.

Have you seen HoriMiya? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Helluva Boss - Season 1 (2019-21)

Title: Helluva Boss - Season 1
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 15 mins
Release Date: November 25, 2019
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Comedy, LGBTQ+, Series
Production Co.: SpindleHorse Toons
Creator:Vivienne Medrano
Starring: Brandon Rogers, Richard Steven Horvitz, and Erica Lindbeck


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of dark, adult animation who aren't offended by Hell, child dismemberment, and other macabre topics.

What is this about?
Demon hitmen who take out human targets of revenge.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Those days you just need some really dark humor.

Where does it take place?
Hell and random places around Earth.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was in a quirky animation mood.

How did I like this?
I love this premise, which is why I watched it. But I am not a fan of gratuitous over-use of F-bombs; it's not edgy. It's just annoying. I was not a fan of the pilot episode, but then...

I was pleasantly surprised by the random musical numbers! And it's genuinely funny. I did LOL for real a couple times. And it's not all F-bombs and sex jokes; these characters have heart!

The animation and character designs are great!. And it's violent without being too gory. And I am 100% here for Blitzo and Stolas. Their relationship definitely has problems, but I adore them and need them to work it out! Communicate, boys!

Have you seen Helluva Boss? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

And Just Like That... - Season 1 (2021-22)

Title: And Just Like That... - Season 1
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 44 minutes
Release Date: December 9, 2021
Genre(s): Drama, Comedy, Series
Production Co.: HBO Entertainment
Director: Michael Patrick King, Darren Star
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who wants to cringe a lot, or write analyses on why this show was not needed.

What is this about?
Women in their fifties dealing with life.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you want to cringe a lot or write analyses on why this show missed the mark.

Where does it take place?
Manhattan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was a huge fan of the original series, and was curious.

How did I like this?
I cringed as soon as they started talking. They are so focused on pandemic jokes and references. Like, we get it, we're in a pandemic, you don't need to remind us every scene. I also hated how they explained Samantha's absence. Kim didn't want to be on the show, but they didn't need to villafy Samantha.

After that, it's just more cringe-worthy conversations after cringe-worth conversation. Even serious, touching moments turn awkward in the worst way possible. I made it through all ten episodes, but it was because I just could not look away! I can't believe they thought this was okay.

Have you seen And Just Like That? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The World According to Jeff Goldblum - Season 2 (2021-22)

Title: The World According to Jeff Goldblum
Rating: PG
Release Date: November 12, 2021
Genre(s): Documentary, Series
Production Co.: Disney+
Starring: Jeff Goldblum


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of Jeff Goldblum. People interested in learning about random topics and pop culture.

What is this about?
Jeff Goldblum picks a topic and goes on a journey to its past, while also exploring the current social significance.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have a spare moment.

Where does it take place?
Mostly California, with pit stops is only places such as Atlanta and the Mojave Desert.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I adored the first season.

How did I like this?
Jeff's enthusiasm continues to be infectious as he looks into even more human obsessions. The standout this season was "Backyards" which surprised. But I also loved "Dogs" and "Monsters."

Have you seen The World According to Jeff Goldblum?
What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Don't Look Up (2021)

Title: Don't Look Up
Rating: R
Run Time: 2 hours 18 minutes
Release Date: December 24, 2021
Genre(s): Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Bluegrass Films
Director: Adam McKay
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of satire and end of the world movies.

What is this about?
Astronomers discover a comet that is going to crash into Earth, but no one really cares.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Soon. Whenever you have 2+ hours to devote to how screwed up our world is.

Where does it take place?
All across America.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I honestly can't pinpoint why, but something about the description spoke to me.

How did I like this?
This movie is hilarious. Not in a straight comedic way, but in a it's funny cuz it's true way. It pins down how disconnected citizens are, and how much of a media crapstorm politics is. Consumerism rules all! This is tragic.

Have you seen Don't Look Up? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Ron's Gone Wrong (2021)

Title: Ron's Gone Wrong
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Release Date: October 22, 2021
Genre(s): Animation, Comedy
Production Co.: 20th Century Studios
Director: Sarah Smith, Jean-Philippe Vine, Octavio E. Rodriguez
Starring: Jack Dylan Grazer, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
A boy gets a best friend robot, but it doesn't work as advertised.

When would be a good time to watch this?
ASAP.

Where does it take place?
Animationland.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I'm a sucker for robots.

How did I like this?
I loved this from the moment B-Bot was choking the chicken. WTF is going on!? That little robot is crazy! And I was crying 40 minutes in, because OMG RON YOU ARE SO CUTE!!! I can't even.

Silly hijinks aside, this movie is ultimately about acceptance and being who you are and connection, of course. It's so cute.

Have you seen Ron's Gone Wrong? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

RuPaul's Drag Race - Season 13 (2021)

Title: RuPaul's Drag Race - Season 13
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: January 1, 2021
Genre(s): Reality, Series, LGBTQ+
Production Co.: World of Wonder Productions
Starring: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Ross Mathews, Carson Kressley


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of drag and reality competitions.

What is this about?
Drag queens compete to be crowned America's next drag superstar!

When would be a good time to watch this?
While you're stuck at home.

Where does it take place?
The main stage!

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's one of my favorite shows, but I'm behind!

How did I like this?
The starting twist was unexpected, and kind of mean, although Ru did try to spin it into a lesson. I thought it was going to be a clever way to reduce contact due to COVID, but no. It was just a twist to kick off the show.

This is not my favorite seasons, because almost all of the contestants reminded me of past contestants. However, about halfway through I found myself really invested in them. I always love this show, but every season can't be a favorite!

My favorite queens were Symone, Denali, and Gottmik.

Have you seen RuPaul's Drag Race? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Creamerie - Season 1 (2021)

Title: Creamerie - Season 1
Rating: NR
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: April 19, 2021
Genre(s): Comedy, LGBTQ+, Series
Production Co.: Flat3 Productions
Starring: Ally Xue, J.J. Fong, Perlina Lau


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of dark comedies and post-apocalyptic, but still realistic worlds.

What is this about?
A community of women 8 years after a plague wiped out 99% of the men.

When would be a good time to watch this?
As soon as you have time. The episodes are short.

Where does it take place?
New Zealand.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was intrigued by a society of just women.

How did I like this?
The humor didn't always work for me, but overall I was thoroughly entertained and intrigued. I loved the complicated relationship between Alex, Pip, and Jamie. This world is freaking weird, but believable. I needed to know what Wellness was really up to.

I certainly hope this gets a second season!

Have you seen Creamerie? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Encanto (2021)

Title: Encanto
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Release Date: November 24, 2021
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith
Starring: Stephanie Beatriz, Maria Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone looking for magical families and adventure.

What is this about?
The only non-magical member of a family must save the family's magic!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have two hours.

Where does it take place?
Colombia.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Disney.

How did I like this?
It's so colorful and vibrant! I'm such a sucker for colorful animation. The music is also pretty great. I wasn't a fan of every song, but most were good.

The message is pretty typical of these Disney movies, but it was sweet. And made me cry, like always.

Have you seen Encanto? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

PEN15 Season 2 Part 2 (2021)

Title: PEN15 - Season 1
Rating: TA-MA
Run Time: 30 minutes
Release Date: December 3, 2021
Genre(s): Comedy, Series
Production Co.: Awesomeness TV
Starring: Maya Erskine, Anna Konkel, Melora Walters


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who was young in the early 2000s!

What is this about?
Best friends finish seventh grade and it's not going quite how they anticipated.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you need a laugh and some nostalgia after the first season of laughter and nostalgia.

Where does it take place?
Franklin County, somewhere in America.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because this show has been excellent thus far.

How did I like this?
This season has more touching moments. It's still done with humor, but we really go deep into these characters now. Particularly Anna and Maya's families. The show really hit its stride here with amazing content.

Have you seen PEN15? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?