XiaoProxies

The first Maison de retraite was a pleasant surprise : light, funny, and unexpectedly heartfelt. Sadly, this sequel struggles to capture any of that charm. It tries to replicate the same formula but ends up feeling uninspired and unnecessary.

The humor, once warm and quirky, now feels forced and repetitive. Character arcs are either recycled or completely ignored, and the plot meanders without offering anything meaningful or fresh. Even attempts at emotional moments feel manipulative rather than genuine, lacking the sincerity that made the original so endearing.

While not unwatchable, it's hard not to see this as a step down, a sequel made because it could be, not because it needed to be.

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POSITIVE : Some returning characters remain likeable / Occasional humorous moments still land

NEGATIVE : Fails to recapture the charm of the first film / Plot feels recycled and lacking stakes / Forced emotional beats that don't resonate / Supporting cast underused or turned into caricatures

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Black Adam delivers what you'd expect from a modern superhero blockbuster: plenty of flashy fights, over-the-top powers, and a charismatic Dwayne Johnson at the center. The action scenes are undeniably entertaining, and the visual effects do a solid job of bringing the anti-hero's destructive abilities to life.

Unfortunately, that's where the praise mostly ends. The story feels painfully formulaic, following the same "reluctant hero" arc we've seen dozens of times. Supporting characters are introduced with minimal depth, serving more as plot devices than actual people. The pacing also falters, jumping between big action set-pieces without giving the narrative or emotional stakes time to breathe.

It's watchable, even fun in places, but it's hard to shake the feeling that Black Adam could have been much more than just another "okay" superhero film.

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POSITIVE : Impressive visual effects and action sequences / Dwayne Johnson brings charisma to the titular role / Some moments of brutal anti-hero energy feel refreshing

NEGATIVE : Generic storyline with predictable beats / Supporting characters lack depth and proper development / Pacing jumps between action without emotional payoff

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Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is one of those movies that got an unfairly harsh reception upon release. Far from perfect, it's still an energetic and wildly entertaining ride that captures Harley Quinn's essence better than Suicide Squad ever did.

Margot Robbie completely owns the role. Her manic energy drives the entire film, blending comedy, violence, and genuine emotion in a way that feels authentic to the character. The fight scenes are another standout: well-choreographed, vibrant, and bursting with personality.

Narratively, the movie's non-linear structure can feel messy, and not every supporting character gets the depth they deserve. The villain, while fun, doesn't always feel as threatening as he should. Still, these flaws don't stop the film from being a bold, stylish entry in the DCEU that dares to be different.

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POSITIVE : Margot Robbie's charismatic performance as Harley Quinn / Stylish fight choreography and vibrant visuals / Fun, chaotic energy that matches the character's personality

NEGATIVE : Messy narrative structure may confuse some viewers / Underdeveloped supporting characters and villain

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