Big Mouth season two is something that I didn’t expect to enjoy more than season one, but it succeeded. Whether it was being adaptive to the humor to make it less shocking or the delving of characters to make us understand them and wish for them to be happy. Season 2 of this show takes us on a huge roller coaster ride and it does not hold back on the recurring issues of puberty and hormones.
It also introduces us to the shame wizard as a new threat to Maurice and Connie (the monsters) as their influence will counteract with him, who’s only purpose is to impose self conscious thinking and doubt on the kids and make them feel ashamed and insecure about their feelings. We learn more about the kids as the season continues and toward the last half, things really get kind of crazy and can lead up to some nice future tie in episodes in season three. In a spoiler free review, we will talk about the introduction of new characters, the growth of some of the main characters and the lore of the monster verse that does get explored later on in the last couple of episodes.
Season one ended with Jay and Jessi starting some sort of relationship and running away, which ultimately leads to nowhere. Andrew and Maurice are still becoming corrupted by the hormones and Nick finally got his monster, who is ancient and the same monster that Coach Steve has, which does not bode well for Nick at all. The second season continues to delve into the characters continuing to learn more about their sexuality.
Exploring it either by kissing with their fronts or as one character does, hump a stuffed animal. It is only when we meet the new character, The Shame Wizard, who gives characters the uneasy and ashamed feelings about how they are acting and the even borderline feelings of depression that plagues them, when interacting with their fellow students. I like the introduction of him because in the first season, it seems like even though all of the kids were going through puberty, they were subtle about it and they didn’t show any kind of emotional attachments or understanding.
With the Shame Wizard around, he whispers to all the characters and gives them self-conscious thoughts, almost makes them shun sex and be introverted, not expressing their raging hormones. It is a nice addition because the monsters cannot do anything to the Shame Wizard at all and even though they try to outsmart him, it never succeeds. Adding him, makes it easy to not subtract any of the extra characters that take up this universe.
The main four characters have some roller coasters of emotions going on. Nick, starts learning about his monsters (plural but not really a spoiler) and is trying to figure out why they would give him some awkward and unnatural advice. Andrew just continues going down the rabbit hole into depravity and sexual awkwardness, shunning himself away from the girl he likes and even his close friends.
Big Mouth
Jay has continued to embrace his sexuality and goes full force into loving it without any hesitation with inanimate objects or people. Jessi is a sad case, still dealing with the fallout from last season with her parents drifting apart and like many teenagers, lashes out in anger because she wants to fix it and cannot. She has the biggest drop in emotions which leads to a new character being introduced only for her sanity. Keeping the spoilers away, I will not reveal it mostly because I’m not sure if it’ll come back in season 3 and turn into a plot device for her character arch.
Toward the end of season 2, we see the monster world of emotions and hormones. Every monster has a place they reside at and an office building, where they work. It’s a nice Monsters Inc. kind of place where the everyday emotion-monsters go about their usual routine, talking about their human clients and discussing progress and other issues. I love this concept and I hope that they’ll go back to it, having the humans travel to the monster world possibly creating some major issues and situations that cannot be solved in the human world.
Season 2 took all the awkward elements of season 1 and continued to add more and more, making it something special. It still has the cringe humor with Coach Steve and maybe some weirdness coming from some of the kids and their hormones, but it’s nothing that we cannot relate to. With the addition of some new characters, a new monster world and the continuing story arcs of the four main kids and their emotional ups and downs, it does make it addicting. A coming of age story that just happens to be rated MA. I enjoyed season 2, season 3 should be quite fascinating when it comes out.
As an anime enthusiast and entertainment journalist, I’ve curated a list of the top five must-see anime series of 2024. These selections showcase the diversity and creativity that define the medium, offering compelling narratives and stunning animation.
Delicious in Dungeon
This series combines culinary arts with fantasy adventure, following a group of dungeon explorers who cook and eat the monsters they defeat. The unique premise and mouth-watering depictions of fantasy cuisine make it a standout this year. Kaiju No. 8
Set in a world plagued by kaiju attacks, the story centers on a protagonist who gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. The series offers a fresh take on the kaiju genre, blending action with deep character development.
Kaiju No. 8
Set in a world plagued by kaiju attacks, the story centers on a protagonist who gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. The series offers a fresh take on the kaiju genre, blending action with deep character development. Solo Leveling
Adapted from the popular web novel, this anime follows a weak hunter who becomes the world’s strongest after a mysterious system grants him unique abilities. Its dynamic animation and gripping storyline have captivated audiences worldwide.
Solo Leveling
Adapted from the popular web novel, this anime follows a weak hunter who becomes the world’s strongest after a mysterious system grants him unique abilities. Its dynamic animation and gripping storyline have captivated audiences worldwide. The Elusive Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, this historical series follows a young samurai who uses his agility and wit to survive in a turbulent era. The anime’s blend of historical context and engaging action sequences has garnered critical acclaim.
The Elusive Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, this historical series follows a young samurai who uses his agility and wit to survive in a turbulent era. The anime’s blend of historical context and engaging action sequences has garnered critical acclaim. Dragon Ball Daima
The latest installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, this series introduces new transformations and challenges for Goku and his friends. Its high-octane battles and nostalgic elements appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Dragon Ball Daima
The latest installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, this series introduces new transformations and challenges for Goku and his friends. Its high-octane battles and nostalgic elements appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. These anime series exemplify the innovation and storytelling prowess that continue to drive the medium’s global popularity. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or new to anime, these titles are essential viewing for 2024.
“Mechanic Rocky” is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film that marks the directorial debut of Ravi Teja Mullapudi, who also penned the script. Produced by Ram Talluri under SRT Entertainments, the film features Vishwak Sen in the titular role, with Meenakshi Chaudhary and Shraddha Srinath as the female leads. The technical crew includes Manojh Reddy Katasani handling cinematography, Anwar Ali in charge of editing, and Jakes Bejoy composing the music.
The narrative centers on Rakesh, affectionately known as Rocky, a cheerful mechanic who operates his family’s auto repair shop. His life takes a tumultuous turn when he becomes entangled with two women, Apsara and Priya, both of whom develop romantic interests in him. Complications escalate as Ranki Reddy, a ruthless land grabber portrayed by Sunil, sets his sights on Rocky’s garage, leading to a series of confrontations that blend action, drama, and elements of comedy.
Vishwak Sen delivers a commendable performance, embodying Rocky with a blend of charm and intensity that resonates well with the audience. Meenakshi Chaudhary and Shraddha Srinath provide solid support, each bringing depth to their respective roles. Sunil’s portrayal of the antagonist adds a compelling layer to the film, enhancing the overall narrative.
The film’s music, composed by Jakes Bejoy, complements the storyline effectively, with tracks like “Gulledu Gulledu” and “Oo Pillo” standing out for their catchy tunes and engaging choreography.
Critically, “Mechanic Rocky” has received mixed reviews. The Times of India describes it as “an underdog tale blending drama, action, and redemption,” highlighting its genre-blending approach. Great Andhra notes that the film “feels like two different films,” with a tedious first half and a more engaging second half. 123telugu.com echoes this sentiment, stating that while the second half is gripping, the first half is dull, ultimately calling it a “decent watch.”
In conclusion, “Mechanic Rocky” offers a blend of action, comedy, and drama, with strong performances and engaging music. However, its uneven pacing and predictable plot developments may detract from the overall experience for some viewers. As an entertainment journalist and Indian cinema enthusiast, I would rate “Mechanic Rocky” a 6 out of 10, acknowledging its strengths while noting areas where it could have delivered more effectively.
Rating: 8/10
Director: Robert Eggers
Writer: Robert Eggers
Studio: Focus Features
Cast: Bill Skarsgård (Count Orlok), Lily-Rose Depp (Ellen), Nicholas Hoult (Thomas Hutter)
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024) is a stunning reimagining of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent horror classic, blending a gothic atmosphere with Eggers’ meticulous attention to historical authenticity. The film succeeds in delivering an eerie, slow-burn horror experience that respects its source material while bringing a modern edge to the genre.
Bill Skarsgård shines as the grotesque and unsettling Count Orlok, his performance capturing the monster’s primal terror with chilling intensity. Opposite him, Lily-Rose Depp brings emotional depth to Ellen, combining vulnerability and quiet strength as she navigates Orlok’s dark obsession. Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Thomas Hutter adds a grounded, human element to the supernatural narrative, providing a strong counterbalance to the horror.
The film is a visual triumph, with cinematographer Jarin Blaschke’s use of chiaroscuro lighting creating a hauntingly gothic ambiance reminiscent of German Expressionism. Every frame is a masterpiece, enriched by intricate period-accurate production design and costumes. Robin Carolan’s haunting score enhances the foreboding tone, immersing audiences in the shadowy world of 19th-century Europe.
Eggers’ direction is deliberate, favoring atmosphere and tension over jump scares. This methodical approach may challenge viewers seeking more conventional horror pacing but rewards patience with an experience steeped in dread and unease.
However, the film’s stylized nature can create a sense of emotional detachment for some audiences, and its slow pacing may not resonate universally. Despite these minor critiques, Nosferatu stands as a testament to Eggers’ commitment to crafting meaningful, atmospheric cinema.
For fans of gothic horror and classic cinema, Nosferatu is a must-see that revitalizes a seminal narrative with artistry and reverence.
Top Five anime in 2024
Mechanic Rocky
Nosferatu
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