#(sad thought of daniel wanting to bond with anthony the way his own father and miyagi bonded with him)

[danielslaw]

DANIEL LARUSSO AND ANTHONY LARUSSO IN COBRA KAI SEASON 2 EPISODE 1

[chaotictommy]

I’m sorry to say this, but I wasn’t really impressed with S4 since I think the writers are pandering to a few ships and haven’t really looked at the broader picture... I’m not the best with words and sometimes struggle to put my thoughts into words, but I’ll try to make this as clear as I can...

Right off the bat, Tory and Robby SHOULD NOT BE TOGETHER just because they’ve both had trauma in their past and present, I felt like I was watching a re-run of the whole trope of Miguel/Sam and Miguel/Tory and it seemed anything but genuine... it’s too easy just to put that in.

I hate that we basically got a S2 S3 Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso when there could have been more character development there instead of feeling like it was like watching a broken record and they haven’t learned anything. It just feels like they’re going in circles and nothing will ever be fixed because they can’t grow up and make peace with the past.

I was also disappointed in Daniel’s lack of parenting skills in S4 (actually you know what, in the whole series) he was the same as in S3 and bypassed or detoured actually getting to the root of the problem with both Sam and Anthony, instead hiding behind the image of Mr. Miyagi and not actually talking to Anthony about why he feels the way he does, I felt like he never actually listens and tries to give advice that never really helps in the matter, and having had this throughout my life with one individual in particular (he’d give me advice about what I should do, but never listened to me about my problems or why I felt that way,) I have to say that it never fixed anything... also, Daniel talking to Anthony about Mr. Miyagi was just super annoying since Anthony was a baby then and would not remember, so that he still feels out of the loop and still doesn’t know Mr. Miyagi like Sam did... also, Daniel completely steps away from parenting when he side steps Sam’s trauma, forcing her into situations that at that level of trauma should possibly make Daniel think that maybe forcing Sam into situations involving or reminding her of things isn’t a good idea. Honestly I’d go as far as saying that, while I know Daniel wants the best for his kids, he’s acted in a selfish manner, putting aside his own family to fight his own ‘demons’ from his past... there were many times throughout the show where he could have at least taken the time out to understand Sam or Anthony’s points of views and he failed at it. Then in S4 he becomes a little controlling and puts borderline helicopter parent to shame with his hovering over Anthony and trying to control everything Sam does, because he cares and doesn’t want her to make the same mistakes he has... totally disregarding the fact that Sam is her own person and can think for herself... all in all, I think that Daniel’s real problem is Daniel himself...

Also, I hate when people demonize or degrade Robby for having his feelings about his dad just suddenly having a new family... for all you people who can’t imagine how that would feel, I can tell you it’s a complete and continual punch to the gut, it’s painful and confusing,you feel like you’re being replaced and what’s wrong with you if they’re wanting to do that? Robby is completely entitled to his anger and the pain he feels. Also, because of Johnny’s mistakes, he was robbed of a father and that bond that he probably craved as a kid, but he had to grow up to the sad reality that his dad was nothing but a disappointment. Robby’s constantly dealing with his trauma from both sides, his mom’s absent a lot, while his father is continuously abandoning him for others and his own personal struggles... Robby can’t catch a breath. The apology at the end of S4 was not enough, I feel Johnny skated around all of Robby’s issues that he was the root cause of. Robby deserves to feel the way he does, because his trauma is real and keeps getting slammed back into his face by everyone around him, and he’s working so hard at not becoming his dad, that he can’t ever catch a breath. Abandonment is a type of abuse, and Johnny has years of that to answer for, if he can put aside his own feelings and personal trauma, and just listen to Robby enough to truly understand. Johnny’s apology just seems hollow and I’ve heard those before. I can only hope that S5 will put to sleep the Absentee Parent Trope.

Another thing is the sidelining of the female character’s stories to just focus on the continual spiraling same old same old love hate rivalry between LaRusso and Lawrence. If Aisha came back to S4 she should have come back to the Karate or had a different story rather than being the occasional wise Yoda to Sam’s Luke. In other words, Aisha was a badass and Karate was part of her and her story... I feel like adding her in for one scene was just an afterthought and did not further her or her story, and they just put her in to further Sam’s rivalry with Tory. Also, that... I am SO sick of seeing the female rivalry started over a man... in a world where woman are subjected to this ancient male dominated society bull crap about having to be one thing and not the other, when we are told that we are strong but also that that strength comes from only our sexuality, and that women must fight to make anything of herself in this patriarchal society, the female rivalry trope is a cop out to the bigger problem... in a world where women are subjected to live as relatively second class citizens and have less rights to their bodies and other things, women should be raising each other up, not reliving this antiquated bull shit, and tearing each other down for a man. Women have worked too hard to just be a prop for the too patriarchal society and their societal values and beliefs. All the women in TKK and Cobra Kai (Ali, Carmen, Amanda, Tory, Sam, Aisha, Moon, Yasmine, Shannon,) are just used as ‘props’ to further the male dominated story... enough is enough. The show needs more female character arcs and plots.

A minor complaint is the absence of mentioning Tommy, no one, not even Johnny has even said anything about the fact that one of his best friends died. No one has given Johnny any sort of condolence or anything, there’s nothing... I’m not saying anyone has to, but it just seems to me like anything that was Tommy and the actor’s TKK and Cobra Kai legacy has been wiped away or that Tommy never existed... It saddens me to watch Cobra Kai without at least a mention of him as someone who meant something in Johnny’s life... while it was a bittersweet goodbye in Take a Right, I feel they also lost out on giving us a little more of that character. All in all, I wish someone would at least mention something about him. I get that they’re probably trying to make it a ‘Cobra Kai Never Dies’ moment, but not mentioning him just makes it seem like he never existed, and Tommy’s character deserves better. At least a mention.

I hate hate hate the fact that Daniel downplayed what Robby and his fellow Cobras did to Eli! First off, that is assault which Daniel, I guess, having had some of that same trouble in the past, just takes lightly... Eli deserves better than this. Daniel just casually mentions it before going right into the ‘I don’t blame you,’ thing, while basically totally excusing Robby’s part in all of it.

Also, Terry Silver really messed Daniel up, viciously manipulating him, hurting him, and abusing him... it’s no wonder why Daniel has all the trauma and PTSD from what he went through at the hands of one maniac. But I guess, it’s ‘no problem’ and that it ‘completely doesn’t affect Daniel in any way whatsoever.’ In fact it does... Daniel’s own trauma should not be so easily overlooked in the series.

Also, where are Jimmy and Bobby? I for my part would have liked to see Miguel or Hawk get karate instruction from Bobby or Jimmy, since I think they both need someone a lot calmer to teach them. Also, I think Bobby could have stepped in and possibly helped Robby, since he’s a calming presence in Robby’s all over bat shit crazy world... thanks Sensei’s with your childish rivalry and submerged psychological trauma that nobody tries to look at in depth...

What about Miguel!? Both Johnny and Daniel dropped the ball here...

If I think about more things, I’ll write them down...

[milliondollarbaby87]

Here are the Male performances that have made my top 25 for the 2019 films that I managed to see throughout the year. This will include some 2018 films by date but due to the UK release dates they were available for this list. I actually had 45 on the long list so to cut it down it was a very tough ask! Some amazing films and therefore performances in 2019!

Taron Egerton as Elton John in Rocketman from Paramount Pictures.

My Cinema 2019 list – here 2019 Films overall – here

25. Viveik Kalra – Blinded By the Light (Review)

I am a massive Bruce Springsteen fan which is certainly a good start when you see Blinded by the Light and Viveik Kalra gives a truly lovely performance in this film. Really capturing the magic of the Boss’ lyrics and highlighting just how life changing music can be, putting in the lyrics into very good scenes and moments. 

24. Randall Park – Always Be My Maybe (Review)

I think I enjoyed this film more than I actually was supposed to and Randall Park was certainly a big reason behind that. He was brilliant in the leading role as the guy who had pretty much been friendzoned and works very hard to get out of that. His comedic timing worked so very well and you could not help but like his character.

23. Daniel Mays – Fisherman’s Friends (Review)

I don’t really feel like many people actually saw this film with it being quite a small British one. But I am pleased I managed to see it because it certainly brought to life the lovely true story of the group of Fishermen who ended up singing together on albums. Daniel Mays is the producer who comes across the group and feels they could make some money off them, but it ends up more than that and he shows some very good character development.

22. Anthony Hopkins – The Two Popes (Review)

The Two Popes certainly wasn’t my idea of an interesting topic for a film, but the performances are truly outstanding that was something that I was expecting especially from Hopkins who can do nothing wrong when it comes to films. He was engaging enough from start to finish and really was believable in the role.

21. Jonathan Pryce – The Two Popes (Review)

Following on from Hopkins it really was amazing to see Jonathan Pryce in this type of role as he is certainly one of my favourite actors. Working well as the pair he gets the slightly better and bigger role as it was the more difficult character to take on.

20. Bill Nighy – Sometimes Always Never (Review)

Another of my absolute favourite actors in a rather unseen film with Bill Nighy as the father searching for his missing son and in return neglecting everything else that is going on around him. Using scrabble as a way to connect and believing he has been reunited due to an online game. A very different type of role and very enjoyable to see him branching out to something different.

19. Kenneth Branagh – All Is True (Review)

I can totally appreciate how amazing Branagh was as William Shakespeare in this film as he also directed himself. I wasn’t a very big fan of the film overall but the performance really does deserve a lot of praise, I mean come on just look at how unrecognisable he is! You can tell how passionate he was about the story and bringing Shakespeare to life in a different way to performing in one of his plays.

18. Sam Rockwell – Jojo Rabbit (Review)

Is there any role Rockwell cannot do? I mean playing a Nazi is now added to his list, but not any Nazi, a Nazi that is willing to poke fun at the poor decisions and being what turns into an amazing role model for young Jojo. Everything around his performance is so good mixing emotions with comedy in key moments.

17. Tom Holland – Spider-Man: Far From Home (Review)

I really don’t think the world was emotionally ready for Far From Home, the first post-Endgame film from Marvel. Tom Holland’s Peter Parker was all of us in grief for the legend that is Tony Stark. In what is an impressive action film it packs so much emotion and we felt fully on the journey with Peter. Holland has really grown in the role and made it more than his own with a unique carefree style.

16. Nicholas Hoult – The Favourite (Review)

In a strange way it makes me sad that Hoult did not really receive enough credit for his pretty much perfect performance in The Favourite. The female performances are truly outstanding and it felt that he was just overlooked, so I am making sure he gets plenty of praise by having him rightly in this list!

15. Al Pacino – The Irishman (Review)

Sometimes I feel that due to my age and the years I really started getting into film that I still haven’t caught up and see the best of Pacino. His Jimmy Hoffa in The Irishman is an amazing performance and really makes me want to try and watch his better films as in recent years it has been rather mixed. He was outstanding on screen with De Niro and Pesci that is for sure!

14. Steve Coogan/John C. Reilly – Stan & Ollie (Review)

I have done this one as a double feature as Coogan and Reilly are both amazing and one would not be amazing without the other. The level of performance to truly become Stan and Ollie is amazing. You just have to see the scenes compared to the original clips to appreciate how much work was put into this lovely little film.

13. Clint Eastwood – The Mule (Review)

You may or may not know that Clint Eastwood is another of my favourites and lets face it he was pretty much the only actor around who could pull off this role. The old man who became a drug mule!

12. Archie Yates – Jojo Rabbit (Review)

Archie may not have had the biggest of roles in Jojo Rabbit but he was certainly stealing those scenes he was in, with perfect delivery and the innocence to really pull it all off. Amazing that this was his first ever film role and you have to look forward to him being cast in the Home Alone reboot!

11. Robert Downey Jr. – Avengers: Endgame (Review)

Everything had built up to this film and the moments within it and the character development for Downey Jr has been going on for so many years now with Tony Stark growing with each film. We would see another side to him throughout Endgame and it was an amazing performance to watch.

10. Robert De Niro – The Irishman (Review)

I feel De Niro has not actually been given enough credit for his performance in The Irishman you know as the actual Irishman. He has not received any award love and I personally feel it is such a shame, especially when you think it is best acting he has done in the past 20 years. Working so well with Pacino and Pesci!

9. Christian Bale – Vice (Review)

Unrecognisable for his role in Vice which was an incredible performance even if the film is not the best in terms of enjoyment factors. But it has also confirmed that I really watch just about anything with Bale in it, he pushes the boundaries in all of the right ways and that is why he is at the top of his craft.

8. Daniel Craig – Knives Out (Review)

The soon to be former James Bond has a complete change in roles, although we could say Logan Lucky was that turning point. In Knives Out he is a character you would never have thought he would play especially when he gives the unreal donut metaphor scene! Linking together with the very talented cast and quite frankly holding the film together as the detective.

7. Antonio Banderas – Pain and Glory (Review)

Now I feel seeing Pain and Glory which was actually on as a Cineworld Unlimited Screening which I must add only had about ten people attend the cinema, which was a shame because Banderas is utterly outstanding in the leading role. A Spanish film which I throughly enjoyed from start to finish. Attempting to battle his demons as his life has come crumbling down around him.

6. Joe Pesci – The Irishman (Review)

I feel Pesci is truly outstanding in The Irishman and stole every single scene he was in, absolutely love that he came out of retirement to take this part. It’s actually different to the style of character he has played in the past which was an added bonus because his acting was then different, the silent assassin at times.

5. Richard E. Grant – Can You Ever Forgive Me? (Review)

A true gem of a film and Grant works so well with Melissa McCarthy to bring to life the true story of Lee Israel who committed literacy forgery, he became her only friend. Grant was outstanding to watch as the over the top Englishman and I loved everything about his performance.

4. Taron Egerton – Rocketman (Review)

Isn’t is a shame for Taron Egerton that Bohemian Rhapsody and Rami Malek came out before his Rocketman performance as I truly believe because of that film he has not fully received enough praise for his turn as Elton John. Not only the acting performance but he recorded all of the songs himself as well. He is quickly becoming one of my favourite young actors.

3. Joaquin Phoenix – Joker (Review)

I don’t care what anyone says Phoenix is outstanding in Joker and his character development is on another level. When the casting was first announced he was always going to be amazing and that is shown within the film, he does not take on easy roles at all and that is confirmed with this one!

2. Adam Driver – Marriage Story (Review)

I don’t think a performance broke my heart as much as watching Adam Driver in Marriage Story. The layers and level of performance was amazing and on a totally different level. He had an amazing 2019 taking on so many different characters and I loved everything about this especially with the Losing My Mind scene as well!

1. Roman Griffin Davis – Jojo Rabbit (Review)

Could only be on actor in the top spot for 2019 in my opinion and a very young actor with that 12 year old Roman Griffin Davis. Jojo Rabbit is his first ever film role and he completely nails every single thing throughout the film. The range and level of emotion he must show from start to finish really shows that he is a true star in the making. He can make you laugh and then cry in later scenes as he is attempting to come to terms with the war and wanting to be Hitler’s friend. I honestly think he deserves so much praise as what a way to make your film debut!

Which were you favourite male performances in 2019?

Top 25 – Male Performances in 2019 Here are the Male performances that have made my top 25 for the 2019 films that I managed to see throughout the year.