Stranger Things S1(2016)
TV Series | 51min

Strange things are afoot in Hawkins, Indiana, where a young boy's sudden disappearance unearths a young girl with otherworldly powers.

Initially, I kept seeing "ST" (presumably referring to a TV show or series) on my Facebook feeds, but I ignored it, assuming it wouldn't be my cup of tea. However, I couldn't have been more mistaken! From the very first episode, I was completely hooked and found myself unable to stop watching. The storyline and characters drew me in, making it a captivating watch. The only challenge was that I began this series during workdays, so I had to reluctantly pause for sleep, eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to dive back into the thrilling world it offered.



Stranger Things S2 (2017)
TV Series | 51min

It's been nearly a year since Will's strange disappearance. But life's hardly back to normal in Hawkins. Not even close.


When a sci-fi/fantasy movie or series captures my heart, a single installment is never enough—I find myself yearning for a sequel or prequel to further explore the captivating world it unveils. For instance, "Labyrinth" is among my all-time favorites, and I've been longing for a sequel to continue its enchanting tale. 

Speaking of "Labyrinth," the inclusion of Bowie's iconic songs in "Stranger Things" is an absolute delight, adding yet another reason to adore this fantastic series. The blend of nostalgic references and an enthralling storyline keeps me utterly hooked, eagerly awaiting each new episode. "Stranger Things" has become a cherished favorite, and I can't help but dream of more adventures in its mesmerizing universe.


Stranger Things S3(2019)
TV Series | 51min

Budding romance. A brand-new mall. And rabid rats running toward danger. It's the summer of 1985 in Hawkins ... and one summer can change everything.

Wow!!! In an exhilarating whirlwind, I managed to binge-watch all three seasons within a mere three days. 

The series' nostalgic 80s vibes completely swept me off my feet, and I find myself eagerly anticipating the next seasons to come. Steve and Gaten's characters have stolen my heart, and I adore them so much for their charisma and endearing performances. The show's perfect blend of nostalgia, thrilling plotlines, and lovable characters has made it an absolute favorite of mine, and I can't wait to embark on more adventures with them in the upcoming seasons.

The Yinyang Master (2021)
1h 53min

Adaption of the phenomenon-level mobile game "Onmyoji" - film version with the same name that will bring the magnificent oriental fantasy world to life.

Currently trending on my Netflix feed, I opted for the English audio to spare myself from reading subtitles. Initially, the movie's legend/story was a bit confusing to me as I wasn't familiar with it, but as the plot unraveled, my interest grew immensely. Intrigued to fully grasp the movie's depth, I decided to re-watch it, and I must admit, I didn't mind at all since I thoroughly enjoyed the crystal-clear VFX and CGI.

Throughout the viewing, a fantastic idea took root in my mind – this captivating tale would make an incredible theme for a mobile game. Imagine embarking on an in-game adventure, collecting Shikigami, leveling them up, and engaging in battles like a card game or chess-like strategy. My excitement soared even higher when the animated QingMing appeared at the ending, and a quick Google search revealed that it was based on the mobile game "Onmyoji" (which, by the way, I'm currently addicted to :P), which in turn drew inspiration from the Onmyoji series. It turns out, the creative process was the other way around :P.

Thanks to AsiaOne, I learned that another YinYang Master movie predated this one, and fortunately, it's also available on Netflix. I found the story to be captivating, reminiscent of the likes of "Monkey King" or "Journey to the West" (both of which I hold dear as favorites). The movie's lesson, not to judge a book by its cover, resonated deeply – sometimes, those we least expect to be malevolent are the very ones concealing darkness within.

All in all, I'm adding this masterpiece to my list of favorite movies, titles, and legends. I can't help but hope for sequels to further explore this enchanting world. Fingers crossed! :)


The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity (2020)
Yin-Yang Master I (original title)
PG-13 | 2h 12min

Qing Ming, the Yin-Yang Master, took his master's last wish and went to the Captial Tiandu City to attend the heaven ceremony.


I couldn't help but notice the differences in the storyline compared to the previous version I had seen. It appears that this adaptation is more closely tied to the Onmyoji series, which might explain the variations.

While the character of QingMing was not as bad-ass in this rendition, he took on a different persona resembling a priest, akin to figures in "The Journey to the West" or "Monkey King." Surprisingly, it was Boya who stole the spotlight this time, presenting a stark contrast to the other film. I pondered whether these differences were a result of the actors' performances or a portrayal consistent with the original novel or series.

Nonetheless, the movie's plot remained compelling, keeping me engaged throughout. Yet, I must confess that the VFX's dark presentation made it challenging for me to fully appreciate compared to the previous film's brighter and more vivid visuals—especially now that I have a 40" Sony Android TV, which I must admit, accentuates my preference for brighter aesthetics :P. Despite this, the captivating storyline managed to leave an impression, making the viewing experience enjoyable in its own unique way.

Independence Day (1996)
PG-13 | 2h 25min

The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive.

It's such a delight to find the Independence Day franchise available on Netflix. Even though this movie was made two decades ago, it never fails to captivate me, especially since I have a soft spot for sci-fi films. Watching it on Netflix makes the experience even more thrilling and vivid, as if I'm reliving it for the first time, although I can't quite recall when I last saw it.

With a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes, every second was well-spent. Will Smith's performance was undeniably enjoyable, and I couldn't help but be mesmerized by Bill Pullman's charisma and presence on screen. My fondness for Bill Pullman began when I watched him in "While You Were Sleeping," and since then, I've been enchanted by his character, his expressions, and the way he captivates with his gaze <3 <3 <3. The movie's timeless appeal and the enthralling performances of its cast make it an enduring favorite that I can watch again and again without losing any of its charm.


Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
PG-13 | 2h

Two decades after the first Independence Day invasion, Earth is faced with a new extra-Solar threat. But will mankind's new space defenses be enough?


For sci-fi/fantasy enthusiasts like me, one movie is often not enough to satisfy our craving for captivating worlds and thrilling adventures, hehe. 

I'm delighted that they decided to make a sequel even after two decades have passed since the original. It's wonderful to see Bill Pullman once again, and while he may have aged, his presence in this movie still adds a special touch. Likewise, Jeff Goldblum, who seems to have been a staple in sci-fi movies since the 80s, brings his unique charm and charisma to the screen. Their return to the franchise adds a nostalgic and heartwarming element, making the sequel a delightful continuation of the beloved story.

Back to the Future (1985)
PG | 1h 56min

Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent thirty years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the eccentric scientist Doc Brown.


While searching for movies to watch on Netflix, I was thrilled to find the trilogy that had been one of my favorites back in the 80s. I couldn't help but reminisce about my childhood crush on Michael J. Fox (alongside my infatuation with Jareth the Goblin King :p).

Though the story details had faded from memory, I vividly recalled that time travel played a central role in the plot. Watching the trilogy again after decades was like experiencing it for the first time. The clarity and richness of the visuals revealed some flaws in the special effects, which I couldn't resist laughing about and sharing with my kids. I realized how amazed I was back then by the concept of time travel portrayed in the movie.

I couldn't help but notice a discrepancy in Michael J. Fox's appearance. His head and body proportions didn't seem entirely in sync. Initially, I thought it might be due to him playing a teenage character, implying that he was still developing physically :P. However, I was surprised to learn that he was 23 at the time of filming, making him six years older than his character—a testament to his youthful appearance often referred to as "baby face." Strikingly, I couldn't ignore the resemblance in body movements and facial expressions between Michael J. Fox and Elijah Wood, leading me to wonder if they were somehow related. Despite the resemblance, I discovered that they are not connected by blood.


Back to the Future Part II (1989)
PG | 1h 48m

After visiting 2015, Marty McFly must repeat his visit to 1955 to prevent disastrous changes to 1985...without interfering with his first trip.


During the time-traveling adventure in the movie, they arrived in the future—2015. It was a fun sight to behold with flying cars and hoverboards, and we couldn't help but laugh at the futuristic elements like those ahahaha! The NIKE self-lacing mag shoes, in particular, caught our attention, and I excitedly showed them to my kids. We were curious and decided to Google them, only to discover that limited editions were indeed made in 2015, each pair costing a jaw-dropping $100k. Wow! 

Remember how I mentioned the resemblance between Michael J. Fox and Elijah Wood? Well, here's a surprising twist—Elijah Wood actually had a cameo role in this very movie! He played one of the kids attempting to master the old arcade game, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the film. 


Back to the Future Part III (1990)
PG | 1h 58min

Stranded in 1955, Marty McFly learns about the death of Doc Brown in 1885 and must travel back in time to save him. With no fuel readily available for the DeLorean, the two must figure how to escape the Old West before Emmett is murdered.


Since the first part, I couldn't help but notice the similarities between this movie and "Chicken Little," especially with the town setting and the main character's amusing reaction to being called a chicken.

Overall, rediscovering this beloved trilogy brought back cherished memories and offered a delightful opportunity to share the magic of the past with my children.

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