[the_af]

Really? I liked the first episode. What I think is the absolute worst (of all Black Mirror, I'd say!) is the second episode, Playtest. It's embarrassingly bad, completely amateurish, not really scary, too drawn out and with dodgy SFX and a weak premise.

I also didn't like Shut Up & Dance much. To me it felt like a weaker "White Rabbit", and much of the episode hinges on a single plot twist at the end (much like White Rabbit, but that one was better executed).

I liked San Junipero. I liked that it has a different, unexpected tone from the rest. I liked that it was kind-hearted, for a change. Haven't watched the rest of the season yet.

Just my opinions, of course.

[knowaveragejoe]

I have to say I felt the opposite. E1 felt incredibly hamfisted, really pushing the whole "everyone is constantly on their phones and obsespsed with Internet reputation", when in my own life I have observed the pendulum actually swinging the other direction away from that trend which, in my experiences, peaked towards the end of the 2000 decade.

E2 on the other hand was quite good. I did not find the SFX to be bad at all - and that itself far removed from what made the episode great.

[the_af]

Yes, I didn't say I loved it, I just liked it. Though in my experience the trend still goes on, with everyone around me on facebook and constantly checking their phones. That said, Black Mirror is about extremes, not necessarily about how things are now.

[rhizome]

Interesting about "Playtest," did you see "10 Cloverfield Lane?" Same director.

[the_af]

Not yet, but my friends spoiled the plot for me. I know enough about it to think I'd probably like it. I'll probably watch it even knowing the plot.

There's nothing in Playtest that's similar to 10 Cloverfield Lane. It really has no redeeming qualities.

[jen729w]

Oh god. That movie.

I watched the trailer on a flight. Looked great. Started the film.

Turns out the only action in the entire movie is what they showed in the trailer. I thought it was deathly boring.