review
Reviews of the top geek movies, tv, and books in the industry.
13 Reasons Why: A Story That Shook the World
When 13 Reasons Why first hit Netflix in March 2017, it wasn’t just another teen drama. It was a cultural shockwave. Adapted from Jay Asher’s 2007 novel of the same name, the series brought to the screen a haunting story of loss, guilt, secrets, and the often-overlooked struggles of adolescence. It captured the attention of millions, sparking passionate debates in classrooms, homes, and even government offices. At its core, 13 Reasons Why is more than a show—it’s a mirror reflecting the raw realities many young people face. The Storyline That Made Everyone Stop and Listen The first season follows Clay Jensen, a quiet high school student who receives a mysterious box of cassette tapes recorded by his classmate—and secret crush—Hannah Baker. The twist? Hannah had died by suicide two weeks earlier. Each tape reveals one of the thirteen reasons, or rather thirteen people, she believed contributed to her decision. The format was unique. The audience experienced the story through Clay’s perspective as he listened to the tapes one by one, uncovering secrets and truths about his peers, his school, and himself. Every episode left viewers with a heavy heart and a deep urge to discuss what they had just seen. Why It Resonated So Deeply 13 Reasons Why didn’t shy away from sensitive topics. It addressed bullying, sexual assault, peer pressure, mental health struggles, and the devastating effects of gossip and isolation. These weren’t sugar-coated or glossed over; they were portrayed in a raw and unflinching way. For many viewers, the show felt like the first time a mainstream teen drama had dared to go beyond surface-level issues. It spoke directly to those who had felt unseen or unheard. It gave voice to the quiet pain many teenagers carry and challenged audiences to reconsider the impact of their actions. The Controversy Surrounding the Show Of course, with such intense subject matter came significant controversy. Mental health professionals and some parents raised concerns about the graphic nature of certain scenes, particularly Hannah’s death in Season 1. Critics feared that the depiction could be triggering or romanticize suicide. Netflix responded to the backlash by adding stronger content warnings before each episode and creating companion resources, including a website with links to suicide prevention hotlines and mental health support. In 2019, Netflix even edited the original suicide scene to make it less graphic. While the debate around the series’ impact continues, it undeniably succeeded in forcing conversations about topics that are often pushed aside. Whether one agreed with its methods or not, 13 Reasons Why made the world talk about mental health more openly. The Characters That Stayed With Us Beyond the heavy themes, the show’s characters were layered and memorable. Clay Jensen, played by Dylan Minnette, embodied the guilt and confusion of someone left behind. Hannah Baker, portrayed by Katherine Langford, was both vulnerable and strong—a tragic figure whose voice guided the narrative from start to finish. Other characters, like Jessica Davis, Justin Foley, Tony Padilla, and Bryce Walker, each had their own complex backstories, which were explored more deeply in later seasons. This multi-perspective approach allowed viewers to see that no one’s life is as simple as it appears from the outside. The Evolution Through Four Seasons While the first season remained closest to the original book, Seasons 2 to 4 expanded far beyond the novel’s scope. Season 2 explored the aftermath of Hannah’s death and the court case between her parents and the school. Season 3 shifted focus to a murder mystery involving Bryce Walker, while Season 4 dealt with the lingering trauma and anxiety of the core group as they prepared to graduate. These later seasons received mixed reviews. Some fans felt the story lost its original emotional weight, while others appreciated the deeper exploration of unresolved trauma, drug addiction, gun violence, and the pressure of moving into adulthood. The Impact on Society One of the most remarkable aspects of 13 Reasons Why is its influence on real-world conversations. Schools organized discussions about mental health. Social media exploded with personal stories from viewers who related to Hannah’s struggles. The series even prompted increased funding and awareness campaigns for suicide prevention. It wasn’t perfect—no TV show about such complex issues can be—but it left a permanent mark on pop culture and mental health discourse. For some, it was a warning about how everyday cruelty can push someone over the edge. For others, it was a reminder to check in on friends and family, to listen more closely, and to never dismiss someone’s pain. Lessons We Can Take Away At its heart, 13 Reasons Why is a story about empathy. It’s about realizing that we rarely know the full extent of someone’s struggles. Every action, every word, and every rumor has weight. The series challenges viewers to reflect: Are we truly listening to the people around us? Do we speak up when we see someone being hurt? Are we kind enough, even when it’s hard? While the show dramatizes these themes, the lessons are universal. The world can be harsh, but compassion—real, active compassion—can change lives. A Show That Will Be Remembered Years after its debut, 13 Reasons Why remains one of Netflix’s most talked-about series. It wasn’t always comfortable to watch. In fact, it often wasn’t. But maybe that’s the point. The discomfort was a reminder that these issues are real, happening in homes and schools every day. Love it or hate it, 13 Reasons Why achieved something rare: it made millions pause, think, and talk. And in a world that often looks away from pain, starting the conversation is sometimes the most important step.
By Hasbanullahabout a year ago in Geeks
Cells at Work! – An Educational Journey into the Human Body. AI-Generated.
Introduction When it comes to blending science and storytelling, Cells at Work! (Hataraku Saibō) is an exceptional example of how entertainment can become a powerful educational tool. This Japanese anime series, based on Akane Shimizu’s manga, anthropomorphizes the body’s cells, turning them into relatable characters with human emotions and personalities. Through engaging narratives and visually dynamic scenes, the anime not only entertains but also educates viewers about the complexity and beauty of human biology.
By Takashi Nagayaabout a year ago in Geeks
Stick (2025) is a Hole-in-One Series
You gotta concentrate and make your mark. After winding up for the swing, Stick landed on Apple+ TV in 2025. When ex-golfer Pryce Cahill seeks to coach a troubled teen, their luck takes a different swing. As they travel to various golf courses, lessons on relationships, trust, and golf techniques transpire.
By Marielle Sabbagabout a year ago in Geeks
These Korean Dramas Show the Power of Forgiving in Love — Don’t Miss Out!. AI-Generated.
Some stories make you cry. Others make you angry. But the best ones make you feel both — and still believe in love. The World of the Married was one of those dramas. It showed betrayal, heartbreak, and the raw struggle of holding on when everything falls apart. Yet, underneath all the pain, it reminded us that forgiveness can be just as powerful as love itself. If you’re ready for dramas where second chances matter, here are 12 shows you can’t miss.
By Charlotte is Here!about a year ago in Geeks
"Beyond the Gates" Week 23 Review
Beyond the Gates is fully into the month of August, and even though summer is slowly coming to an end, it's getting hotter and hotter on this show. The week that passed was the 23rd in the soap's existence, and as a sports fan, I can tell ya, the number 23, well, that's a big deal. Seriously, this soap has really helped me out as I wait out the final few weeks until the NFL's regular season starts.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Geeks
Looney Tunes Review: "Box Office Bunny"
I do love Looney Tunes so much. I forget how old I was when I first saw Bugs Bunny and crew. I always say to myself that I was five, but some memories have me watching The Bugs Bunny and Tweety Show as early as the age of three. BB&T was a variation of The Bugs Bunny Show that aired during my childhood in the 1990s, and mostly on ABC's Saturday morning lineup--always at 10AM like clockwork. So many classic shorts appeared during that hour long block, and even some shorts that were actually released early in my lifetime. One such short I definitely remember seeing on BB&T is the subject of this review: Box Office Bunny.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Geeks
Watch These Korean Dramas and Discover What True Love Really Means!. AI-Generated.
True love is deeper than just romance. It’s about trust, sacrifice, and growth. Korean dramas often capture these feelings with stories that show love’s real power. If you want to see what true love looks like—beyond the surface and into the heart—these 12 top Korean dramas are must-watch. Each one reveals lessons about love that stick with you long after the final scene.
By Charlotte is Here!about a year ago in Geeks
My Review of "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace"
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace is a movie that I wanted to see when I was a kid. I never got to see it up until now. Knowing me back then, I would have ate this movie right up. It's not a great movie but seeing this in hindsight, there were some interesting things they added to this movie. Unfortunately, closer to the end it really all collapses.
By Brian Anonymousabout a year ago in Geeks
My Review of "The Naked Gun (2025)"
The Naked Gun (2025) was a very unexpected sequel to the franchise. It's quite odd as everyone from the original movie has already passed away. They decided to continue on with the legacy of the original franchise. There are a fun things they did with this movie but ultimately it didn't gel together so nicely with me. I can see how others can enjoy this movie though.
By Brian Anonymousabout a year ago in Geeks
