Hey there, film fanatics and fellow story lovers! I’m Maikaru, and I’m beyond excited to kick off this journey into the wild world of movies, TV shows, and all things narrative. Now, my path to becoming a storyteller might be a bit different than most. You see, I was born into human trafficking, a reality that shaped my early years and continues to inform my perspective on the world. But through a twist of fate (and the incredible work of some amazing filmmakers), my story of survival was captured in an award-winning documentary short. That experience ignited a fire in me—a passion for storytelling that I just couldn’t ignore.
So, here I am, ready to share my love for all things film and TV with you. Now, I’m not gonna lie, I’m not a professional critic with a fancy degree in cinema studies. And honestly, I don’t really read reviews before watching something. If a movie or show catches my eye, I’m diving in headfirst, regardless of what the critics say. Think of it this way: I’m your guinea pig, taking one for the team so you don’t have to. (But hopefully, you’ll want to after reading my take!)
My tastes are pretty eclectic. I’ll devour anything from indie dramas to superhero blockbusters, reality TV to thought-provoking documentaries. (Though, full disclosure, war movies aren’t really my jam.) What I’m truly passionate about is amplifying diverse and inclusive narratives. Growing up, I noticed that the “big voices” in film criticism often belonged to the same demographic: middle-aged, white, cis-males. And while that’s not inherently a bad thing, it can lead to a limited perspective. A cis-white guy can definitely enjoy “Crazy Rich Asians,” but his experience and interpretation might differ significantly from someone who sees their own culture reflected on screen.
My goal as a filmmaker for me was to see myself represented in a plethora of narratives, ranging from Asian and/or Native American Superheroes, a lead in a rom-com (romance comedy), time traveler, murder mystery, corny B-horror, to even a dream of directing a Scream trilogy, reality television from narrative, game show, competitive, Film Noir, satire, etc. just to name a few.
That’s where I come in. I want to bring a fresh perspective to the table, one that celebrates stories from all walks of life. I’m committed to reviewing a wide range of films and shows, even those outside my usual comfort zone, because representation matters.
So, buckle up, butter your popcorn, and get ready for some honest, heartfelt, and maybe even slightly sarcastic reviews. I’m here to share my love for storytelling, connect with fellow film enthusiasts, and hopefully, inspire you to expand your own cinematic horizons.
Just keep in mind, that I will give ratings in the form of “Mainasty Masterpieces 1-10” but it is arbitrary for my preferences and you are allowed to have similar as well as differing thoughts.
I am finally posting some reviews of stuff I have seen from past and present.
And hey, if there’s a movie, show, or web series you’re dying to hear my thoughts on, don’t be shy! Let’s continue this journey together, one muka muka review at a time. 😉