New Streaming Flix: Netflix's Death Note

After doing the Anime and both Live-Action Films from Japan, I might as well do this new Netflix one...I guess...

We've only got 90 minutes here, so let's get moving...

Light (name unchanged) discovers a magic Book.  Yadda yadda yadda he kills people.  This time- Final Destination-style Gore.  Yea?

This time, Ryuk (named unchanged) drops all of the rules on him one big exposition dump.  We can thank a big name Actor being Cast as the Voice for that no doubt.

This Version of Light isn't all about changing the World though.  He just wants revenge and everything else is cherry.

L shows up in Japan (got to fill the quota) and instantly sees through Light's plan to make people think he's Japanese.

He's still a Mary Sue, but at least they vaguely-explain why.

Ryuk continues to push Light to kill more people, but the real manipulator is Mia- a Character who is the Amalgamation of Misa and Shiori.  She connects with Light and pushes him to expand his scope.

With L on the case, will Light be able to make it without being caught?

More importantly, what does this Version add with another Live-Action Adaptation TV Show from Japan already around?  Oh and a 2016 Sequel to the Films as well!

To find out, stream away.

It isn't bad, but it has many issues.  In case it wasn't clear earlier, I've seen and Reviewed both the Anime Series of Death Note and the Live-Action Films from Japan.  It makes me a bit biased as this is now the THIRD time I've seen some Version of this same Story.  As such, it is hard to talk about this just on its own.  I have to compare it to them- I just do.  The big problem is just the Pacing due to this being a Film and not a Show.  I did the Math back in a previous Review, but the length of the Show adds up to something like 800 minutes.  The 2-Part Live Action Film from 2006 equals out to around 250 minutes.  This one is 90 minutes.  Even assuming that this WILL BE the first of two Parts, there is still no way that this evens out.  Looking at this solely on its own merits for a moment (I'm trying!), the Acting is fine, the actual Story is still good (it is still Death Note) and the Effects look good.  I wasn't as sold on the penchant for big, bloody kills here though.  I'm not shy about blood, but they are almost a bit too distracting for me.  I would say that if you don't know the original Versions by heart, you will probably enjoy this one alright.  If you know the source material all too well, this is a bit of a confusing attempt to consolidate the Story into one Film.  Speaking of Films, what was wrong with this effect?

Not bad as a Film if you only see this Version.  If' you've seen longer, expanded Versions though, you'll know what is missing.