eb-77766 Reviews

The Three Musketeers - Part II: Milady (2023)

A bit confusing.. still ok.

[7/10 · 31 May 2024]

Well.. Since watching the first installment I really looked forward to this. The first one was everything I could ask for from a classic swashbuckling adventure.

However, this left me with a kind of unsatisfying feeling but there were a lot of positives too.

The scenery and atmosphere and general is great. Everything I could ask for. And Eva Green.. What an actress she is.. I know she usually plays mysterious villains but still. She's just good.

In general I enjoyed the acting as well. Maybe not great from everyone but the characters were ok.

But then the plot and the climax.. I still don't know what was really going on and from what I've read I am not alone in that. I believe they changed a lot from the book as well which messed it up more than it should have (never read it but I will).

I will watch it again some day though to maybe get a better understanding and possibly after reading the book to at least know the core of the story a bit better.

Still watchable but could have been better.

From the Earth to the Moon (1998)

A very good and respectful depiction of one of mankind's most memorable accomplishments

[9/10 · 22 January 2024]

This was a pleasure to watch. Tom Hanks and others did a great job of putting it together and with a really good cast.

However, what strikes me the most when I watch this series is what people and mankind are capable of when we work together for a higher purpose.

Ok, I KNOW many were motivated to beat the Russians and that added to it.. but to get to the moon have been an impossible dream for mankind for thousands of years and an accomplishment written about in fairytales.

To be able to be part of this milestone in human history must have been huge motivation for some. It would definitely have been for me.

Was it necessary? Did it change our lives?

Not really.. but as Lane Smiths character said in the last episode: "most of all we went to the moon to see if we could make the journey.. because if we can do that we can do anything."

At least it shows us what we are capable of when we decide to work together towards a bigger purpose and that's how I will always remember it.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

Decent and underrated

[7/10 · 12 January 2024]

Watched this yesterday and it was definitely a positive surprise given its reviews.

Jason Momoa is quite good as Aquaman and to me he mostly gets the comic lines right. Not always but mostly. For this movie I also really liked the development of Orm and a great sidekick to Aquaman. Adding some seriousness to the situations which I think is needed as well.

About the story and the villain.. to me that's the weak part of the movie. I can understand Black Manta's desire for revenge but to destroy Earth completely? Even mentioned by Orm how crazy that is and it just doesn't make sense. At all.

Otherwise I like the theme of the story.. which is about friendship and collaboration and generally that if we work together things get better. And that part I believe is told in a good way.

Some complain about the visuals.. I mean I think it's pretty ok. Even quite good. Nothing that bothers me at all and some scenes I really enjoy as well.

All in all one of the better superhero movies in recent years. Way better than last Thor for example. Given its reviews we'll see if there will be more to come but this one is definitely good enough to continue the story.

7/10.

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

A masterpiece

[10/10 · 16 August 2023]

Yes, the headline pretty much sums it up.

One of the greatest actions movies ever made. There are a few more from the 90's I really enjoy like "The Rock" and "Face/Off" (in that genre) but this it at least as good.

The plot is great. Very well told and excellent developed from start to finish.

The action scenes are also exceptional. Not unique but just great choreography. Not a boring moment. And it has to be said that the actors are well suited for their roles. Without exceptions.

One final thing that I really enjoy A LOT as well is how the women are portrayed. Not victimized (which is common nowadays) but strong, independent characters standing up for themselves. How it should be.

All in all, as I said, one of the greatest actions movies ever made.

The Diplomat (II) (2023– )

Decent

[7/10 · 6 May 2023]

Yes, decent is what show is to me. I would maybe even say it's good actually.

Being 2 Netflix series released around the same time and with (to a degree) quite similar plots I guess it's inevitable to compare it with "The Night Agent" (TNA) I watched them just days apart so at least to me they are.

"The Diplomat" (TD) is probably the better show. More realistic etc. However, to ME TNA is more entertaining. I enjoy the action and the pace of the story.

TD is a drama and for me it's too repetitive to get a higher rating. Especially the on-off relationship with the husband but also the story in general.

I have seen some complaints about Keri Russel's performance and about that I don't agree.. at all. Her character is absolutely annoying at times but I guess that's how she's meant to be. I think she does a great job.

Overall still pretty good and I will undoubtedly watch the 2nd season as well.

The Night Agent (2023– )

Great escapism

[9/10 · 24 April 2023]

Undoubtedly one of the most entertaining shows I have seen in recent years.

Maybe not a surprise since "24" is one of my all time favorite shows and this is very similar. The real time is not of course but plot wise it is.

There are some complains about realism and of course but this is a show. It's meant to entertain. A lot of actions or whatever wouldn't take place IRL and that's probably true. But to me most of it works.

One thing however.. and that is that the (second) assassination attempt on Omar Kadar and president Travers.

It's possible that there have been a conspiracy we don't know about on this level IRL but for so many people inside the White House to be in on it and basically because of a disagreement.. I mean, that's far-fetched..

However, to me the characters are generally good and at least to me they act with some logic to the story. If they don't, that's the most annoying lack of realism. To me.

However, as I said, this is a great watch.

9/10 and eager for season 2.

MacGyver (1985–1992)

My childhood favorite

[10/10 · 29 January 2023]

This is to me maybe the most iconic series ever made. At least for someone born in the 70's or 80's.

As a youngster in the 90's this was the best show to watch.

It's not great in all aspects and at times ridiculously far-fetched but the hero character and they way he goes about things is just right.

Can't really think of a greater role model for youngsters than Macgyver really..

The episodes have stronger ones and weaker ones but overall it's almost always a nice watch. Exciting and adventurous and not too violent.

And of course as many other shows from the 80', a very memorable theme.

10/10 without a doubt.

The Pacific (2010)

A good depiction of what war really is

[10/10 · 22 January 2023]

It took me 10+ years to watch this. Mostly because I thought it would be just too "boring" and since I haven't been too interested in the Pacific war in general.

Since I have learned more about the war in recent months and known about this series for a long time it was time to give it a shot. Just finished it, I know this is a series I will remember for the rest of my life.

The strength of this series is its acting and depiction of what war really is. The comparison with BoB is inevitable and as many reviewers have suggested they are quite different.

I wouldn't say that BoB glorifies the war but there's at least a goal to liberate Europe, the camps and defeat the Nazis. The last episode is also somewhat a "victory episode".

The Pacific however is a tragedy for most parts. In the end of the war they had no idea when it would end and it could have gone on for years and years and years. The battles are completely believable but throughout the whole series they feel mostly pointless. It's only about survival and the conditions they fight and live in are beyond inhuman. No sane human being will ever support the weapons which were used to end this war but watching this you at least understand why it had to end. Considering this could have continued for 5-10 more years..

As I said, the acting is unbelievable. One scene especially will stick with me forever and that is when Eugene Sledge meets the deadly wounded Japanese woman at Okinawa. He has gradually turned from a shy youngster into an indifferent killing machine but that's where he somewhat wakes up from the insanity and shows some love and respect the last few minutes of her life. It's a very powerful and incredibly well acted scene.

The last episode tells a lot about this series as well. It's not unusual that the ending can be about the victory etc. But this is different.. To me it feels like there were no heroes in this war. Just soldiers who lived through hell and was either killed, wounded or struggled to adapt to a normal life afterwards. And I guess that's how it was with few exceptions.

Finally, I feel somewhat grateful after watching this. The sacrifices these men made means that most of us don't have to experience these kind of wars today.

For most parts an exceptionally well made series.

10/10.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

More of an action than a war movie

[8/10 · 22 January 2023]

First, I get why this is heavily criticized. If you consider this a war movie it's way too cliched and heroic to fit in the genre. I just finished "Pacific" and they could basically not be more different.

However, I enjoy both. To me this should be considered more an of action set during WWII rather than a war movie because that's what it is. However, I personally believe everything works better than many suggest. The love story is ok, the visuals are great, the acting is fine. And I actually enjoy watching it. Of course it's too heroic but that's what I mean that it's more of an action movie.

If you compare this with BoB or Pacific it's bad. No doubt. But if you compare it with Top Gun it's quite good. And Pearl Harbor is much closer to a "Top Gun-type" of movie than a war movie.

I also believe that's it's rating would have been higher if the scene for it would have been something different than WWII and Pearl Harbor because I believe many expect a certain type of movie about those events.

However, if you take it for what it is you won't be disappointed.

8/10.

Glass Onion (2022)

Average

[6/10 · 30 December 2022]

As many have pointed out this movie could be divided into 3 parts.

The first part is slow, boring and too long.

The second part is quite good and have shades of the first movie which was way better.

The third part and the ending is somewhat strange and not really a satisfying conclusion.

That said it's not really bad but it's not on the same level as the first movie. The beginning goes on for way too long before it goes into the kind of story you expect and even there the first movie is better.

I still believe it's watchable if you enjoy the genre because the middle is entertaining and what you expect.

Hopefully the third part can step it up again.

Generation War (2013)

One of the greatest WWII series ever

[10/10 · 29 December 2022]

Yes, it undoubtedly is. Probably the best I have ever seen and that includes BoB.

By the way, I really have to say that WWII series/movies from a German perspective are usually very watchable because they depict war for what it is. A terrible heartbreaking experience that destroys humans and nations.

In Generation War I guess all the characters experience just that in their own way but to me Friedhelm probably sums it up the best.

A guy who really doesn't want this from the beginning but gets so lost in the war that he turns into a cold blooded killer because he just gradually loses his humanity.

However, all the characters experience the horrors in their own way and it's just very well made.

10/10.

Atlantic Crossing (2020)

An exciting story

[8/10 · 29 December 2022]

As a Swede I have known that Denmark and Norway was occupied during WWII but that's basically it. I know a lot about the war in general but the Norwegian perspective is quite new to me.

That said, I think this series is really well made, incredibly well acted and at times very engaging. I was moved several times and I know that's quite cheesy but I don't care. I think they got it right emotionally. Basically all the leads are great even if I have to say that Sofia Helin probably impresses me the most. But as I said, I think the acting is great overall.

But of course there are some negatives as well and I have seen lots of reviews complaining about the depiction of FDR and I completely agree. At least I hope that he was a bit more than a cozy uncle considering his position in the most powerful nation in the most terrifying war humanity has ever experienced. It's not wrong if he was at times but the depiction should have been much more balanced considering his responsibilities etc.

Also, I have to say that the way Olav was depicted was unnecessary as well. Tobias Santelmann does a great job but I hope that Olav wasn't so unbelievably stubborn about his wife's situation because what she did deserves all praise in the world and not childish jealousy.

Of course I don't know about the historical accuracy but I find it hard to believe it was like that.

However, all in all I really liked this and the only negatives are the depictions of some of the characters.

Highly recommended.

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

Decent anti-war film

[8/10 · 6 November 2022]

"All quiet on the Western front" is probably the most famous anti-war novel ever written. At least as I know.

In that department this movie definitely succeeds as well. The acting is great, the battle scenes feel realistic and the feeling is that it's just terrible basically all the time. As it most definitely was.

However, as a movie and a story it would have been a better watch if it had been more character-driven. I haven't read the novel but from what I've learned it is. More about the transformation from expectation about the war gradually turning into despair for what it really is.

This movie have a very short introduction of their characters and then it's basically all about how bad the war was. It's not wrong to depict it that way but at least to me it becomes a bit less interesting.

Still 8/10 because it delivers a very important message in a well-depicted way but if I could wish for something I would have wanted the story to be told a little bit differently. A little more characters, a little less war.

Finally, the last few lines sums this war up in a good way. Millions of lives lost for basically nothing.

As I said, still a good watch.

Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022)

Excellent enjoyment

[9/10 · 5 September 2022]

I have watched all seasons and the movie of Downton Abbey and have enjoyed it immensely.

That said, this could possibly be the most enjoyable experience I've had of the show so far.

Basically all the characters are at their very best but it's also the mood of the story.

It's very humorous. That's to me a dangerous path if you get it wrong but in Downton Abbey they get it unbelievably right:). I mean, who can't enjoy Mr. Carson's grunting when something deviates to his unliking. Or when Violet speaks her mind in basically any matter.

But those are just examples who have been enjoyable throughout the whole series. This movie is funny beyond that and in a pleasant way.

But it's also the compassion throughout the whole story. How people get recognized for their talents or finally find their way in their life. Like for Mr. Molesley and Mr. Barrow. But those are just examples as well among many others.

One thing keeps me from giving this a 10.. the background story of the house in France. I just don't buy that it would be given away to someone under those circumstances. It's just too far-fetched.

For enjoyment throughout however it's easily a 10.

The Last Dance (2020)

Sporting documentary at its finest

[10/10 · 20 August 2022]

I had thought about watching this for 2 years since I heard a lot of positives about it. When I finally turned it on it didn't disappoint..

As a Swedish kid in the beginning of the 90's my first impression of the NBA and MJ was Dream Team in -92.. I am not really a basketball fan but that said that is one of the stronger sporting memories I have and especially from the Olympics. That team really made the NBA global and I still remember some specific plays from that tournament. To say I was impressed is some understatement..

The rest of the 90's I followed the NBA and the Bulls sporadically but that's a lot more than it was before. In the 90's broadcast wasn't as available as it is today either. I specifically remember MJs 5th match in his comeback (55 points) because it actually was quite big news even in Sweden that now he was really back.

But about the documentary itself.. Tbh, the raw material is pretty good. Both the Bulls of the 90's and MJ are very interesting stories. But personally I believe they have made a great job. A lot of players, coaches and other staff members give their perspective on those days which gives a nuanced picture of the events.

Because I also think that they (at least try to) give an honest picture of MJ as well. He wasn't a saint by any means and he wasn't trying to be either. But watching this there is no doubt he was the ultimate competitor. I can't remember how many times a guy outshined him one day to be completely outplayed the next day. Or whatever.

He was a complex teammate as well. Some even say he was a bully and depending on how you received him that could absolutely be the case. I myself wouldn't have been able to handle him as a teammate. Too much.

But the greatest sporting figures don't end up there by chance. They are different. They are competitive at a level most people can't relate to. And that was MJ.. He was also a physical specimen few can match and he made the most of it.

I also think it's obvious that MJ was a decent guy. He loved his parents and family and his emotions about his father's fate were really strong.. He was also very emotional even if he kept most of that within himself. He was also very passionate about the team and despite a big ego he wanted his teammates to succeed as well.

All the characters involved of course made up for this great documentary as well.. Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, John Paxson etc but also opponents like Magic Johnson, Reggie Miller or Larry Bird.

My favorite was Steve Kerr though. A guy who wasn't the most talented but worked his way up and made himself significant and earned everybody's respect including MJs. Very humble and nice to listen to as well.

Finally.. I am a huge sports fan but as I said I am not that much into basketball. However I am not that much into boxing either. But there are sport stars (like Barack Obama fittingly claimed in the end) who go way beyond their sport. Michael Jordan is one of those athletes. Muhammad Ali was another. Tiger Woods has to be mentioned up there for me as well. Roger Federer is my personal favorite . Usain Bolt. Etc. It's of course a personal opinion.

It was a true joy to watch this series about one of these athletes and his team in the 90's.

Of course 10/10.

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Average

[6/10 · 27 July 2022]

A very uneven film.. Some parts are quite good, some parts are ok but some parts are also terrible.

As many have suggested Christian Bale is great. He could have been more frightening but still.

Natalie Portman works surprisingly well in her new take on the same character as well. The background was way too quick but I enjoyed the storyline.

The rest of the cast is acceptable as well. Chris Hemsworth is as good as the script allows him to be. Etc.

But what's bad with this movie and makes it one of the more forgettable in the MCU is the "comedy" parts. They are more awkward than they are funny and just brings the movie down. Unfortunately. It's more embarrassing than anything else.

Too bad since I actually think the story was better than I expected.

6/10.

The Long Road to War (2018)

Quite interesting

[7/10 · 17 July 2022]

First, the Balkan relations are complicated and I don't want to go into it since it's obviously a sensitive matter. I mention it though since the negative reviews are mostly about that but that's just not my knowledge in this review.

However.. I have read quite a lot about WW1 and what led up to it and watching this it's quite obvious that the "shots at Sarajevo" was pretty insignificant for the outbreak of WW1.

It would have happened anyway and I am actually quite surprised it didn't happen sooner.

I will forever be stunned though that so many leaders (who were quite aware of the terrible consequences) led their countries into a complete disaster and to a conflict that would set the tone for the whole 20th century. Different times but still..

WW2 is much easier to understand.. Germany wanted revenge and it was the perfect circumstances for a complete lunatic to seize power. Even more terrible but but some bizarre logic in there.

WW1 is just the stupidest war ever considering the reasons and the consequences.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

All the original was and more..

[10/10 · 2 June 2022]

A few times in my life I have been really eager to watch a sequel. Lord of the Rings is a long time ago now but those were highly anticipated.

In later years "Avengers Endgame" is the movie I kind of hyped the most before its release and personally it was a slight disappointment.

Then "Top Gun Maverick" is a movie I have really looked forward to for years now since it has been delayed so much because of the pandemic.

Usually such high expectations can only result in a disappointment and I still have to say that if the genre is not for you you won't like it anyway.

But all this said, this exceeded my expectations.. in its genre as an entertaining blockbuster it's an absolute masterpiece which kind of gets every little detail right.. the characters, the soundtrack, the story.

Also, the first movie was mostly about how cool it is. Of course the sequel still has that element but it focuses more on how difficult and challenging it is. Which makes it even better.

In its genre this is as good as it gets.

As I said, even better than I anticipated.

10/10.

Top Gun (1986)

The ultimate movie of the 80's.

[8/10 · 23 April 2022]

Along with Terminator, Top Gun is to me the movie that symbolizes the 80's.

The soundtrack, the "plot", the characters.. etc.

Objectively it's really not a good movie. It's the cheesiest and most clichéd you could possibly imagine.

But did I enjoy it? Oh yes I did. It doesn't take itself too seriously and it is very entertaining.

Can't wait for "Maverick". I expect something just like this and then it will be very entertaining.

The Batman (2022)

Different adaptation

[7/10 · 11 March 2022]

..and that said this is really well made but I prefer The Dark Knight trilogy and especially Batman Begins.

There are a lot of positives though. The acting is sensational. Zoe Kravitz is great. So is Pattinson. Farrell.. (can't believe it's him). It's really strong performances overall.

And the cinematography is right up there. It's great to watch. These things deserve a higher rating.

However.. I enjoy that it's a different take on a well-known character but for MY liking it's just too dark to be completely enjoyable. At least for its genre.

It probably sounds silly but to me DC and Marvel are at its best when the stories are a little bit cartoonish. This story reminds me more about "Se7en" than DC which just means there are other movies in the Batman franchise that I have enjoyed more.

There is no doubt though that this will have sequels given its success and I will definitely watch them. It's still that good.

The Defeated (2020)

Decent show

[7/10 · 14 February 2022]

What I enjoy the most about this show is actually the setting. There are thousands of WWII shows or movies but I can't remember watching one about post war Berlin before..

I am far from an expert but the environment looks quite believable as well and the acting is ok. What a terrible time it must have been which is rarely recognized.

Maybe got a little boring towards the end but still watchable. 7/10.

Munich: The Edge of War (2021)

Really good film

[8/10 · 23 January 2022]

Yes, I do believe so.

Jeremy Irons as Neville Chamberlain is as good as it gets in the acting department. He looks like Chamberlain and is completely believable.

I have to say that Jannis Niewöhner surprised me as well. He was completely convincing as von Hartmann and we will see more of him in the future.

However, George Mackay was so so.. to me he is a little to monotonous in his acting. He is not bad but he basically just looks afraid all the time. Maybe it's the role but still..

The story is well known but I still think it was very well told and exciting. Despite that the story is well known I didn't know if they were going to make it alternate storyline or not..

All in all, highly recommended.

Eternals (2021)

Decent, at least to me

[7/10 · 23 January 2022]

Watched it the other night and after lots of negative reviews I didn't really know what to expect.

But I have to say that I was a little bit surprised in a positive way.

It's quite entertaining and the story is ok with different characters. In general I have of course enjoyed the Avengers more but Eternals was as I said a little bit better than expected.

I hope Marvel will continue their story. It will be interesting to see where they go from here:

1917 (2019)

Exciting to watch

[9/10 · 23 January 2022]

Watched it first time 2 years ago and again yesterday.

I have read both good and bad reviews about 1917 and I agree with both.

But positives first.. I think it's pretty exciting. It has drama. It has a story that's engaging. The way it's shot is special and adds to it. At the big screen it was a very special viewing experience. Almost like being there yourself.. and the feeling is quite realistic.

Negatives: Some I have seen from other reviews but the language is not military and I agree.. Then some sequences are strange but I don't really care.. And finally the fact that 2 men are sent on such an important mission by foot through enemy land.. I am not an expert but it feels like a ridiculous way to try to get such important info to the commanding officers.. doomed to fail.

BUT! It makes for an exciting viewing experience so I kind of accept it because it is fiction after all and it is well acted.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Overrated

[6/10 · 23 January 2022]

Yes, that simply sums it up.

I watched this the other day after decades of "thinking about it" but now it was time. I have hesitated because I had the feeling it would be a struggle to sit through it and it was..

However, the cinematography is great and the visuals are special. At times it's beautiful to watch.

But it's boring.. there are some good sequences but for most part it's actually hard to follow because it's not interesting enough and too much desert, desert, desert. The story could most probably have been much easier to digest if it had had half the running time. Or at least cut 60-90 mins.

The acting is ok. O'toole does a decent job in the title role (despite some strange moments) and I can see why Omar Sharif was cast as Doctor Zhivago a few years later. He is great.

Alec Guinness as an Arabic prince however.. at least that wasn't right for me. He is ok but it feels so wrong.

All in all an epic that is great to watch and it has some epic scenes. But it's too long and just not entertaining enough for its status as a classic.

Still 6/10 but closer to 5 than 7.