Change Your Image
gfindley
Reviews
Rectify (2013)
Perhaps the most achingly beautiful show on TV ever
It's hard to fathom how this show ended so soon when we still have inane reality shows going into their 10th season, but it is probably more a link to what much of television's audience has grown used to. This show, from beginning to end, was nothing short of brilliant. The cast was perfect. Aden Young made my heart break every time he was on screen without even saying one word.I should have prefaced this with the understanding that I watch little TV. I just can't tolerate most of it. I came across this show by accident one evening and I was immediately mesmerized. The depth of the characters is so profound, one could drown in the anguish and longing they evince. I did not feel I was watching a television show so much as watching unfold a profoundly moving and heartbreaking journey of an innocent man, a wrongful conviction, and the torment of a family. I have never felt so bereft that it came to an end after such a short run, but it is, after all, a commentary on what so many have come to expect from "entertainment." How unspeakably sad.
Legend of the Seeker: Prophecy (2008)
Even the Author of the books endorsed the series. (Spoiler warning)
I, too, am a devotee of the Sword of Truth series of books written by Goodkind. In fact, next to Tolkein, this was my very favorite collections of books. Having said that, I didn't even known about this series until it was over. I happened to see it on Netflix recently as a new addition. Since it was called Legend of the Seeker, I did not even still make the connection with Sword of Truth. I like fantasy so I watched it and, of course, knew immediately what it was. As a friend of mine said, where were we when they were advertising this!!! And where in the world did they advertise. It has since gained a cult following with new releases on Netflix and Hulu and Amazon. Having read the Goodkind series several times, I was overjoyed to see my favorite characters brought to the screen. I did not expect it to follow the books but many elements are in this series. As important, the actors are relatively unknown for the most part, but so talented and passionate about this story. As the series go along, they get better and better. The second season was better than the first and that's saying a lot. You will recognize a few actors, Craig Parker, Bruce Spence, a few cameo appearances by better known actors. The scenery (filmed in Auckland) is gorgeous as are the costuming and the sets. The music won an emmy, I believe. But all in all, this is a delightful story full of all the elements that have always made for great fantasy stories, delicious evil in Darken Rahl, the redeemed Cara, the beautiful Kahlan and the handsome Richard, whose love is overwhelming but problematic, the sweet and sardonic Zeddicus, perfectly cast in Bruce Spence, and lastly, the most important ingredient in fantasy stories, good versus evil, with close calls but good always triumphing. See if for yourself. You won't be sorry.
Priest (2011)
Sometimes expectations are the spoilers
I had no expectations for this film. I understand there is a video game or comic or some such that this was derived from. Don't know it. Don't want to. I will straight out admit I saw this movie for 2 reasons, Karl Urban and Paul Bettany. I had read all sorts of reviews regarding religion, not enough of this and not enough of that. I would bet that 9 out of 10 of those reviewers had expectations. Here's the thing about expectations, sometimes they just don't fit the movie. I was absolutely fascinated by the entire concept of a group of priests trained by the Catholic church to slaughter vampires. This movie was a grade A roller-coaster ride from start to finish with stunning performances by Battany and Maggie Q (who is so darn gorgeous, she takes your breath away, but then so do a lot of actors in this film). A cast of fine actors, an unusual plot, awesome special effects, definitely a different vampire than I have ever seen. This movie ended just spoiling for a sequel. Please, oh, please make one! (I never got over a final sequel to Mad Max trilogy). Watch it like you are 12. That's what I do. Someone always has to come and shut my mouth for me because this movie is just jaw-dropping awesome!