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Reviews
MotherFatherSon (2019)
Intriguing
A good series about modern family who are embroiled in a family drama about power politics and loyalty. Outstanding performances from Richard Gere, Billy Howle and Helen McCory. Finch is a man obsessed with his personal power and truth based on his ambition fueled by his industriast father. He tries to inculcate that ambition into his son Caden who fails to rise to the task. The rising political upheavals and authoritative depot who is reflective ot the Trump-ism of the times. The cult of personality and messianic delusions of the masses. The newspaper man who influences the masses with their own propaganda reminisient of The Murdock empire. A great social study for us.. the script does seem to wander off subject at times and seems to stray from the main storyline.
Sisu (2022)
War what is it good for...
Men and their war games to raid, pillage, kill and rape. This is a good metaphor for what happens. The intensity the utter madness that cause men to kill one another ssdd. This film is shot beautifully perhaps the violence of a Tarantino inspiration.ntno one should mess with this finnish ex-general. Who out witty the desperate nazi soldiers who are debased by the murders they have left behind in their wake. Quietly and sleuthing, the general fin miner continues to live up to his reputation. This drama demonstrates the desolation and brutality of the military pecking order juxtaposed bt the sheer creative will power of one man in defiance of the nazi bullies.
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)
Action gilled and watchable
The mummy returns but in China pre the cultural revolution . An intense fire breathing cursed mummy emerges to take control of the government and rule the world same old story. A bit too much over acting from the O'Connells but the action packed scenes are fun and so are the humorous punch lines. The ninja action is well done. Jet li as the emperor sounds like he has a bad sore throat, lol. , Michelle Yoeoh and others make it all the more interesting as far as martial arts are performed. Great scenic views of mountains and desert landscapes, makes the cinematography engaging. So if you don't care for the romance and over protective mother Evy it's good to watch yet a predictable romantic script.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)
Arty shorts
With a great cast this is a witty conceptual piece. The pastel lighting makes it visually appealing as a period piece around the British occupation of iIndia. Like Anderson's other films the script follows a few characters who narrate the action over the players. There are interesting visual vignettes and interspersed with vivid animation. Tjis is marriage between film and story telling which can boggle the mind.. A tall tale of a yogi , doctors and enlightened beings. The goal ofmost men of Inian spiritual culture . This film certainly carries the whimsical signature of Wes Anderson as unique to all his films. Not a mainstream movie.
Good Omens (2019)
A dynamic duo
Tennant and Sheen have a great banter in this series and in life. Great actors every scene they are in the carry the show however the LGBT is slant is obviously politically correct. They could have left that for the humans but for me it takes away from the angels and demons being non sexsual . They keep the friendship going good throughout that is the magic for this impolrobable tale. The point is that they learn to be flexible or grey about the rules of heaven and hell. The story of Job was funny and the jokes were good through out. I wonder what other adventures these two characters get into but keep it real to heaven and hell rather than trying to ground it into a gay relationship. Cheers!
Billions (2016)
Billions endure
I think this fictious story about traders may have some merit in the real world. Yet I must remember that this is a satire with a very tightly written script. And some of the jokes are hard to decipher at times. I got excited to see Damien Lewis in this 7th series. He is a great actor and Axcelrod is a stronger presence then obnoxious Mike Prince. The other characters snicker and compete to find trades as they are predators. It's a sick world of white color crimes perhaps a metaphor for the financial power brokers and the justice system. Chuck Rhodes played by Giamatti is ruthless and always out smarts everyone included super empath Wendy his ex wife a character that seems to be growing a conscience in this series. Cheers!
The Wheel of Time: A Taste of Solitude (2023)
Not engaging
I don't know the book this is based on. The first season was also difficult to get into the script. So far the first episode is at a slow pace with many new characters. Some parts of the cinematography are beautiful and the expansive vista's almost look natural yet other scenes are obviously digital graphics which look fake this takes away the cinematography. These choices are not as good as if it were truely shot in cinemascope. Maybe they save money but this series feels sugary sweet visual images which dies not aid the believability of the actor's drama. I hopevthe story gets better otherwise the whole thing is a waste of the magic.
Justified: City Primeval (2023)
It gets better
I was surprised but by the 3rd episode it gets better. It moves slowly at first but it develops and the characters develop their arcs. At first it was about him and the teen daughter. The drama around the cops and murderer gets better. Raymond's character at first seems very s ubdued even a bit then he develops his courage and goes full force into a badass Marshall. Olyphant gives a great performance as a southern gentleman and is slick at it. Of course there is drama and romance guns a blazing and plenty of car crashes. This marshall always gets the bad guys as he is a quick study . The psycho gets his revengecasxwell. This series is good to watch.
Justified: City Primeval: City Primeval (2023)
Not interesting but it gets better
I was looking forward to this series but this first episode is a big disappointment the drug dealers characters are uninteresting. The main crook/psycho killer is boring and the script so far is worse than a B movie.this psycho dude kills all these people in a chevalier way just to score their money. Unfortunately I read the other reviewers. I would think Tim Olyphant would have an intriguing dialogue. However the corruption does start to boil up in the second episode. I don't getcwhy other reviewers don't like his daughter. She seems nice but a bland character. I'll hope for the best. Cheers.
Joe Pickett (2021)
The good country
It was a good cowboy country crime series. In a way a melodrama a bit like a hallmark channel story somewhat bittersweet but a good who donebit to watch. Great scenes of the mountains of Wyoming a colorful bunch of characters everyone in this mountain hunting town suffers from corruption as people make their living and livelihoods from the hunt of elk deer and other critters. Joe Pickett is an interesting pent-up emotional character who lives to protect the game and fish a new job position he got recently graduated from the academy of game and fish. The relationship with his wife and kids grow closer through all the trials and tribulations they go throgh. Some of the scenes are cheesy yet overall a good story tovwatch.
Dark Winds: Hózhó náhásdlii (Beauty Is Restored) (2023)
Good resolution
I love this series I hope it continues . 6 episodes are too few to resolve the relationships between the protagonists and the others. However if they are based on Hillerman books perhaps that has something to do with it. The criminals do get their "Indian justice". We need more series of this high caliber. All the actors are fantastic especially McClodon who carries the series rather well. Now I wonder, will there be a series 3? I'm keeping my fingers crossed. So few shows are worth watching. I hope AMC follows through. This series was sensitive to the nuances of Dine cultural. So few shows to watch within this cultural setting. I live in Arizona so I am familiar with some of the Dine's cultural ways cheers to all the actors we riders and filmmakers who put this together.
Wisting: Episode #1.5 (2019)
Good snowy scenes
I enjoyed the first 5 episodes an exciting cop drama in beautiful Norway. Some of the writing is predictable. Crime can happen anywhere and Wisting's family relationships suffer. His son seems unable to get his attention especially when he comes home for Christmas. Sadly he gives up on hid dad when Wisting misses yet another lunch date. His daughter Line is a typical journalist self important and drives into danger with a top criminal and of course she gets abducted by the serial killer and manages to also sleep with the FBI agent and reveals his identity to the press blowing his cover . Anne Moss is a welcome face in this series she shows dramatic strength and character support as she did in the Matrix.
Paint (2023)
Not Bob Ross
Very sad story of a washed up painter not inspired by Bob Ross's art painting show on pbs. But more of a rip off of his pbs shows. A landscape painter loved and admired for a time is landscapes worked their magic who is was upsconded by a rival on the show who tries to increase the channels popularity. Carl goes into a painters angst after he realizes and is told that his art is second rate kitcz. There are modern elements woke gay lovers of course a gay woman painter is his nemesis on the channel and with his string of fallen lovers who he used to hit on his staff. I got bored with this satire on the joy of painting however the pbs fundraising show was humorous.
Scenes of a Sexual Nature (2006)
Not quite funny
I thought this comedy was a collection of skits short quick and final as opposed to the characters connecting in a dramatic fashion. Oh well, the actors at times looked like actors acting as one would see in a play rather a movie. All the actors were fine and some of the more popular British actors. Scenarios that add a spotlight to different types of relationships. The title is a misnomer since sex is not what this drama is about. I'm not sure this form works. The vignettes do not connect and some characters are more interesting than the others. It's cerebral and sometimes abstract but perhaps that's modern theater. It's an enjoyable play/movie the characters could feel more empathic somehow.
The Walking Dead: Dead City: Everybody Wins a Prize (2023)
predictable
I am lowering my score cos there us nothing new here. Its the same old story of "get the latest psycho ". The Croat being a leftover from the saviors which Negan had created now they hear the old taunting whistle amidst the Croatian music the Croat's moniker. And this music distracts from the ongoing gore.. Another walking dead fight ensues as Maggies group moves forward to kill them all. Maggie seems determined to find her noy Hershel but he may be long gone? Maggie's team keeps finding tortured boys that look Asian and who have turned. Its like bread crumbs they are to follow. I think Negan can carry the series better than Maggie. This show is filler while we wait on Rick and Michonne show.
The Walking Dead: Tell It to the Frogs (2010)
Deceptive love
It was sad to see Rick reunited with his wife Laurie who basically runs on fear and seeks Shaun's protection already she is a weak character. She easily bought Shaun's story that Rick is dead. She is out for her own survival by clinging to Shaun who also betrays Rick to get his prize that being Laurie. And to take over the power position he perceives Rick to have since he is the Sheriff deputy. Shaun's jealousy of Rick will be his demise. The group tries to over come the walkers who are near thanks to Greg's blasting the horn of hIs new race car. Daryl shows up from his hunt and learns about Meryl Rick's introduction to b the group is difficult has he still acts like a cop.
The Walking Dead: Dead City: Who's There? (2023)
Good development
This spinoff is developing nicely the way the walking dead has generally been a great series. I do think Maggie and Negan are growing on each other eventhough Maggie still resents him and resents herself for needing his help. Hershall seems to be a screwed up teen now I'm not clear on the scene with him and Maggie was t hat past or present exchange. Seems like there are some missing parts how Maggie left the Commonwealth with Negan. So perhaps some development is missing??? Overall I am liking this spinoff because it shows character development is happening and the new bad guy despot in keeping with the triad from before the Governor, the Pope , and the elite family at the Commonwealth. Cheers to the actors Jeffery and Lauren and the writers hats off to you.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022)
Misnomer
It should be something else bit not star trek. It does not have exciting characters played by talented actors as in the original star trek that makes me biased as I feel these younger generations are 1 dimensional. Anson mount was goid in Hell on wheels but the cast was talented and strong so he was supported as the leading man. But in this drama he foes not carry the leading role well, the show feels bland. Spock is not believable we either. Vulcan ears are not enough to play Spock. His portrayal is more emotional then Nimoy,s Spock was. And perhaps this show is for the younger generations 2012 plus crowd. Cheers.
The Lost Century: And How to Reclaim It (2023)
A vision of hope for us and planet
This documentary was well done. The narrative was easy to follow. The science was understandable and the political influences behind global warming. It successfully represents 0 gravity theory and shows the hard truth of the cover up thats an ongoing deception regarding the earth's shift and change . We are the creators of our destiny and if we unify and demand change we can choose a better path to take. The film reveals the history of the dark govt's cover up of the ufos some which are man made copies of the real extra terrestrial samples. The ongoing deception around gas oil and the trillionares that control the overlay society with the rampant consumerism. The information confirmed for me the dome shaped homes I saw in a vision given to me by other evolved beings. Cheers to Dr. Greer and crew.
The Walking Dead: Dead City (2023)
Too soon to tell
It's quite a task to film walkers in NYC. Cheers to that. Maggie is still Maggie a hardened survival seeking to join with her son. Pearly Armstrong a new marshal from Babylon. Nothing has changed Maggie's resentment of Negan and he tells her so. He has grown and evolved. Lots of action from the get go. Maggie unrelentlessly pursues the trail to get her son Hershall. By chasing after a guy Negan knows from the good old days Crowet. Some interesting remembrances he has about NYC. Negan confesses to Maggie about this character from his past before the days of Alexandria.. The city looks torn down by th walkers; a dire backdrop. How Maggie gets to NYC we don't know Negan happens to be on the run from marshals of a new state Babylon not a very creative name.
When They See Us: Part One (2019)
Riveting dangerous cops
It's just maddens me that these kids were racially ju d get and framed for the rape. The incompetence of the police department and the juvinile department is mind blowing. No adults or parents or lawyers were brought in to the kids defense. The cops just wanted to blame them and trap them to to admit the crime. All the media were like wolves out to set up the story against the black kids and their parents. The officials prosecuted them without a legal trial and made it a racial issue. The actorscwere all great and believable actors. This story just made my blood boil but a democratic society in order to run needs checks and balances.
Fear the Walking Dead: More Time Than You Know (2023)
I've Lost interest
I've lost interest in this show its repetitive the relationships are dull conversations its are dull. The medicine that June has made does not work on the infections and bites . Morgan is a great character the kids are not really developed like in the twd. I miss that show but after Rick leaves the dynamic changes. Perhaps this season is about the kids and I find this boring. Even though Reuben shows up the energy shifts to trying to appeal to teens. So this is no longer the same story of the previous episodes maybe they should have titled it part 1,2, and 3. And not have dragged it out I think the whole Padre episodes are dull and un interesting storyline. Too bad.
Arnold (2023)
Honest doc
A really good documentary Arnold and simple man with great ambition a super self made man. Beneath the tough exterior lies a sweet passionate man. I was surprised to see a really sincere person who cares about others and the world. His positive belief system is at the core of his personality perhaps is Austrian charm is what really sells his is journey in life is very interesting from rags to riches. His innermost motivation to make wealth and help others the American way. A young man who seems to have gained wisdom. I hope he continues to lead in his new purpose to help the planet . The most pressing issue for our planet to clean things up and be stewards good work Arnold.
The OA: Overview (2019)
Mind bending?
I changed my rating because of it anti climatic ending. How was AO ever Hap's wife? She loved Homer and her friends but not Hap he was the predator who was an envious seeker after her angelic power. What type of angel was she? She defied the time jump?? And survived the fall. Brought understanding to others but was searching out her identity through out all the episode. I loved the angel dances sequences reminiscent of Twyla Tharps dance retinue. A modern type of dance sequences to bring people back to life a very occult element fir sci-fy; brillant. Overall keeping up with the complexity and endless puzzles was tiresome. The actors were all amazing.
The OA: SYZYGY (2019)
Confusing subplots
I think I'll lost in this episode whi is OA? Niw she meets Karim the detective who looking for a missing girl. She's now piecing together another identity that he represents a another life where she is a wealthy lady but still a prisoner of Hap. How she got there us another mystery of her hospital stay after having c a ught t he bullet in her chest at the school. Now she meets people who belong to her timeline if she had stayed eith her Russian father. Hap meets another time traveler at the spa who shares that there as re other methods to time travel. And he is intrigued by this new women. This episode does not flow as easily or smoothly as the others. I got to remember this is scify the octopus and night club is weird the octopus is an alien Who talks to humans through Nina/AO. She must admit her identity as an angel/interdimensional traveler to the people at t he club. Azeal tells her not to lie about her indentity. And kills her she then travels to another place this time a plane. But her body still at the club concludes her "performance". This is like a David Lynch film.