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Reviews
The Gentlemen (2024)
Gangster fairy tale
An entertaining ride with the charismatic cast, but the one where one needs to switch off their brains and forget about logic or realism. Guy Ritchie sprinkled his gangsters world with some dazzlers and pinky dust peppered with xenophobia and cliche to ensure that the product sells well, but at the end it lacks substance to become something watchable more than once. Memorable Jethro's episode though. But, come on, protagonists shipping the main witness over several days or supposedly selling the idea of someone using the same riffle to kill twice across the city and carrying this huge gun across the street and into high rise and then back to the car etc...
Dark (2017)
Worth it if only to appreciate German actorship
I have some strange feeling about these series: it's a bit of a ride for the sake of the ride rather than its destination. It's definitely for those who are hard fans of sci-fi and time travel, others might have issues getting sucked into this world because its first episode is rather slow. But what I really really liked about these - exceptional acting. I didn't know a single German actor in the series, yet these worked for me without usual Hollywood "star" power and embellishment. Middle aged Silvia, Ulrich, Katharine, kids - just superb!
But, ultimately, these are series about a bunch of narrow minded and egocentric sociopaths with somewhat masochistic tendencies embellished with interesting ideas and multiple twists. So those who seek answers, resolutions or fans of black and white stories will be, probably, disappointed.
Shinobi no Ie: House of Ninjas (2024)
Series with a hint of nostalgia
I don't know why but these series gave me the same vibe as Stranger Things: not exactly action, somewhat naive but kinda a guilty pleasure really. Some cliches like "Fresh of the boat" grandma or comedic relief tech sidekick. But overall interesting plot and characters. Youngest sibling is endearing. Interesting main villain though falling rather flat towards the end. Overall, I wouldn't mind binge watching second season. I hope they will give more depth to the father figure to go beyond his cardboard personality. Ultimately, it's somewhat old fashioned ninjas movie and delivers exactly what is promised from the title.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024)
Watchable
Looks like some viewers misunderstood this show:
- it's more The War of The Roses rather than Mr&Ms Smith
- it's more satire rather than comedy
- action and spies are secondary and don't expect accuracy from the satire.
The show has its moments, interesting plot and characters. Yes, Jane is unlikeable but it's exactly the point and how her character is written in. If you enjoy shows like Loudermilk you will like these series, if you are more into Bond and Mission Impossible, stay away. I would say it's an upper middle class female audience show to get the digs and drama.
Overall, the show is not brilliant but I wouldn't mind second season.
War of the Worlds (2019)
Solid product
Looks like some viewers stopped thinking while watching TV shows. I don't understand all the negative reviews here with people picking on supposed "plotholes". Because most of them are clearly explained later. Like, "no" - brooms and the cardboard can't stop creatures, because within the same episode, just couple of minutes later, we learn that babies were taken, so how come people list this as a gap I wonder. And then folks are upset that aliens speak English when the whole point of the series is around this fact.
I really enjoyed these. If you really into a proper sci-fi (not late comics style chewed and spoon fed rubbish) you will do too. It's not Well's story, it's better. The series have French product depth to characters and their usual darkish undertones. My only regret is that it looks like they lost their budget for the final season and some stars. You will be still haunted by the thought of claustrophobic and torturous Emily's fate stuck with the maniac Sacha and confined by the ugly alien ship for the rest of her life in some of the worlds. This is never shown but...
Corrective Measures (2022)
It has certain merits and layers
Well, this movie is definitely not an Oscar material but it has it's moments and some layers that might be missed by a less attentive viewer. Like:
- desserts fed to Diaz had their purpose as probably the only food not containing the control substance
- who was really talking to the Conductor and steering his self esteem issues during the parol hearing
- who of the guards was really on Lobe's side, or how many of them knowingly/unknown to them or paid for their service to afford caring about the family?
- was the Overseer really that stupid or it has something to do with the fact that someone didn't have his food for quite a while etc etc
Then, with the exception of the doctor, Payback and opening scene the acting was rather good and some of the characters arcs had legs.
Finally, kudos to Bruce, not relying on others to pay for his palliative care and standing and earning some last dollar while it lasts. In the hindsight of knowing his condition, he is not playing he is living his attitude in some scenes.
Leave the World Behind (2023)
Bait can
A movie is just one huge bag of bait and switch. Things are thrown at the viewer for the sake of suspense and guessing the plot only to show a middle finger at the end not connecting the dots:
- ships and planes are apparently produced by Tesla these days aka not manned at all
- then deers, ticks, flamingos are aka Ukrainian pigeons trained for Russians assassination if you believe Russian propaganda. But in this case trained to spread chaos and panic, got it?
- there are magic pills against super secret "sound radiation waves" or "trained ticks" (see above) available at your pharmacy or, maybe, they are just marketed for "when you teeth are falling out for no apparent reason"
- when civil war starts, all civilians are armed with standard nuclear weapons, just in case (city explosions + our "medium" protagonist 3 stage attack narrative)
- it looks like all you national defence agencies are bought out or on vacation because they fail to explain russian diplomats recall and prepare for the war even though, apparently, all the rich and celebrities know about the thing coming days in advance.
- Tesla production is booming nowadays to the point of having enough cars to block every major exit in the US! Cudos to Elon
- throw in Hispanic ladies, people behaving suspiciously for no reason at all and secretive about"major" facts (not really) etc etc
V for Vengeance (2022)
4* for the villain
The only redeeming qualities - the main villain's acting was alright and the oldest sister had some occasional sparks. Dumb "Scarlet Johansson" sister can't act at all while the youngest miss cuteness aka genius felt being in the wrong movie - should have tried Nickelodeon. There is no plot. The visuals were not that bad for a cheap movie, the story was the major letdown followed by cheesy lines and flat acting. Alright for a background movie when there is nothing else to stream. The worst: "family" time and dumb 500 vampires eagerly drinking form the enemies chalices. Looks like years don't add in the wisdom department.
Mubing (2023)
Almost perfect
These series are not perfect but definitely have unique charisma and heart. As all kdrama they are still naive at places, could hire better western or Russian speaking actors etc etc But at the same time they attract with unique concepts, mixing various cinematography tricks and genres even if borrowed at times, solid plot and traditional skilled acting. I am not a fan of comics or superhero genres, nor I am enjoying subtitles, but I got drawn in because these do not feel like high level sketches and almost got a real life feel to them. It's also interesting to get further insight into Korean culture and mindset even if through the "fiction" prism. "Kids" actors are not there yet, but key parent protagonists do outstanding job!
Maseukeugeol (2023)
Quality product
Not 100% perfect for the Western auditorium, but forgivable due to the golden nuggets found in terms of ideas, cinematography, acting, pace and twists. High school drama and the closing episode were too naive for my liking as well as some typical kdrama overacting. There are no protagonists in these series or light at the end of the tunnel, it lacks normality to balance some things to be realistic. The viewer will not like neither Korean men nor working culture as depicted in these series. There are some secondary characters who deserve particular credit. The "prison boss" lady is quite interesting - coming from a communist state I met very similar characters. Overall, from the direction perspective it's a gem, but one need to overlook some cultural differences in terms of the script and plot.
Bastille Day (2016)
French harisma
One of those movies where supporting actors have more charisma and steal the movie. Entire French cast was more believable than protagonists, memorable faces with the good onscreen presence. Overall Elba and a GOT guy deliver as well, but nothing to rave about. It's a solid action movie and a good popcorn flick. I would prefer a more definitive ending and more depth to heroes backstory as I doubt it's a sequel material. It's time for Elba to prove himself in a different genre, perhaps, as a father in a family movie or something. While Maden also seems to be stereotyped by casting crews and need to find more depth in his roles beyond a handsome face and overconfident smirk.
Freaky (2020)
No vibe
I didn't get the vibe of this movie, for a comedy or teens movie some scenes are just too gruesome and in general it lacks in the chuckles department. Characters lack charisma and background story to care about them for a serious movie. So, I think, this movie tries to be a bit of everything but fails at everything too. Ultimately, no vibe, no heart and no light to tie everything together. Vincent looks out of place as well. Finally, there is no coherent end to the story: we will never know what motivated the maniac or why we should have cared about the main protagonist. Not something I would recommend or watch again.
Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)
An action turning parody
So, the beginning was kinda promising. Elba still got it. But then, oh well. Good guys travel to Norway on a direct magic supersonic ferry from the UK, then there a supergirl soaked wet in kerosene acquires superpowers and gets bad guys alight without catching fire herself, while three bad guys with unlimited financial resources and plenty of torture weapons can't get hold of a superman Luther badly wounded and awake for couple of days at least. And then we have a police force with premonition powers going to the crime scene in a complete set of deep diving gear and flippers, also knowing which ice hole and the precise moment they need to jump in to save our superman. And of course a potential hint of Bond invitation at the end.
The Consultant (2023)
No climax click and bait
One of those shows that throw all these random characters and plot twists at a viewer just to keep you intrigued enough and guessing what the heck is going on and at the end ....nothing, no climax no satisfaction. Some actors are decent, there is certain chemistry, some satire, could have been more. Main female lead, main female lead's ex though rather episodic and our golden boy did their part. I was not convinced by the main male protagonist, and some other secondary players like Mr Sang. Some movies leave you asking for more, some leave you bored, some make you think. This one is neither, leaves you pi...d a bit for the click and bait tactics.
The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself (2022)
Some potential
Ok, these series are hit and miss in my opinion.
I like British TV - there is more grit and realism to its products. They are also quite good in discovering young talents. So, what works in these series:
- some strong actors: Gabriel, evil stepsister, Ceelia and Annalise do stand out
- great scenery and beautiful sunset etc shots
- good pacing
- interesting spin on superheroes and witches subject
What didn't work for me:
- cursor story line, the universe design is rather scetchy, the ordinary human world is ignored
- weak main protagonist and antagonist
- L'amour a trois storyline is forced - unless Gabriel is really into young boys, I am not sure how a mature man can be smitten with Nathan who didn't exhibit any particular traits worth admiration
- a bit too much for the teen audience but a bit too silly for the adults.
The School for Good and Evil (2022)
Teens B movie
Even Sofia's Jennifer Lawrency like charm can't save this movie: Sophia's lips and wooden acting of other cardboard characters distract too much. Beginning is dragging, some entertaining bits and pieces in between and predictable woke ending. Charlize is a sight for sore eyes but her screen time and character development is rather limited to elevate this movie to something special. If you really try to find some positives: soundtrack was Ok and some young male stars were Okish too. If you are a teen into magical powers and similar it might be worth watching once, but more mature viewers will be rolling their eyes few times.
Sense8 (2015)
Similarly to Matrix it's going nowhere
I watched the 1st season and it was kinda fine. I stopped watching 2nd season somewhere into 2/3rds of the opening episode, because 2/3rds into the episode there was no story development whatsoever and the orgy scene was already over the top. As there is a clear borderline between porn and erotics, there is a clear "grand canyon size" gap between the art (that the Wachowskis kinda imply at in the lecture scene) and the series' sexually charged and chaotic Mamba Jamba haunted by plot gaps. For example, if an agent can see through the eyes of one, and if this one is telepathically connected to others how come an agent can't identify the locations of others through the connected mind of the compromised man. They keep him dragged, but he still connects to others through the episode. As per all the sex and orgies "in your face" kinda way, I have a transgender friend and, as I recall, immediately after his surgery he was similarly to this: wanted to shout about his change on every corner and show "his thing" to whoever wanted to check it out. But come on, Lana, it's been years since your surgery, so it's time to calm down. Or, otherwise this sense of insecurity you bring to the series make us think you question your decision.
Stranger Things (2016)
Revamped oldies and great cast
The movie is really a mixture of clichés and "borrowings" from other series and movies, but somehow it's still enjoyable. I think, mostly due to the great cast and solid acting from the young actors. Visually, the shadows world is a blatant copy of the shadows world from Russian "Night Watch" movies. Some scenes have definite Spielberg movies inspiration. Throughout the series you will be like "oh, I 've seen this already" but you will, probably, continue to watch because who doesn't love well made old good sci-fi and, also, when the "plump" kid Dustin steals the show while on screen, your heart melts. All kids did great really. Winona's role was just too whiny and poorly developed for my liking. In "youth" category I really liked Joe Kerry. Though the main villain in the movie is the "government agency", I still think Dr Martin character was too sketchy and I did not quite catch what exactly those experiments were about.