captloucostello Reviews

Billion Dollar Wreck (2016– )

A Search for Mysterious Treasure on the Wreck of the RMS Republic

[6/10 · 17 June 2016]

First of all I must say that although the show is very weak it was still interesting. I have decades of experience wreck diving and I have to say that the methods being used to dive the wreck are not good. If they were serious they would use saturation dives and mechanical grabs to dismantle the wreck. They should be using re-breathers or other self contained equipment so that the divers may swim freely. An observation chamber to direct operations as used on the famous salvage of gold from the Niagra would be another option. The umbilical cables are very cumbersome and don't do the job efficiently.

The wreck itself is collapsed and and cannot be entered, say, as the Andrea Doria. I think that along with natural decay it was also depth charged during WWII. There is also no solid evidence that the gold exists.

I do wish them luck, however.

Jumong (2006–2007)

Korean Tour De Force Redefines the Historical Drama

[10/10 · 27 February 2010]

This entire series is an exceptional creative achievement in all respects. The screen writing, character development and cinematography all combine to make one of the best viewing experiences I have ever had. I first became addicted to the excellence of Korean film and television when I watched the superlative "Dae Jang Geum" (Jewel in the Palace) series. Jumong equals and possibly even exceeds that benchmark series. I have watched many Korean films and television shows, most of which are very good. Jumong is as good as it gets. The show is a loose dramatization of Korean history and the efforts of Jumong to unite the kingdom and then drive out invaders. The character development here is truly awesome with about 20 significant characters that the viewer will come to know very well indeed. Actor Song Il-Kook's charismatic portrayal of Jumong is right out of an Errol Flynn swashbuckling adventure. This actor has an on screen presence and possesses a supreme confidence that simply no longer exists in American cinema. Supporting characters So-Sun-Oh (Hye Jin-Han) and the androgynous and ever deadly Sayong (Soo-bin Bae) enrich this story beyond words. The plot is truly Machiavellian and develops in a way that often grays out simple good and evil. For those equestrians out there, and I know there are many, you are in for a treat. You will see work by all of the actors on horseback that has has not been seen since the heyday of American Westerns of old. Each actor was trained with and kept the same animal for the entire series and it shows. Song Il-Kook sits a horse like he was born to the saddle and the many riding scenes in this series demonstrate a high level of horsemanship. The costuming and the various scenes at court or in battle are something to behold. This is the very highest quality entertainment that the viewer will find anywhere. The entire series is well worth buying and keeping to watch again and again.

Gaewa neukdaeui sigan (2007)

Superb Spy/Crime Thriller

[10/10 · 27 February 2010]

The Time Between Dog and Wolf is the twilight hour when it becomes difficult to distinguish between good and evil, or friends from enemies. This series is a wise guy spy thriller of the first order. The script is tight and fast paced, the acting superb, and the photography is most excellent. The acting and character development for a very interesting grouping of supporting characters is excellent. One even begins to like the bad guy. Actor Lee Joon Ki's (Le Grand Chef, Sweet Spy) portrayal of the conflicted NIS (National Intelligence Service) agent Suhyun/Kay, a spy who finds himself accepted as a son by his gangland Triad boss is one to be remembered. This show is well populated with a host of very memorable and well developed characters. On location filming in Thailand and Korea adds considerably to the gritty underworld reality of the film. Directed by Jin Min Kim. The very good English subtitle work by David Bannon makes this film very watchable for the non Korean speaking viewer. This series is so good that I unreservedly recommended it most highly. If you enjoy superior quality viewing entertainment then this belongs in your collection.

Assembly (2007)

The Futility of war

[10/10 · 19 February 2010]

and the misery that comes to those who are caught up in it is brought to frightening reality on the big screen in this masterfully filmed effort by Feng Xiaogang. The story of a Chinese regiment fighting against the Nationalists in the brutal civil war manages to tug at almost every human emotion. The protagonist officer who leads his men in a savage last stand is perfectly portrayed. The scenes of warfare in this movie are very well done and manage to do so without demonizing the enemy as in so many war films. For those of you who know such things, and there are many, the range of weaponry used in this film spans the the entire history of modern warfare for the Chinese from the 1920's on through the war in Korea and adds greatly to the intense realism of the film. Watch for the scene in which the Captain sees what has become of the old helmets once used by the soldiers.

The main character, Captain Gu Zidi, superbly played by Zhang Hanyu, cannot give up the memory of his lost men and never ceases in his struggle to have their memory honored. The portrayal of this struggle by this one man gives this film everything thing it needs for great drama. This work has a far stronger story than "Saving Private Ryan" and in modern cinema can only be rivaled by South Korea's "Tae Guk Gi". This is not only a great war film but is one of the very best films of any kind I have been privileged to see in recent years.

Chemistry (2009 Video)

Beautifully Photographed

[10/10 · 18 February 2010]

Very well done tightly scripted suspense short. The film was shot on location at the beautiful Victorian Simmons Mansion in Seattle, Washington. Director Matthew Bergman took full advantage of his excellent location choice to set a grim Film Noir mood for his film. He worked very closely with cinematographer Josh Stanton to create the cinematic tone for the film. It is apparent to the viewer that the lighting work is top notch. The casting choices for all the actors was excellent. Solid acting propels this film to its clever climax very nicely. There are a number of elaborate well set up scenes in the film that flow together in a way that makes the story work and maintains suspense and interest for the viewer. Mr. Bergman has kept a tight rein on his script here and it shows. This film was selected by the Seattle Truly Independent Film Festival for showing in 2009.