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Great Canal Journeys (2014)
Charming
Romantic travel and heritage series. The hosts are so charming and appropriate for this beautiful series. I'm delighted and edified watching this series and happy to see that it expands beyond the UK canals. Sweden is a true dream.
If you're interested in boating and a bit of adventure, this series is for you. It is calming and gorgeous.
The archival footage and beautiful vistas of heritage sight is stunning.
The couple hosting this documentary series is so well suited. There couldn't have been a more appropriate couple.
Absolutely charmed.
Watching this series will make you plan your next adventure.
Enterprise (2001)
Romulan torture is more pleasant
I had to rewatch Enterprise to feel prepared for the up coming Strange New Worlds and also to remind myself why UPN was shut down. This show was cancelled for good cause.
Although Enterprise was clearly an avant-garde test for the future format s of Star Trek franchise shows (now streaming on networks) and reboot films, the UPN failure was even at the time too taboo and flawed to even carry the "star trek" name in the title credits of the very bad Rod Stewart cover theme song ... It's amusing the younger people that don't remember the 17 year ST television run followed by a decade plus drought until broadcast television was replaced by streaming apps actually think that Enterprise drivel was actually good.
With it's very poor first two seasons, confusingly unscientific archenemies the Xindi that should go down as one of the worst story arcs, worst portrayal AND ACTING of Vulcans ever, who are the most important alien races in ST Canon next to Klingons, and that terrible theme song.... The fan write-in campaign for the fourth season is worth watching mostly.
Yes this is a bad trek series worth watching. At least it was better than Voyager and unique enough to set a new bar for future series now streaming on Paramount+
The Occult History of the Third Reich (1991)
Film Footage
This is mistitled for modern times..... it's fundamentally about the cult of the regime not necessarily "occult" so I feel it's misleading for a 2020 person, however I believe I get the message. Along side the harder to watch "Einsatzgruppen: The Nazi Death Squads" this series is a historical collection of archival film footage that is unfortunately difficult to find in a grouped collection and also a required watch to 'never forget'. It's a very educational series visually on it's own and displays for modern people the experiences of WW2 era in a screen format that we unfortunately require to absorb the state and experience of past events.
El sendero de la anaconda (2019)
Conservationists story
A delightful jaught through the experience of a few conservationists and why they were drawn to the amazonas, it's people, and why protecting the area as a protected reserve while maintaining the indigenous community rights through modern times is important.
I recommend watching this in tandem with the film Embrace of the Serpent
Original title: El abrazo de la serpiente
2015 , perhaps as a closing for a movie marathon.
The Midnight Sky (2020)
Another Netflix polished shitte
Another piece of evidence in the argument against Netflix's mediocre film production and a case for continuing cinema in theatre form. Take an amazingly talented cast like Clooney and Oyelowo (sans Chandler) into a polished production then forget to develop the characters and forget to attempt to observe scientific reason, in a film that is non fanciful scifi, and the results are a shining poop emoji that makes little common sense.
The Frankenstein Chronicles (2015)
Unique Reimagined Classic
Everything about this story and production is such an original perspective on the Frankenstein trope. At a 12 hr masterpiece well done to have Sean Bean cast in such a solemn role, particularly the episode 6 twist.
Well filmed, excellently acted, and an uniquely expounded upon Frankenstein story into Detective drama and self torment.
Glitch - Mysteries Conspiracies and Paranormal (2019)
Stunning
Awesome ufology and documentary footage on episode 2. Stunning.
The Congress (2013)
Incoherent waste
Considering the now relevant topic of deepfakes, AI assisted fake videos, I thought that this mixed review film might be worth a viewing after long neglected one. I was incorrect. This is another in the long line of examples of movies with too much notable acting talent serve as warning of a boorish film and a huge money loser. With a talented all star cast, and countless lifted story themes and elements from well reviewed and very influential scifi forebear films..there simply nothing coherent in the script. The movie though reminiscent of past successes mostly reminds me of a bad colage or a dish made with too many spices by a novice chef.
Too Old to Die Young (2019)
Rein, Lynch, Monet made a film
Firstly, the cinematography is off the hook..Secondly, slow paced low dialogue acting with fantastic scores..Thirdly coalescing stories that make this feel like the second season of True Detective.
This mini series has excellent with art, acting, storytelling, and ultimately filming.
Imitation Girl (2017)
Not under your skin
This is a very sublime mystery scifi that leans toward potential sociopolitical commentary through the juxtaposition of the character doubles. Definitely influenced by Kieslowski's The Double Life of Véronique. Very glad to have found this gem.
Also, surprised Lewis Black appears in a brief non comedy cameo role.
Liu lang di qiu (2019)
Ludicrous
Although suspension of disbelief is a hallmark of science fiction, the ludicrous nature and absolute engineering impossibility of the key element of this film immediately establishes the immature nature of this film. Unlike its recent peers in film (Elysium, Interstellar, etc etc) that focus on possible futures and potentially believable technology to lend realism and credibility to their stories, this film relies on such a ludicrous key element and highschoolish story telling that prevents me from even considering it an intelligent attempt at absurdism.
The History of Time Travel (2014)
Entertaining Student Film
Because of the filming location, I assume this was a film student production. The story concept is interesting and the mockumentary format lends well to an independent budget, but the holes are noticeable. Small flaws include a missed opportunity to be more comical, after using an Atari, a Nintendo nes and a super Nintendo for time machine props and referencing that at one point....there's too few jokes given all the opportunities ... however the Army General was slightly amusing. The other issue is the story device. How exactly did this many people come to be legitimate pundits and historical experts to be interviewed about the multiple changes in history from various time travel events??
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Unsuccessful CGI botches otherwise good story
The greenscreen usage showing its seams too frequently in this film and the unfortunate unbalanced uncanny valley effect of the main character Alita seriously distracts for an otherwise well told story and well directed film. The anime basis should have been more deeply embraced with more stylistically cartoonish CGI as seen in other modern animated movies released this year (ie Into the Spider Verse) or abandoned for more seamless hyper realism (ie Elysium). I do still look forward to more Rodriguez big release movies though..
The Grand Tour: International Buffoons Vacation (2019)
Shenanigans Return Proper!
The spirit of the original top gear has finally returned in full via the metamorphosis of Clarkson, Hammond, and May's into their new film vehicle. All the fun and spirit are complete. Although their Colombian tour was damn close...this RV episode hits the mark spot on. Excellent hit with the pub on wheels May! And baja style buggies..well that's just a riot!
R.O.T.O.R. (1987)
Is that Liam from Big Lebowski?!
Found a gem...hybrid terminator and bad robot cop knock off with mullets, tons of yokel accents, stiff dialog, and hilariously timed synth music. Imagine Liam from Big Lebowski with a full body leather biker suit and a cheap helmet with one of those 25 cent reflective decal stickers on the helmet declaring ROTOR! ...that's the funky ninja robot you didn't ask for but got anyways.
The Fix (2018)
Humorous Satire
Very similar format to the British comedy panel show QI, but focusing on current events in the US. Teach episode focuses on a single topic and the comedian panel offers much needed political satire for the serious subjects they discuss. Very humorous, and I look forward to a follow up season.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
"People can be frightened of change" Cpt Kirk
Star Trek is always about the exploration of undiscovered country. Discovery performs admirably towards the goals of Roddenberry. The show takes the journey of storytelling into the contemporary zeitgeist and engages in feats of adventure that prior tv shows were formerly not able to properly explore with CGI and stunts previously in television. The movie franchise was initially to delve into longer story arcs and more action sequences...I'm proud as a life long trekkie to have found this show even after dismissing it unjustly beforehand.
Regarding the casting..I am slightly disappointed by the choice of Michelle yeoh even being a fan of her..she doesn't feel right especially in episode 1 and 2 but makes up for it later. Sonequa Martin-Green is amazing well chosen and hot! Jason Isaacs is stellar and definitely his character makes you question 'what is star fleet?'
The show is about Starfleet in its beginning infancy...bear that in mind.
Alien: Covenant (2017)
Regurgitation Reformated
I no longer respect Ridley Scott... The only reason this film was made was to cock block Neill Blomkamp from rebooting the franchise. Seriously, this movie is such a divergent format the original Alien film it insults my intelligence. I truly love Waterston, she is an under utilized actress..however Scott misguidedly uses her to xerox the role of Ripley. This movie is utter bile movement..even when it is good the film is a glorified Lukas xanax redo. Nothing new here.
Taboo (2017)
Cinematic
Cinematography pallet of an 1800's portrait painting. Acting talent featuring world class character actors. Drama driven story with ..Tom Hardy...Oona Chaplin. Oh my! Executive producer Ridley Scott had me immediately engaged. What will keep me watching is seriously amazing period drama with hints of the Pre Columbian and African occult, multinational / continental plot aspects, and established talent portraying the characters.
This is a show that will help continue to redefine television, and how it should be made in the current era of broadcast streaming and high def video screens in everyone's home.
Top Gear: Episode #23.1 (2016)
Poor attempt at the original magic
The new season for 2016 needs to be listed as an entirely new Top Gear show.. it is dreadful. After watching the first three episodes it is incredibly transparent that this is a different show than when Clarkson Hammond and May were on. It's not even close to encompassing the magic and poetry of petrol heads. They will never be able to replace the eloquence of Clarkson. The mystique of prose he used to describe the magic of driving ultimate automotive creations and the synergy that Hammond and May provided along side can never be recreated. The new seasons attempts are poor and derisive....an old fart that is an imbecile and doesn't speak often and when does...LOL...poor attempt to recreate the magic of the original cast.
The Expanse (2015)
What took so long Syfy?!?
Is it possible that the Syfy channel finally produced a space drama that isn't complete garbage? It sure looks like they indeed finally made a good science fiction show that doesn't rhyme with sharknado.
The Expanse has acceptable acting, a great story that appears well scripted for TV and a well deserved budget for special effects. The original book material gives a lot to work with for the TV script. It has been awhile since something close to Battlestar Galactica quality has aired.
I'm really looking forward to continuing this show..and I will keep my fingers crossed that the first two episodes were not a fluke.
Chaos on the Bridge (2014)
Love Shatner
I really enjoy having Shatner lead the documentaries for the development of star trek. My only wish is that they had delved into the writers issues developing TNG more... It just, maybe in hind sight, appears obvious to me that the creation of story conflict is easy between the federation values and of its characters against an antagonist. I think there is more to the story of the first two seasons of TNG than they could have dug into..
I'm happy this documentary was made. The interviews with the contributing cast and etc were very I intriguing as both a trekkie and an outsider interested in TV or movie production.
Defying Gravity (2009)
disappointed
Though I loved Ron Livingston in Office Space...I'm not a Christian... and I find myself having a frustrating time following what could be a very interesting sci-fi show because of all the obvious Christian emphasis within the show. Really, ABC couldn't be more blatant in its ideological support for a specific (and American centric religious) view. I'm mildly entertained and extremely insulted at the same time. Do I watch merely to list reasons to disavow anything associated with Disney and the religious right..., or do I watch to be sick with basic cable and fundamentalist views in America.
The show has nice effects and plenty of nice potential for an excellent science fiction series, but fails as a vehicle for religious dogma and prime-time limp drama.
Man yan (2004)
Raw Chinese cinematography at its finest.
An elegantly surprising real life experience via film that is highly character driven and makes excellent use of the camera in portraying a realistic environment throughout Beijing. 'Pirated Copy' - the films English title - uses the Black Market DVD peddlers on the Beijing streets as the films backdrop for the films character driven focus on interactions between people and their passion for film. Primarily, the film focuses on two couples - that term would apply to the second in more of a future sense - amongst the Beijing DVD pirates and their clients. The currently important issue of copyrights infringement/piracy - especially in China - coupled with the cinematographic style convey a startling realistic sense of a documentary. If you liked 'Real Fiction' (2000) (Ki-duk Kim) from Korea, definitely see this more recent film from China.