JohnM63 Reviews

Obliterated (2023)

Totally crazy entertainment

[8/10 · 1 December 2023]

This will never be the best series of all times. There's hardly a story here (good guys chasing bad guys that have an a-bomb), but it does have: boobs, s*x (not sax or six), a lot of action, a fast pace, humor, drugs, d*cks (not ducks), numerous inconsistencies, laughable seriousness and kinda dunny dialogues at times.

This series is so crazy over the top, but well done, that it becomes really entertaining. Given the fast pace at times some slow (s*x and talk) scenes are not needed, but never in a way that it gets boring. Well, not for me anyway.

If you're looking for a serious well made thriller with a somewhat intelligent plot, then this is not for you. If you're looking for some straightforward and actually pretty well done and ridiculous fast paced entertainment, then this might just as well be for you.

Criminal Code (2023– )

Chaotic storytelling

[3/10 · 26 November 2023]

While the actual events on which this series is based may have been complex, there's no reason for chaotic storytelling.

The story seems to have no clear direction while it develops through repeated and illogical flashbacks, pointless scenes that add nothing, and various plotholes and bad decisions.

After for episodes I gave up disappointed. The few action scenes are ok, cinematography is ok, acting not to bad, but all in all it remains a chaotic soup of events. For sure it will be entertaining enough for some, I just expected more.

Whether the story is simply about a police officer seeking retribution, or about the introduction of DNA in the Brazilian forensic mix, or maybe about both, ... the result is a mess due to poor decisions (or lack thereof) in the scenario.

Victim Number 8 (2018)

How to ruin a good story

[4/10 · 30 August 2023]

The story as such is not new. Planning an attack on multiple people just for for the purpose of covering up a murder. The European and terrorist twist could have worked, but this series has been created with a total lack of love for storytelling and fil making.

The first two episodes are actually okay, but from there on it becomes a total mess. It seems like the makers were aiming more at creating plotholes than at telling a story. Acting is generally ok, but the scenario has it problems also with scenes that are pointless and a waste of time.

If you're not too critical then this series may be entertaining for you. Just don't expect too much. The makers wasted a potentially good story and it definitely does not deserve a 7 as an average rating.

Bulgasal (2021–2022)

Patience testing but not delivering

[5/10 · 21 August 2023]

I have tried three episodes, and was at that point at the end of my patience. This might have been a great epic drama spanning multiple centuries, but t fails in almost every aspect.

Dialogues are often just plain boring and seem to have time filling as only purpose. Characters are pretty flat. The basic premise has some credibility issues, not because this is alle about monsters, but foremostly because you keep wondering why for heavens sake it takes Bulgasal more than 600 yours to find and kill the woman that supposedly murdered his wife and kid. It makes no sense. It also makes to sense that 600 years ago all monsters were killed, but in this century they're back all of a sudden. Serious plot hole is for instance that the woman being chased has a sixth sense for monsters, but not for Bugasal. How come?

The real turn offs however are the slow pace, the numerous recaps on previous events and the seemingly endless stream of time fillers in de form of flashbacks and pointless uninspired dialogues.

After three episodes, it's enough for me. Constantly waiting for meaningful scenes is just not my thing.

Heart of Stone (I) (2023)

Entertaining enough, skip the Netflix bashers

[7/10 · 13 August 2023]

Admittedly this is not the best MI inspired ripoff, but it's pretty entertaining. Just skip past the netflix bashers and the 'critics' out to get some of the actors.

The storyline is pretty thin, but it checks out and has enough in it for some decent action. Acting is more than fair and the stunts and their photography are good.

As a spythriller it has the same credibility issues as the next one, including MI. Of course it does, that's why it's called fiction. Yes there are some stupid decisions, but that doesn't affect the entertainment, unless of course you're out to find them all so you can give some superficial review.

If you're into spy thrillers like MI, then you will most likely have a fun time watching this one.

Bushwick (2017)

Waste of time and money

[3/10 · 12 August 2023]

Totally ridiculous movie with a storyline that could not be thinner. Basically the story is about a woman that needsto get from point a to point b through a city with a lot of hostiles. It might just be another level in your next first person shooter game. Do not expect any character development, be prepared for some boring moments when the makers do try to achieve some character development, look forward to some pointless shootouts and just sit it out if you want to. Scenery iscardboard at times. The only thing worth some stars is the camerawork.

I tried but came to the above conclusion and wasted an hour and a half of my life 🙄😄

Shadowhunters (2016–2019)

Overacted, annoying

[3/10 · 28 July 2023]

I had had my hopes pretty high for this series. The basic story appeals, but currently at episode four, I've found out that this one is not for me.

The overacting, at times stupid dialogues, the way storylines develop, it just gets under my skin and not in a positive way. The characters are almost all caricatures of themselves and that starts to be irritating. The only character that is more or less ok is Simon, your typical nerd with however some unexpected character traits that appeal. Next to that the stlry line, has some serious credibility issues that go beyond the mere existence of another world full of demons etc. For instance the 'training' of Clary is just utterly ridiculous and as such shouldn't even be called proper training. Character development is just way to fast to be credible.

If you're able to look beyond all that and are into stories on demon hunters, elves, and vampires living in some reality that is undiscloesd to most 'normal' human beings, then this might just be right for you. I am left only with one question: how in earth's name were the makers able to get funding for four seasons.

Sleeping Dog (2023– )

Quality German crime drama

[9/10 · 26 June 2023]

Schlafende Hunde is a very well made German crime drama about a traumatized former police officer in search for what has caused his trauma. His story unfolds after the suicide of an innocent prisoner, for who's conviction he was largely responsible.

The story is original and told very well in six episodes. Every episode reveals a little more of the final plot. Build-up, scenario acting and dialogues are just fine. This series shows an intelligent combination of psychological drama, conspiracy and an atmosphere in which there's hardly any clarity as to who can be trusted.

A bit of a slow burner but just right. Definitely recommended.

Extraction (2020)

Totally ridiculous but entertaining for a while

[7/10 · 19 June 2023]

Just your ordinary action movie, not special. Extraction has a simple storyline that is not very original but serves very well in not being a distraction from the main purpose of this movie: action. Dialogues are accordingly. The action scenes are average and some beyond, but filmed quite well. The usual other ingredients are obviously there for no reason at all: betrayal, doublecrossing, a traumatized former soldier, druglords and corrupt police. Nothi g original. Just way over the top at times, but entertaining enough, though it required some patience.

Good movie if you have nothing better to do and are temporarily brain dead.

Scoop (2023– )

Great acting and more, but a horribly failing scenario

[6/10 · 19 June 2023]

Reading the many positive reviews and seeing the high average rating, I decided to watch this six episode series, based on true events.

At the end I was left disappointed . A closer look at the reviews reveals that many reviews are from people from India. India not only has a great film industry, but - as it turns out- also an army of people that tend to overrate films from their country.

Scoop does not suffer from poor acting, poor dialogues, sound or cinematography. On the contrary, these aspects are way above average and if they were the only factors to base judgment on, it would probably deserve 9 or 10 stars.

However, at the core of each series lies a story and - most importantly - the way it is told. The true events behind this series could have lead to a great series. However the scenario is a complete mess. The only aspect that remains upright is the tragic story of a journalist who is wrongfully detained. Everything else related to this (corruption of the police, ties between government and criminals etc.) remains largely in some sort of chaotic darkness. Maybe the true situation at the time was very complex. If that is the case then the scenario writer has the task to create some clarity so that the viewer is able to tell in a few sentences what it is about. No way the average viewer would succeed at doing this. There's just a garbage bag full of people, connections, names, events, interests etc., but never will you get the complete picture as a viewer.

For failing to tell the complete story in a clear and accessible way and leaving viewers in the dark as to important facts, I cannot rate this with more than 6 stars., Worse is that because of this failing scenario the case this series wants to make for freedom of press and against corruption weakens.

It still might be worth you while though.

Glória (2021)

Almost perfecties sixties spy drama

[8/10 · 17 June 2023]

Glória is a very well executed Portugese spy drama placed in the sixties during the cold war. The atmosphere feels realistic for this era and the cinematography is great.

The story is a bit of a slowburner, but will keep you watching. Glória obviously is not a hightech spectacular spy thriller, if only for the era in which it takes place. Instead it portrays the story of a Sovjet spy evolving around global decolonization, coldwar covert operations, love, opposing ideologies and war. Acting is above average as is the scenario.

Forget the countless very negative reviews that are often based on the fact that obviously some Portugese soap actors have found their role in this series. Some reviewers are obviously not able to look beyond previous telenovela roles.

Glória is near perfect. It has it's minor plot holes and smaller story lines that lack a decent end, but nothing disturbing or getting in the way of the plot.

If you like a slow burning, beautifully shot spy series, with enough twists and angles and a rather surprising end, then this series is for you.

Muted (2023)

Excellent psychological drama, well told

[9/10 · 14 June 2023]

Intriguing story that is told in just the right way to keep you watching. Piece by piece the final plot is revealed. Acting of especially the main character Sergio is great. I like the photography, nothing spectacular, but professional craftsmanship. Yes, the story has some plot holes and things that aren't realistic. The whole story is far from realistic. That's why it's a fictional story, so for me not a problem, unless it becomes plain stupid, which is not the case here. This is less a thriller than it is psychological drama evolving around giftedness, corruption, acceptance, being different and crime. Be prepared for an ending that is unexpected, as well as dramatic. Some questions remain unanswered, leaving room for a second series.

Well done and - contrary to other reviews - definitely recommended.

When Heroes Fly (2018)

Near perfect drama

[9/10 · 29 May 2023]

This is one of the best drama productions I have ever seen. I cannot understand the negative reviews other than that they are from people who entered this series with the wrong expectations.

Admittedly, the title of this series may put you on the wrong foot. This is not a story about heroes and not a story about heroic actions, even though I do not see anyone performing actions like the four guys in this story.

This series depicts a solid story of four friends, all in some way traumatized by war. After this war they find each other again in a common goal, finding a friend who presumably died some years ago.

From there a story develops about finding not only a lost friend, but also about what each of the four has lost in the past. Combine this with a search in de jungle of Colombia, ecountering a cult and a druglord, and you really get a very good story.

The story on the background of each of the main characters is being told through flashbacks. One can easily overuse flashbacks, but in this series they balance well with the current storyline and they help to get a better understanding. The pace of the evolving story is just right for ten episodes. It's only if you see good stories like fastfood, that your probably will be disappointed. Take your time and you will find that there's a purpose to almost every scene and the whole storyline feels balanced.

Acting, dialogues, scenario, photography, are just rock solid.

There are some minor weak points in the ninth episode, when there is some action between the goodies and the baddies, but nothing that would ruin the story.

Definitely recommended.

PS If you only see half of the first episode and stop after that to write a poor and pointless review, ... just don't. Don't give a story a chance if you don't want to, just don't bother letting others know about your opinion. It has no value.

Sky High (2023)

Effort without any result

[1/10 · 16 May 2023]

What kind of producer would spent money on a seven episode series that delivers nothing. Definitely one of the worst crime series I've ever seen and for sure my lowest rating so far. The problem is not in the acting or photography or even the dialogues.

Any series or filmshould at least have some sort of decent story with a proper beginning, a proper end and events in between that take you from a to b. The whole story and the scenario fail miserably at this. Actually there hardly is any story. There's only a bunch of events and action without any clear final destination where it should all come together. There's some Chinese gang that needs to be financially compensated. Why this is important to the story remains unclear and it only seems an excuses for some robbery. Talking about robberies: there's a whole bunch of them, all carried out by some group of low level gangsters with hardly any brains. Your average shoplifter is probably smarter. The whole series feels like an incoherent pandemonium of scenes going nowhere. The scenario fails miserably at multiple point such as sudden changes from daylight to night within the same car ride. It's shameful.

At episode six I began to wonder at how this could possibly end in an acceptable way in the last (seveenth) episode. It couldn't. The final episode makes it clear that there just isn't a final plot. It's all so poor that the end isn't even an anticlimax, it's just ... anticipated disappointment. Ok, the killer of Estrella has finally been found and killed. That's the only storyline that ends in a decent way. The rest of whatever lines there are, are simply left open, but not in the cliffhanger way.

The series was a total waste of time and effort and its main function is probably to give some young actors screentime. Have a go at it if you like incoherent 'stories'.

Six-Pack (2000)

Some classic charateristics, but hardly worth your while

[4/10 · 14 May 2023]

The film actually doesn't even start that bad. The starting scenes are quite strong, but from there the story goes downhill very quickly. The only things I liked are the music accompanying some scenes (classic suspense sound), the overall atmosphere and the photography The acting isn't that bad, but the story is just too simple, incredible and full of stupidity.

Cops, supposed to keep track of an undercover agent, are just miles away for no apparent reason, just to name one thing. Police work Comedy Caper style at best. Of course things go terribly wrong from there. Further incredibility is on its way when police arrive in full force, seemingly without any problem. Which is incredible, because the agents are basically on an illegal mission.

Scenes in Boston, when the French agent gets 'help' from an FBI agent to understand serial killers better, hardly contribute to the story and are irritating as no one in these scenes seems to be able tot talk English. It may be a small thing, but says a lot about the poor attention that has been paid to proper and somewhat intelligent scenario.

All I can say it that it's not a complete waste of your time because of the music, the atmosphere and photography, but be prepared to have you stupidity tolerance tested.

Queenmaker (2023– )

Excellent political drama

[9/10 · 14 May 2023]

I have to admit: after watching episode one I thought this would be one more on my list of Korean turn-offs. How wrong I was. The second episode really grabbed me and it did not disappoint. What a great, well executed drama on corruption, human evil and the struggle to have honesty, righteousness and justice prevail. It has some weak moments, but overall this series is outstanding and approaches for instance House of Cards. Acting and dialogues are generally top notch. This series will keep you on the edge of your seat while the storyline develops with an absurd mix of strikes and counterstrikes between political opponents. The good should prevail of course, but right into the last episode it is unclear if it will. Can't spoil yet, as I'm currently watching the last (11th) episode. See for yourself.

So far Korean cinema has not been able to make me a fan because of overacting, hysteria and poor storylines in many series and movies. Queenmaker however is a true gem. Definitely recommended and hoping for more of this in the future.

O sabor das margaridas (2018–2020)

Improving to near perfection

[8/10 · 11 May 2023]

Season 1 ******* Good build up of the storyline with enough tension to keep watching. Acting an dialogues are ok, even if at time they seem a little pointless. Camerawork is just fine but not special. Some scene switching is very abrupt and make you wonder what happened. There are definitely weaknesses in the scenario. Tgere are some events that don't add up, lack credibility ore are simply pointless. Check way below for some examples/spoilers. Hoewever, in the grand scheme of things, it works and will probably keep you watching. I rate this first season with 7 only because of the flaws in the scenario.

Season 2 ********* Wow, so much better than the first season. The story goes on where season one stopped. This time the story evolves even more around Eva and her psychological problems and has some interesting and surprising twists. The dog owner still has a role to play, but is remains unclear for a long time what this role is. He plays a major role in the open end of season two. I could hardly spot any major weaknesses. Season kept me hooked even more than season one. I rate this season with a 9.

The end shouts out that a third season is needed. However at this time it looks like there will never be one.

+++ SPOILER ALERT +++ Scenario flaws in season 1

The dog Dori is never returned. The rightful owner knows she is found but no one in the family ever comes up with the idea to pick her up. Not credible.

Multiple scenes make you wonder on the purpose of the scene. We see some confrontations obviously to make some point, but without any relationship with the storyline.

Out of the blue there's (ep. 5), suddenly a meeting of the bad gays, revealing those. Why this meeting all of a sudden? It feels like the storyline got stuck and with one more episode to go, not enough time to reveal the bad gays in a more intelligent way.

The car chase in ep. 6 is just ridiculous and not needed. The cop backs off when the bad guy pulls a gun. Understandable, but why then not simply shoot the tires when he leaves, instead of following him through dense woods without any backup or even callling it in. Just stupid, especially the outcome.

Remember You (2021– )

Test for your patience. I failed.

[3/10 · 6 May 2023]

Triggered by the high average rating I started watching this series. After episode two I gave up. The story may have potential, but the scenario just does not deliver. It is full of twists and events that are simple not credible enough. Acting is mediocre at most, as are dialogues, which are at times als don't add up. Many scenes are just too long winded and a true test for your patience. I'm a fan of slowly developing plots, but here it just seems to go nowhere.

It has been said in other reviews, this series could probably be a lot shorter and compact. The longwindedness causes the scenario to loose momentum.

The sound design in this series stands out, but not in a positive way. Music is ok, but other sounds such a ticking clocks and a beating heart, start becoming a nuisance pretty quickly. Taking all that into account then 16 episodes is just too much for my patience.

Rough Diamonds (2023– )

Reasons enough to overrate

[6/10 · 5 May 2023]

This series provides a nice insight into jewish culture and into the diamond industry in Antwerp. The dense atmosphere that goes with a relatively closed culture that has it's own rules and values, is well portrayed.

But these are probably the most interesting aspects of this series. The story itself is all over the place with no clear plot in sight. There's a constant back and forth between plans, their failures, the repairs, threats that come and go. Continuous fuss on who's loving who and why or why not. It gets irritating at some point.

Acting is poor (especially the actors playing their roles in the district attorney ofices) to mediocre. Somehow you keep hanging in there waiting for a new unexpected twist in the storyline, but it never comes. There's quite a few unlikable characters her of which the female district attorney stands out. For some of the characters it's more or less clear why they have to be unlikable, for the district attorney this is unclear. Her unlikeability really has no function other than stirring up things at the office without this being needed or essential for the story.

There's the suggestions of development of the characters, but also this does not seem to go anywhere. This series has onsets to all kinds of developments in the storyline but is hardly ever able to deliver.

I liked the scenery, the insight given into a culture. Definitely not bad, but all in all just too little to justify a high rating.

Caliphate (2020)

Impressive

[8/10 · 2 May 2023]

Very well made series on radicalization, the ease with which young people can be influenced, the harshness of intelligence, vulnerabilty and the regret when living 'the truth'. We can easily relate the theme of this serie to other forms of radicalism like that in other religions and even that in current conspiracy theory supporters. The mechanism is general and applies to more than just islam.

The story develops along a couple of lines which al come together near the end. Acting, screenplay and dialogues are good. The story would probably be marked as lacking credibility if it where not that we can witness radicalism and radicalization all around us. There's lessons to be learned from this series, but if you are not interested in that, you will probably still have a good screen time watching Kalifat. The story is solid, well told and has the intenseness you would expect from a series that evolves around a planned terrorist attack. Recommended.

Copycat Killer (2023– )

Near perfection

[10/10 · 25 April 2023]

I was really surprised by this Taiwanese produstion. The title might suggest a 'been there, seen that', but if you dive in you will soon realize that that idea as far from what is at play in this series.

Actually - as far as I can see - the title must be a bad translation of the original title, as this story has nothing to do with a copycat killer. This story is about a serial killer, but not in the way you would expect. It is in that unexpectedness (starting to be revealed from episode six) where one of the qualities lies.

The scenario is top notch with hardly any superfluous scene, good dialogues, great suspense and a balance between present and flashbacks. Acting is good, plain and without the hysteria regularly found in Asian production. This series could easily measure up with film noir movies. The slowly developing final plot has just the right pace. At episode five you might feel like 'this is it' when the killer is 'caught'. You may think 'what else could her be with five more episodes to go? ' Then from episode six you'll dive even deeper in this horrendous story. This twist in the storyline takes the story to a next level.

Very well done, but probably not for everyone.

The Glory (2022– )

Good, but plenty of room for improvement

[7/10 · 21 April 2023]

The story as such is great. A woman seeks revenge for the harm done to her in high school. Her plan is for the long term and requires patience and intelligence. The actor playing her role performs very well, as does her helper/friend and the old lady houekeeper that come into play. The scenario is also fine, even if it is more elaborate than needed.

The latter results in some pointless scenes that hardly add to the story. Add to that the vast amount of simple, awkward and plain ridiculous dialogues, the overacting in some of the roles (especially the bad guys and girls), the ridiculous self-talk, the aloud reading of text messages (why?), I understand that Korean people are more expressive in their emotions than we are in the west. The hysteria of some of the characters however is just too much to take most of the times. In this series it was just bearable. It is not hard to conclude that this intelligent and captivating story could have been told so much better.

Despite all that however, there's enough in the story itself to keep you watching till the last episode. And ... the closer you get to the end, the better it gets with some really beautiful scenes. Not enough however for a 7+ rating.

The Society (2019)

Been there, seen it all before

[3/10 · 12 April 2023]

The idea behind this story is far from new. Throw a couple of yougsters in a closedof society without any adults, and see what happens. I made it to episode three hoping/expecting a at least somewhat interesting story.

Nothing of that, just what you would expect. Teenage conflict, rivalry, violence, looting, jealousy, sex issues, love issues, attempts at organising some form of society and responsibility, resistance obviously, drugs, alcohol, testosteron, tough talk, blah blah. . Just same old, same old. Nothing new, nothing interesting. It just drags on.

Some of the reviews state it becomes better after a few episodes. That might be, but I just keep wondering what went wrong producing this series when it needs three or more hours of nothingness before something interesting happens. Failed project, wasted money and at least three hours wasted.

Don't Let Go (2019)

Interesting idea, well worked out

[7/10 · 11 April 2023]

Loved the movie, because of the concept and the way the story is told. After a family is brutally muredered, the uncle of the family receives a call from his niece, who was also killed.

After this the storyline unfolds in a scenario in which different timelines are mixed, which may be confusing if you take you're eyes of a minute. Scenario, acting and dialogues are fine. Especially the niece pllays her role nicely in a credible way, despite her age. This is your typical combination of crime and the supernatural (no science fiction here). Intelligently made and worth your while, despite the somewhat predictable plot. From my point of view underrated.

Public Enemy (2016–2023)

Strong story about resilience, strength and evil

[8/10 · 11 April 2023]

A horrifying story about a convicted child murderer and the unavoidability of evil. Also however a story about hope, resilience and strength of victims of abuse.

This series mostly leans on the strength of the story, not so much on scenario, quality of acting, characters, scenery and photography. They're all ok, even if there are some flaws in the scenario and some events that lack credibility.

You may feel disappointed halfway through the series, after the group of women are found and ask yourself where the story is going. Just sit it out, don't give up. The story is strong and you will not be disappointed with this story that is loosely based on actual events.