leeleejensen Reviews

Justified: City Primeval: The Question (2023) Season 1, Episode 8

What the hell was that?

[7/10 · 30 August 2023]

After 7 arduous episodes, we finally made it to the finale of Justified: City Primeval. Everything had been built up for a big showdown between Raylan, Mansell and The Albanians. And while it has created more questions about Raylan's morality, the built up showdown between the main players was somewhat anticlimactic. After executing the Albanians in cold blood, Mansell is gunned down when Raylan miscontrues him grabbing his prized 'Seven Nation Army' Cassette for him reaching for his gun. Raylan keeps in contact with Carolyn, moves back to Florida and we get a Winona cameo, wrapping the series up neatly.

But the main talking point, of course, will be the return of Walton Goggins as Boyd Crowder. Shoehorned in with 10 minutes to run in the series, Boyd is introduced in prison and subsequently escaping with the help of a female prison guard. Raylan receives a call and the series ends with him unsure on whether to pick up. It all feels like a nailed on setup for another series. And while the series was passable if not outstanding as a whole, the final scenes make it appear like nothing more than a tease of a "real" return to Justified, back in Kentucky.

Something I would be very excited about it's worth noting.

7/10 for the episode and the series.

Lucky Hank (2023)

Why did Bob choose this show?

[6/10 · 25 March 2023]

To be honest, I'm surprised this show was even made.

In a couple of months when the full season is out I may come across as a fool and this may be an outstanding piece of comedy television, but based off the first 2 episodes, I am not optimistic. I am confused as to what the hook is to this show, it appears to simply be exaggerated and yet uninteresting events occurring around a beleaguered Odenkirk and his shockingly unmemorable cast of side "characters". Odenkirk does chew through the large majority of lines with a believable animosity towards the world and tempered rage as a man suffering a mid life crisis, but even his good, if not outstanding, performance is not enough to save an essentially premise-less series.

I have not read the source material. I don't know if it has the depth to sustain a series or if this series (so far) is just a weak adaptation. Either way, it needs to improve rapidly and find some grounding in some form of a plot, as so far I have been felt unsatisfied by the episodes that have been released.

Party Down: First Annual PI2A Symposium (2023) Season 3, Episode 3

Entertaining political satire

[10/10 · 17 March 2023]

I can understand some of the review bombing for this episode, as it is not subtle in the jabs it takes at both sides of the political spectrum (the far right and the privileged left in particular). However, this doesn't stop this episode from being wholly entertaining with some genuine laughs, continuing a strong reboot for the series.

The new season as a whole has been successful so far in that it has brought back the humour and life of the old series while still not losing it's optimism in spite of it's cynical lead and the fact it's been nearly 15 years since the original story took place. Here's to hoping it keeps it's quality over the next episode.

Teen Wolf: The Movie (2023)

An Enjoyable but Uninspired follow up

[7/10 · 26 January 2023]

I, like I assume the vast majority reading this, was a huge fan of teen wolf when it was air. I started watching after season 1 finished and loved the series. I was hesitant approaching this film with the marketing and casting disasters, as well as the fact I don't have complete faith in Jeff Davis. That said, I actually found the film to be very enjoyable. The plot was somewhat thin, and at times felt like an extended episode of the series as opposed to a standalone film, but it had enough substance to keep me engaged. It obviously had a healthy dollop of fan service (and probably even more cheese than the series), with the vast majority of the original cast returning, and the return of a certain character was actually handled pretty well. If you're a fan of the series I think you will enjoy the film, but don't expect a masterpiece, because it certainly has it's flaws too.

FIFA 23 (2022 Video Game)

It's the same game

[1/10 · 19 November 2022]

It's the same game every year dude, the only changes are it gets slightly more buggy and bad. Don't waste your money just play FIFA 15 that was the last time the game improved at all. Anyway 100 characters are required so imma just write 300 words then copy paste the whole thing again. In summary, bad game, dont buy. It's the same game every year dude, the only changes are it gets slightly more buggy and bad. Don't waste your money just play FIFA 15 that was the last time the game improved at all. Anyway 100 characters are required so imma just write 300 words then copy paste the whole thing again. In summary, bad game, dont buy.

Killing It (2022– )

Not great

[5/10 · 15 July 2022]

No real story here to get involved in and I found most characters to be grating to downright annoying (Claudia O'Doherty is a talented actress and comedian, but her role in this was just intolerable). Really expected more from a great creative team and solid cast (Big CR fan), but hey, if there's absolutely nothing else to do it's still watchable.

The Lost City (2022)

Underwhelming

[4/10 · 11 June 2022]

Not much to say that hasn't been said in other reviews, regarding the plot, but i'll just say that the trailer had me expecting a funny adventure with some romance and action, and while there was elements of all of those, none of it felt cohesive enough to be a good story. I felt very bored by the end.

Windfall (2022)

Flawed Drama/Thriller is Suspenseful but Hollow

[7/10 · 3 April 2022]

I can understand a lot of the hate this film is getting. It's confused in it's tone at times, the score is overused to the point it feels like a satire of itself and it lacked real emotional attachment to the characters. That being said, it's well made, exquisitely acted and has you 100% engaged from the first scene. The punishingly slow buildup, while tedious on many occasions, is successful in building the tension between the characters and forming important dynamics that lead into a shocking (while at the same time somewhat predictable) finale. I wouldn't watch it again, but at the same time I don't feel aggrieved to have spent my 90 minutes watching this. 7/10.

Voodoo Vince (2003 Video Game)

One of the greats

[10/10 · 2 February 2022]

An absolute nostalgia trip if you played the original, and a colourful fun platformer if you didnt, this game is just as alive as it ever was, and enjoyable as all hell. Grab yourself a copy and have a blast, it'd be hard not to.

Perfect 10.

The Tourist (2022–2024)

Massive under representation of Indigenous characters for a show set in central Aus.

[7/10 · 2 January 2022]

I've just finished the third episode and while i've enjoyed it so far, I can't wrap my head around the casting of this show. Maybe if you're going to set a show in outback australia then cast some indigenous actors to give some credence to the setting. Take notes from Mystery Road next time.

Hypnotic (2021)

Great Acting Papers Over The Cracks

[6/10 · 27 October 2021]

There was a lot of potential for this movie, which is ultimately what will leave a lot of viewers disappointed. It's by no means a bad film, its tightly paced, superbly acted and has an intriguing enough plot to engross you into the story, The problem is that all these elements were taken advantage of but never expanded on, as the film never progresses out of its own comfort zone into more ambitious territory. Without giving up too much of the plot, after an excellent opening that sets a great tone that is then somewhat letdown, the rest of the film unravels in a predictable fashion, with nothing you havent seen before taking the movie to the next level. Give it a watch if you like psychological thrillers or just need a popcorn movie to pass the time, but don't raise your expectations too high, clearly the scriptwriters never did.

Breaking Bad: Felina (2013) Season 5, Episode 16

The perfect ending to the perfect show.

[10/10 · 26 March 2021]

This show will never be forgotten. The title says it all. This is the best there ever was and the best there ever will be.

The Host (2006)

Steady Decline

[6/10 · 25 January 2021]

I have mixed feelings about this film. On one hand the first attack is one of the best creature feature sequences in film history in my opinion. The curiosity of the public to this big octopus looking creature in the water leading into the sheer panic and dread as the camera pans onto it charging towards the group from a distance without changing camera angles is purely brilliant and horrifying, and the ensuing madness (in particular a scene inside a large container) is truly terrifying to witness. However, after this initial attack, the film slowly devolves into a second rate family drama with less intense and spread out attacks from the continually less intimidating beast. The conclusion nearly wraps up the film but the expectations built up by the first 20 minutes lead to an ultimately disappointing viewing experience. That said, the film is far superior to the majority of Hollywood monster movies and is worth watching just for the harrowing opening scenes, so give it a watch if you're looking for an inconsistent but watchable creature feature.

The Descent (2005)

A claustrophobic nightmare

[10/10 · 22 January 2021]

I don't want to give too much more away than you get from the synopsis, but this film gets your pulse racing well before the creatures are brought into the occasion. An atmospheric, claustrophobic nightmare that could best be described as Sanctum (2011) with monsters, this is a must watch for any horror fan.

Justified: Shot All to Hell (2014) Season 5, Episode 5

One of the most badass television episodes ever!

[10/10 · 21 January 2021]

I won't get into too many details of the episode, but what a gem it is. Thrust into the middle of the mess that is season 5, Tudyk's shotgun wielding bad guy and Art's Raylan-esque stand off are just my picks from what is an unbelievably entertaining episode. If you're planning on skipping season 5, don't. Just for this episode alone.

Parks and Recreation: The Debate (2012) Season 4, Episode 20

One of the funniest episodes in television history.

[10/10 · 28 December 2020]

Three times in this episode I had to pause to catch my breath because I was laughing so hard. Paul Rudd is an American Icon.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine: The Box (2018) Season 5, Episode 14

10 doesn't seem high enough!

[10/10 · 24 December 2020]

The best bottle episode ever. Period. And probably the best Brooklyn Nine Nine episode as well.

Outrageous Fortune (2005–2010)

Incredibly underrated

[10/10 · 19 September 2020]

I'll start by saying the only reason I came across this show is because I watch too much TV and was enticed by the prospect of Antony Starr playing twins. I'm not a New Zealander and I've never heard anybody mention the show, but I thought given the high rating on here it was worth a shot. Boy was it. The show blends uproarious humour with characters that are surprisingly easy to get attached to, with brilliant acting (particularly from Antony Starr of course) making this one of the best niche tv comedies you'll find. Definitely worth a watch.

Ted Lasso (2020–2023)

Deeper than it looks

[10/10 · 3 September 2020]

On first appearances, with the light tone and zany characters this might just look like a goofball comedy that accomplished nothing but making the viewer laugh, which is fine. But what sets this show apart from the rest is the heart, the charismatic protagonist, excellent supporting cast and great character development. Ted Lasso manages to create an actual intriguing storyline while still being uproariously funny, leaving me looking forward until the new episode is released each week. Although football fans may have wanted a bit more proficiency in translating the beautiful game into the big screen, it's serves its purpose well and I would definitely recommend it to any fan of the sport.

The Gentleman Driver (2018)

83 minutes of putrid self indulgence

[1/10 · 1 September 2020]

Don't waste your time on this one, unrelatable people bragging about how good they have it.

Lucifer: It Never Ends Well for the Chicken (2020) Season 5, Episode 4

TV Noir done right.

[8/10 · 21 August 2020]

As someone who doesn't like films or shows set in the prohibition area, I was disheartened at the start of the episode when I realised what was about to unfold. Thankfully through snappy dialogue and entrancing character dynamics, as well as creative cinematography, I was drawn into the formulaic-yet-intriguing plot of the episode. It could be argued to be a filler but it is a worthy admission into the lucifer universe and a solid 8/10.

Lucifer: Really Sad Devil Guy (2020) Season 5, Episode 1

Don't listen to the 1s and 10s

[8/10 · 21 August 2020]

It was a good episode, in my opinion not a letdown but after the long wait fans might have hoped for a little more. A solid lucifer episode that doesn't stand among the best but served its purpose well, the cast were stellar as usual but the plot surrounding the case was a little thin. Probably between a 6-8 depending on your preferences.

Officer Downe (2016)

This Movie is Absolutely Terrible. I love it.

[5/10 · 12 July 2020]

The dialog, the aesthetics, the zany characters, the acting is all so brilliantly bad. The thing is, the movie leans into the horrible qualities of the film so heavily that it stops acting as a film and acts more as a performance art piece, and creates a masterclass of entertaining yet unwatchably stupid action, mental story lines and an overall shockingly great movie.

Event Horizon (1997)

Doesn't age well

[5/10 · 2 July 2020]

I remember watching this a decade ago around the age of 10 and was sufficiently frightened, but revisiting this film 10 years later and I spent most of the film checking the time waiting for it to be over. The actors do a passable job for a horror film but any intense or "scary" scenes are undermined by laughable CGI and the sheer ridiculousness of the concept.

He's Out There (2018)

Spent the entire time hoping the kids would die.

[1/10 · 20 June 2020]

Just shut up. Shut up. Shut your faces you annoying terrible actors. You ruined this movie with your high pitch repetitive whining and shrieking, I spent the whole film hoping that both children would die so that they'd finally stop shrieking.