stefgrig Reviews

Don't Look Up (2021)

Depressing really. But in a good way.

[9/10 · 24 December 2021]

This movie is supposed to make a point. And it is well made. Laughter, laughter is indeed necessary, when you are telling such a story, with such a powerful truth under it.

Some things should never be political.

We are missing that point even as it hits us in the face. In some things we should be united, strong, and let our ego's go. Let our ideologies go.

We are becoming more and more controllable. These ideas, attached to our ego's are doing that. Ideas and ideologies should be challengeable.

As for the movie, it is up there with Idiocracy. Signs of things that can become true if we are not careful. I cannot predict the future. Nobody can. But we can get glimpses of possible ones.

This is of course political satire, and it is sometimes brash, sometimes elegant. And it can be funny and entertaining, or terrifying, especially if you understand the volatile nature of the cosmos.

Are we as inept as this movie portrays us ? And I mean as a whole, as a species. I like to think we are not. But I'm also sure there are scientists out there feeling like the protagonists, even as we speak. And that's depressing really.

The New Mutants (2020)

New lows , but a few highs.

[7/10 · 8 November 2020]

The premise is definitely interesting. This new take on how hard and terrible it can be to come into mutant powers. You can almost understand the need for containment, for the protection of both the mutants and the rest of the people. Then, there is the also interesting premise that there is always someone ready to take advantage of a crisis.

This is a movie that could have stood on those two legs alone and be great. But they blew it. No character development, no cohesion, bad acting with a couple of exceptions. Bad script and bad direction.

Why a 7/10 then you ask ? Because I love the premise. I don't want to let it fade into oblivion. I believe that it can be picked up for a great series. Just the premise. Casting was all wrong except for Illyana and maybe Dr Reyes.

Let just the movie fade into deserved oblivion, but keep the premise. Its fresh and interesting.

Blood of Zeus (2020– )

As flawed as gods and heroes of Greek mythology, but a worthy tale as such.

[8/10 · 27 October 2020]

If you delve into Greek mythology, a pattern emerges. Zeus, cant keep it in his pants. And it leads to some interesting tales.

Greek heroes and gods alike, are frequently slaves to their passions. Flawed, imperfect beings, finding their way through a life of tragedies and triumphs. This tale is well done in this regard.

Aesthetically pleasing and an entertaining story, short of a masterpiece but still worth the time to watch.

Recommended.

Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)

Mediocre if you are a fan of the franchise, a bit of a mess but still fun if you are not.

[5/10 · 16 January 2020]

To start off, the scenario is a mess, and kind of a rehash of T2. Completely changes the story, with the introduction of Skynet v2. A few things make sense. The intend here is probably to dazzle with bold action scenes and CGI. It is what it is. The great time machine that washes away everything.

Acting wise , Linda Hamilton is great. She brings the old Sarah Connor back , that beloved kick ass character we all missed. Mackenzie Davis is great too, but she is not given much to work with. Arnold looks like he is having fun with it. I'm sure his paycheck plays a big role in that. The new savior of humanity is kinda without a presence. Wooden, lifeless. But the biggest disappointment is the villain terminator. A non threatening, bland, chatty robot, that fails to intimidate. New trick tech kinda works, but its far from enough to save the character.

I'm not really mad. And it is not really that bad. What makes it bad, is the context in which it was presented, as the new T2. But the writing is weak. Pointless really. I kinda went through it having no expectations and maybe that is why I am not mad that they killed it everything we loved about T2.

That's life. People out to make a buck.

Where to Invade Next (2015)

An excellent documentary and an even better idea.

[10/10 · 29 September 2016]

Intelligence is all about ideas. To be discussed, questioned, adopted or criticized.

This is a simple question. Can we be better than we are now? It is presented as a jigsaw puzzle of sorts. A puzzle of ideas. When we take a good look to what societies around the world have already achieved, can we pick the greatest achievements and ideas, and apply them to the whole world ? The idea is presented in an innovative way. A way that criticizes USA policy, but in a way that makes you think. And while the target is the US of A, it is as global an idea as it can be. Do we as citizens of the world, understand what is truly best for all of us ?

Part of this idea, is that we shouldn't be afraid to entertain an idea. The notion that an idea will pollute your mind, or that you are helpless against it, is pure nonsense.

I loved this documentary. Sometimes a witty and straightforward way to communicate an idea is the best. Quite a feather in the cap of Mr Moore.

The Legend of Hercules (2014)

The legend brought tears to my eyes ... tears of anguish

[2/10 · 5 April 2014]

Hercules. The legend.

There has never been a hero like him. Literally. This is not the hero of mythology. This is just a guy that bears the same name. Some similarities do exist. Son of Zeus, a Chiron in his life. Thats about it.

But I wont hold it against this movie. It never claims mythological accuracy , and how accurate should we be when its a myth anyways ?

The fact is that it is a shallow movie. Not very coherent. And I loved the idea of a blond Hercules with a spray on tan, don't we all ? I don't want to spend much of your time , so I will go ahead and say it. This is Gladiator , the way it should have never been done. Soulless , the action seems forced and graceless , the characters are paper thin. Sotiris (Liam McIntyre) and queen Alcmene(Roxanne McKee) the notable exceptions , and the only two that breathed a bit of life into this movie. But there's only so much you can do.

A bit disappointed. There are so many ways you can go when you write a mythological character. Go for drama with well thought out action , or go for the effects extravaganza and a flamboyant hero. This is, well, its nothing. Hercules is a tormented hero, not wanted by his stepfather ,hunted by his true fathers wife (Hera). There's a reason people loved and propagated this story through the ages. It's a good story. Instead we have to suffer through every boring cliché ? If you change a story , at least make it better. Good change we can forgive , its entertainment we seek .

Some action , some cheap effects , but I was constantly tempted to skip ahead , and Im not a guy that does that regularly . Once I got wind of what this is , I suffered through it just to be able to warn people not to waste their time. Oh the sacrifices we make for our fellow man :P

Avoid in my humble opinion , you have been warned

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013–2020)

Talking about downhill

[1/10 · 30 November 2013]

I will get right to it. Started kinda mediocre. With the exception of agent Coulson, characters are predictable, uninteresting. The cases are, with the exception of a couple, boring to laughable. Still watched nine episodes, having high hopes, as I have seen a number of series starting slowly but developing into great shows.

But episode after episode this was getting worse and finally number nine did it. It is pure nonsense. I just don't want to watch this anymore. And I loved Avengers , and I love science fiction and superhero stuff in general.

Disappointing....

This Is the End (2013)

I love it when actors make fun of themselves

[7/10 · 16 September 2013]

This is not to be taken seriously. This is not a serious movie in any way possible , it is just a movie . An entertainment bit . These guys more than anything else make fun of themselves and rather courageously I might add they mock their supposed lives. They take it too far times ten yes , but isn't that what a comedian is supposed to do ?

I loved it. But then again I don't have any Christian sensibilities, gay people or references to gay acts don't insult me , they leave me rather indifferent.

I had the distinct feeling that these guys were having a ton of fun doing this , and I had fun watching this . Laughed my ass off at times , cringed a couple times too. Gore / puke is not my cup of tea , but hey , some people enjoy it.

To sum it up I had a blast watching this. May not be for everyone though , these guys along with themselves make fun of everything.

Hammer of the Gods (2013)

No thunder...

[3/10 · 2 June 2013]

I tried to like "Hammer of the gods", tried really hard. But it reminded me of a bad version of the excellent series Vikings, having none of what is good about it.

No character is developed enough, the action feels cheap and forced. Focus is lost constantly throughout the movie , and the story lacks cohesion. Violence serves no purpose, it is uninspired and dull , even disturbing at times. It is very disappointing to see a classic story and a chance for something good , wasted as much.

Acting is not so bad, I kinda liked Eliot Cowan (Hakan) and Clive Standen (Hagen) whose role is the same as in Vikings, and hes rather good at it. The rest felt direction-less and anemic.

They should have copied Vikings more.

The Following (2013–2015)

This should be called "The Screwup"

[1/10 · 24 April 2013]

I really tried to like this series. James Purefoy is excellent as the brilliant psycho , and Kevin Bacon is not bad at all.

But this turned out to be a comedy. Its just one screwup after another. Almost slapstick. They took it too far. Nobody can be this incompetent. And nothing subtle or minor , HUGE screw-ups.

*spoiler alert* At one point a bad guy cuffed to a radiator suggests the FBI agent leaves the room so he can get better cell reception, and the agent actually does it. I don't mind a bit shallow or cliché , but this is too much times ten. *spoiler alert end*

It is embarrassing to watch.

The Fades (2011)

Great show , original and breathtaking .

[9/10 · 12 June 2012]

I really have my expectations lowered these days , most series seem to follow a formula , and while most aren't bad , they aren't good either . Well thats how I feel , and maybe the problem is me watching too many of them .

But every now and then a diamond comes along , a surprise , a series that achieves excellence in so many departments that perfection is within reach . And I don't write these words lightly .

This is one of those diamonds . What a wonderful surprise . This geeky couple of friends will win you over from the first scene . They pulse with life , so fully fleshed a character set I have not seen for a long time . And a great story . So unexpected , so full of twists and turns .

But you get even more . A villain that you can understand . A tortured soul that only wants to live . A group of heroes that has no clear cut mission , having to withstand so much ..

Add excellent acting , atmosphere , a plot that just makes you want more , and here it is lady's and gents , The Fades . I love it , and I bet you will too .

Cougar Town (2009–2015)

To think I almost didn't watch it for its title ....

[10/10 · 19 February 2012]

Truth be told , I almost never watched this for its title . I caught a halfway show on TV and laughed my butt out , and I was all like "what is this show , I gotta watch this " . And now , I've got a lot more laughing in my life . And I'm a little wiser too , know not to judge a TV show by its title .

I expected something else altogether , but got more , a lot more than I expected . I guess it isn't for everyone . Some people may even find some jokes offensive . This is not a politically correct show . It flaunts human weakness and desire , and celebrates some of it . As it should be . We are all struggling to find our way , and if we cant laugh at our shortcomings we are doomed to a gloomy existence ..

But this show is funny . I mean wine coming out of your nostrils funny . Maybe its because I'm 40ish and I love Courteney . But its been years I laughed so much , and I recommend it to anyone that needs some of that :)

Dragon Age II (2011 Video Game)

A story driven game , less of an rpg than the 1st one

[8/10 · 27 August 2011]

First time I run it I was disappointed . Combat felt weird , the start was a little weak story wise . I almost quit right there and then .

But I decided to give it a chance , and I'm so glad I did . Visuals are stunning , combat animations excellent . But these are not this game's strong points ...

Its all about the story . While the main story is not as inspired as the 1st one , there's a distinct atmosphere built , a personal story of accomplishment , supported by the many many side and companion quests . And your companions feel alive . Voice acting is hands down the best I've seen in a game . Companions have personalities so vivid and perky , that at times I forgot they are just graphics . You can pursue relationships , loose them , there's a full story behind each and every one of them .

Classes are distinct in role and fun while playing them , and I finished this game with all of them . While the storyline is mostly linear , there are some choices that can effect the game strongly , like loosing a member of your family . The dialogs between your party members while you run around are much fun also .

Battles can be as action or as strategic as you like , since you can pause the game to give commands to every party member , or just hack away at enemies . Higher difficulty settings may require you to pause and consider strategy more .

Overall , if you value atmosphere and rich characters , this is a masterpiece .

Alphas (2011–2012)

Most of the reviews are premature , this has potential

[9/10 · 26 July 2011]

It keeps getting better . Episode 1 was , lets say unremarkable . An introduction , but with most of the cards hidden . But episode 2 gets things going . Opens up possibilities , starts giving us a background for the characters . And there is a transformation in progress , a group of misfits starts to become a team .

I do like the psychological aspect of it . And I will give this series a chance , will not judge it from 1 or 2 episodes . There are series that started of slowly and matured into greatness . "The event" is one example , even though they never got back most of the viewers they lost due to a slow start , in my opinion its their loss , as the series turned into one of the best .

I think this is a series that will surprise me more with episodes to come , and I will keep watching it . Characters are quirky , damaged and interesting , and the concept of alphas gives the series a huge white-board to sketch anything they want on it .

I for one am looking forward for more .

The Event (2010–2011)

Ignore the mediocre start and you will be amazed

[9/10 · 23 July 2011]

I started watching this due to nothing else being available at the time . My first impressions were "I seen this before , but its watchable" . So I stuck with it , and followed our clueless but ingenious and determined hero through many adventures. It wasn't until after the 10th or so episode that it hit me , this turned out a lot better than than I imagined it ! By the 10th episode , I was a believer . Lots of things going on , a lot of action , a great plot , many twists . This is a great show overall ! Villains are not clear cut , but tormented and remorseful , some follow orders reluctantly , some know they have no choice . Peace turns into war , reality hits a timid leader hard , unlikely heroes emerge , everything changes . I can't but recommend it , this was a pleasant surprise and I cant wait for more :)

Drunken Master II (1994)

This is without a doubt the single greatest martial arts movie .

[10/10 · 16 July 2011]

This is in many ways , a typical Jackie Chan movie . Entertaining , funny , full of action .

But the action is unbelievable . It is SO well done that in in my humble opinion it will be the yardstick to measure every other martial arts movie . There is only a handful of movies that can hold a candle to this ones choreography , action , dedication .

And full of action it is . The fighting scenes take the better part of the movie , and every second of it is brilliant . The end scene in the steel mill is the best of its kind . Inventive , intense , brilliant in every aspect .

It is the single greatest martial arts movie , and a deserving 10/10 .

Knockout (2011)

What if karate-kid was a boxing-kid ?

[6/10 · 12 May 2011]

Well this is a story told lots of times , the underdog that comes out alright in the end .And it feels a bit like the karate kid goes boxing . And I'm not really a Steve Austin fan .

But strangely enough it works . The story while not original kept me , and that's saying a lot . The box-kid is an interesting character so is Steven Austin as coach . Austin is not a great actor , but he makes up to it with attitude and stature . And in my opinion keeping it real was smart .

Not much else to say , I enjoyed it , but nothing to write home about . While I think it appeals mostly to teens , its not a bad movie for any age , and I for one like the "you can do it if u set your mind to it " message .

Stone (2010)

Someone dropped the ball....

[4/10 · 12 January 2011]

De Niro , Norton and Jovovich . Quite the cast I'd say , but thats all there is to it .

The start is really interesting , both De Niro and Norton giving top notch performances . But then everything is lost as the movie looses focus and struggles to define itself . What starts of as a thriller goes nowhere trying to answer existential questions . No character is developed enough , the background stories clumsy and incomplete and thats in my opinion what killed this movie . No cohesion and a weak ending is the coup de grace .

Edward Norton is one of my favorite actors , so is De Niro . Im so disappointed that this didn't work out .

Battlestar Galactica (2004–2009)

Redefines the sci-fi scene !

[10/10 · 28 November 2010]

I will try to be brief , but this is one of the most complete sci-fi series out there , so I must make some points.

People either love it or hate it , which is a big mystery to me . I guess like everything in life , it comes down to what you expect . This is not similar to anything else you may have seen . There are no heroes , no clear cut villains , everyone makes mistakes , everyone changes . Cylons start out as children holding a grudge , misguided and full of rage . They feel like they have been enslaved , robbed of their right to be recognized as sentient beings. They try too hard to prove that they are loved by their replacement father (god) , since their original father (humanity) never did . Are self aware machines alive ? Are they wrong to try to find out ?

Humanity and Cylons mature together , in a journey that has unexpected turns and twists . All they believe in turns out to be a lie or a misconception . Are they running for their lives or are they guided towards an end ?

Plot wise , there is enough depth and food for thought to last to the end . No easy solutions here .

Acting is great . Adama(Olmos) is great as an authority and patriarchal figure . Baltar(Callis) works great as well , as the tormented , naive at times , genius , womanizer , responsible for the end of the world , kind of scientist . I say all actors pull their weight and its part of why the series is so engaging .

The Sci-fi part is almost hidden in the background , this is a human story , about an old race too self involved to see its own shortcomings , and a new race trying to find its way , but scarred so deeply and making the same mistakes as the old one .

I enjoyed this series and I cant but recommend it , with no reservation whatsoever . Sci-fi fun or just looking for a great story ? Look no further.

Through the Wormhole (2010–2017)

An intelligent and neutral look into modern science

[10/10 · 18 August 2010]

Let me get this out of the way . You will not get any answers .

What you will gain by this glimpse into modern science is a measure of awe , at the endless possibilities that our mind can produce , given enough time and motive .

You will gain an infinite number of new questions. How can we ever be sure of what is real and what is in our mind ? How far will the mind go into producing a delusion to satisfy our most fundamental needs ?

This is a great journey into a subject that will never end , research through science and belief to find ourselves , our place in this universe or multiverse .

Highly recommended for many reasons , but most importantly because this journey takes no side , claims no higher truth but one : The search is endless but worth it .

Avatar (2009)

An adventure like no other

[10/10 · 24 April 2010]

It is quite clear that u cant walk in the cinema expecting this movie to be all about the art . You cannot expect the best dialogs , the best story . Its like walking into a Ferrari and criticizing the hard suspension and small space .

This is a movie made to entertain , it is 3 hours of pure spectacle and emotion . I have to be honest , I wasn't expecting much more than great CGI. But I was surprised . The story while not original works , the acting while not the greatest works too . The recipe made of some simple ingredients and 2 exotic ones , namely the CGI and the 3D , is mind blowing .

This a movie that will define adventure for the years to come . The world of Pandora (which like the box promises everything but delivers nothing to all but a few) is incredibly real , the facial expressions of the digital actors flawless. The fauna and flora so convincing you believe its real yet so alien , a masters vision of a strange world that may be . Cameron put the notes in the right order , and a symphony , a masterpiece of entertainment is made .

Let yourself be carried away to his vision , to the incredible world of Pandora , and 3 hours of adventure like no other is yours .

Magic Man (2010)

No magic whatsoever

[1/10 · 7 November 2009]

I had some mild expectations from this movie. The last couple of movies with magicians were brilliant (the illusionist , the prestige ) the cast includes many respected actors , so this should not be bad right ?

Boy I was mistaken , this is a total waste of time. No magic here , move along . I mean it

While the cast is not bad , the Russian lead which reminds me of Arny playing terminator , is awful . The movie is predictable too . I mean what were they thinking , the killer is so obvious that I kept thinking this cant be it , there must be a twist in there somewhere . Well I was wrong . I will never get these 80 minutes back , but maybe I can save someone by writing my 1st comment .....