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hinzyman57
Reviews
Justified: City Primeval (2023)
This is not the Justified I grew to respect & love
This is a far far far cry from what made the original Justified what it was. Other than the recognizable hat, walk & that swagger kentucky attitude, Raylan is the closest thing to resembling the good ol days but even then once you get past the first couple of episodes, it becomes abundantly clear even Raylan as far as his story goes in this alternate reality, is so much more tamed & reluctant to shoot somebody who threatened his own daughter, that I am having a hard time by mid season to even see him as Raylan anymore.
Also the editing from scene to scene or the soundtracks involved are so poorly put together it's sometimes like I am watching something that I almost feel like was intentionally made poorly or whoever they had working on this post production never even graduated with a communications degree much less a film making one.
And the gag worthy forced down our throats romance with the lawyer is just so bizarre/such a lack of chemistry I feel like I am watching two teenagers in a high school musical trying to fake being attracted to one another.
I honestly shouldn't have even come here cause writing this I realize how much I have been suppressing my distaste/dislike for this season that not till I began to go down the list do I realize this is not even deserving of a 2 rating. The story, the acting, the "suspense", it is all lacking and all so far from being quality television much less comparable to the original I genuinely hope Timothy comes out later and apologizes and admits that this story is not canon to the original cause this is NOT Justified.
Clone High (2002)
First words spoken made me actually laugh out loud
This show is just modern enough while maintaing a certain nostalgic kind of humor that reminds me of the early to mid 2000's Adult Swim/toonami kind of show. Ive heard this show referenced for years and I can now see why. So many recognizable names that have without question made a splash in movies, television or both. Yet like so many other great underrrated, under-appreciated and under-advertised content this one was swept under the rug. Very grateful this show has gotten a second chance to shine perhaps during an era when there is already too much out there but not a lot of quality. Well for quality and a limited time since this was cancelled after only 1 season years ago, this is a shining diamond in the endless field of recycled garbage that is modern entertainment.
Succession: Connor's Wedding (2023)
I can't speak... I am struggling to breathe
This episode has confirmed whatever that gold dust peter pan used to fly must really exist cause this episode just landed this HBO original in a stratosphere no other show from any other streaming service has been able to do for me. I felt things during this episode I am not sure I have ever experienced during a cinematic experience. I am not sure I ever will. Oh wait, there are still several more episodes left in the season? Buckling in and resetting the air bags.
If Armstrong & company are able to replicate the fresh crisp scripts and out of left field surprises coming I think this season will easily take the cake for being one of the most revolutionary seasons of heightened dramatic television since Breaking Bad or those mid seasons of GOT.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
Not even halfway through I was dying for it to be over already
Freddy still clearly funny as an actor but even then there is little that can be done with possibly one of the most forceful cringe worthy humor I have seen since lettuce fingers or charlie the unicorn which beleive it or not I think both those are better at building a story arch than this gasoline soaked dumpster fire. Especially after the success of the first which I legit liked at a 7/10 but this was such a far cry from the quality the first had its like this was a bad amateur parody trailer attempt at what could be expected, except somehow the commercials leaked into the actual film too. There is seriously more ad placement in this film than in a 15 min video on youtube. Taste the rainbow? More like all I taste is the sweet death of DC & yet another one of its franchise properties because once again undercooked & under-seasoned yet overpriced is the name of the game in the DC universe & seems slowly but surely to be becoming the Marvel universe too. Rip Shazam.
The White Lotus (2021)
Casual viewer turned semi die hard fan
(This review was initial posted to the season 2 finale episode & copy pasted to main page)
As someone who doesnt usually gravitate towards shows like this, I was taken by surprise by how much I enjoyed the first season although not saying it was some of the best tv Ive ever seen it pleasantly surprised me.
Turn the page for the second season & what has occurred over the course of 6 episodes to build up to this has been again, nothing revolutionary or "new", but the crisp quality of character development & plot advancement is so close to unmatched to most shows or even movies now a days I think is where it really stands out as an animal of a different kind that we just dont get to see as much as say back when cinemas & the art of what was seen on screen had a higher value than the tasteless pastel colored dribble that monopolies like disney & netflix getting all too comfortable & efficient at pumping out like a lazy fat Al Capone firing a tommy gun from the comfort of his living room/lazy boy while munching on day old popcorn with his free hand saying "now this is what a real gangster looks like". No. No it is not. And the vast majority of said companies are doing that with their "entertainment" and "saying come one come all and be entertained by... well... something, doesnt matter what you like cause whatever it is we got some half thought out show that will scratch that ten second attention span itch till you want something else and we will probably have something new in the works for that too!"
In a way without exactly being able to put my finger on it, I would say White Lotus is ticking off the boxes that made so many of the HBO classics now a days, hits back in the day. It isnt just the drama, or the sex or even the breathtaking scenery.. its the true to reality & its awful tendencies & natures that it gets right with some fantastic acting, crisp screenwriting, and all around great directing. With all those things one would expect greatness but as we have seen with things like The Hobbit or Last Duel, nothing is guaranteed for success or to be "good".
I know those two examples are prob a head scratcher but in my mind the Hobbit had every reason to at least be "good" but I found it intolerable. While Last Duel I wouldnt call an instant "classic" but in my mind without doubt a fantastic movie, yet received almost infuriatingly little attention or recognition despite the absolute insane names on that call sheet. So all to say that I am just happy there are still some shows out there that can strike that cord of old school movies & tv shows while doing in one of the hardest of genres which to me is this intensely mundane realism with a zesty splash of humor, suspense & intrigue. As for what the other details are that make this show so catchy & hard to stop watching I cant quite say but for me, this is a must watch for anyone who isn't a staunch devote religious fanatic. Then again if you are, chances you have ever have had an HBO subscription before is slim to none.
The White Lotus: Arrivederci (2022)
As a casual fan, this finale made a big splash in my books
As someone who doesnt usually gravitate towards shows like this, I was taken by surprise by how much I enjoyed the first season although not saying it was some of the best tv Ive ever seen it pleasantly surprised me.
Turn the page for the second season & what has occurred over the course of 6 episodes to build up to this has been again, nothing revolutionary or "new", but the crisp quality of character development & plot advancement is so close to unmatched to most shows or even movies now a days I think is where it really stands out as an animal of a different kind that we just dont get to see as much as say back when cinemas & the art of what was seen on screen had a higher value than the tasteless pastel colored dribble that monopolies like disney & netflix getting all too comfortable & efficient at pumping out like a lazy fat Al Capone firing a tommy gun from the comfort of his living room/lazy boy while munching on day old popcorn with his free hand saying "now this is what a real gangster looks like". No. No it is not. And the vast majority of said companies are doing that with their "entertainment" and "saying come one come all and be entertained by... well... something, doesnt matter what you like cause whatever it is we got some half thought out show that will scratch that ten second attention span itch till you want something else and we will probably have something new in the works for that too!"
In a way without exactly being able to put my finger on it, I would say White Lotus is ticking off the boxes that made so many of the HBO classics now a days, hits back in the day. It isnt just the drama, or the sex or even the breathtaking scenery.. its the true to reality & its awful tendencies & natures that it gets right with some fantastic acting, crisp screenwriting, and all around great directing. With all those things one would expect greatness but as we have seen with things like The Hobbit or Last Duel, nothing is guaranteed for success or to be "good".
I know those two examples are prob a head scratcher but in my mind the Hobbit had every reason to at least be "good" but I found it intolerable. While Last Duel I wouldnt call an instant "classic" but in my mind without doubt a fantastic movie, yet received almost infuriatingly little attention or recognition despite the absolute insane names on that call sheet. So all to say that I am just happy there are still some shows out there that can strike that cord of old school movies & tv shows while doing in one of the hardest of genres which to me is this intensely mundane realism with a zesty splash of humor, suspense & intrigue. As for what the other details are that make this show so catchy & hard to stop watching I cant quite say but for me, this is a must watch for anyone who isn't a staunch devote religious fanatic. Then again if you are, chances you have ever have had an HBO subscription before is slim to none.
The Bear: Review (2022)
Hairs all over my body still raised
Its hard to put this into words other than if you have worked in the restaurant will understand what this kind of day looks & feels like. As near perfection as an episode gets, especially cause by the end of the episode I was legit shocked it was over. It felt like the episode had just started but it is such a rocket fast ascent into the stratosphere of incredibly excellent heightened drama. 12 out of 10.
Space Force (2020)
Season 1 very meh, season 2 much better
Im writing this currently with the show having no renewal as of yet and if shows like Santa Clarita are any indication this show is almost positively not getting renewed. And that is now a great shame. Its pretty apparent the writers room was shaken up because the difference from season 1-2 is significant enough to certainly garner a 3rd chance for an outing.
A few reasons why I think season 2 was better are: overall pacing is consistent in season 2 where season 1 felt like a seizure of random one liners, bizarre stories & attempts at being dramatic yet wildly unrealistic. Pick a lane and stick to it. Felt like they didnt always know what kinda animal the show wanted to be but season 2 found its spots and stuck to its guns a lot better I think. They even integrated the fact Netflix gave them fewer episodes and a smaller budget into the actual story of the show like as if to wear their mistakes or at least awareness of their lackluster debut season on their sleeves and explain it away as part of the overall seasons story & even use as an explanation for certain character arcs.
Season 1 was an sideways ice cream cone, messy but still kinda tasty at times. Season 2 is at least standing up straight, mostly delicious but most important of all it left me wanting more. Shame shame shame this will prob be all we get. RIP Spaceforce.
Bloodline (2015)
I purposely never watched season 3
All I can say is years later I am still deeply hurt by Netflix's decision to cancel the show because it was meant to have at least 5 if not 6 seasons to give some of the most wretched but finely tuned characters with trenches deep back stories to basically live their life and die by the end of it or just suffer through the consequences of one messed up divided family. But with flroidas tax incentive ending right after season 2 it is somewhat understandable why it was cancelled. Not sure of the figures but I know the cost to make the show skyrocketed after 2016 so from a business stand point I get it. From an avid fan & fellow artist I am still to this day heartbroken. So much love and attention to detail was put in the first two seasons its a true shame it ended rushed and of lower quality than the first two seasons.
To me Bloodline was a sign back in the day that Netflix may actually surpass HBO in quality of original content, and with the first two seasons I really do think they matched if not went past shows like OZ or Sopranos, given the fact this came out further down the road with certain technological advances & talk about a fully star studded cast in that first season I mean when I saw the cast list the first time my jaw hit the floor. And then to see these performances I mean just magnificent to another level.
But then came that dreaded cliffhanger in season 2 and then the news season 3 would be its last. As I said in the title I have personally never watched even a minute of season 3 despite how much I want some semblance of closure... but at the same time I want to remember this show for what it was and could have been. Its a bit like if charlie went through the whole chocolate factory till Willy basically snaps and goes into his office, except when Charlie gives him the little candy that causes him to realize Charlie is the kid he has been looking for, season 1&2 of bloodline is like the first 3/4's of that classic movie and season 3 from what I understand is like if Willy grabbed that candy force fed it down charlies throat & said "hope it tastes good cuz its the last candy you'll ever get from me! Now get out and never come back!".
I mean maybe thats a bit harsh but I also feel like the treatment this show got is not far from that. Im not sure if even a fourth season could have redeemed it or maybe just more episodes and more time to develop its final run but I just know from the things Ive read and seen of other people reviewing the season, I am still crushed. But as essentially anyone else has said here, if you are reading this and never seen bloodline I give u two sound options. Dont ever sink your teeth into this absolute master class of a show and just avoid it... or only watch the first two seasons. There is a final moment in the season 2 finale that really is kinda a driving force behind season 3 but I would just suggest either dont watch the last 5 minutes and make up your own ending in your head, or watch it and decide for yourself if u can let the last season go or if u have to finish it. All I can say is for me personally as much as Im sad there will never be a conclusion to the show, at least I was never left with the bad aftertaste of what I imagine was that last season. I still hold Bloodline and forever will as one of my all time favorite crime mystery dramas with some of the most sublime acting I have ever seen on a tv screen. Bloodine, you will be sorely missed forever and ever by this guy. Goodbye sweet friend.
The Tomorrow War (2021)
Awesome alien design, good action. Story is laughable
I really think this has some of the best alien design along with movies like one of if not best inspiration for alien movies the Alien franchise. The action is good with moments of greatness. Yvonne Strahovski being the best in action, acting, & storyline despite it still being kinda cheesy/predictable.
Now the cons. I really enjoy Pratt in Parks & Recreation and almost equally Guardians but I already saw bit lacking in his dramatic acting in the guardians sequel, but this seriously highlights it. He really tries to match Yvonnes caliber or even Simmons, who honestly looks like he is struggling to even put in effort for the flat emotionless storyline between him and his disconnected son who big surprise, apparently lives up to the barely overused scenario of "like father like son" (you'll get there if you dont fall asleep twice like I did before making through it completely on my third view).
I seriously though dont want to bring this movie down cause the production designers behind this are truly spectacular and deserve prob an oscar for originality if thats even a category, cant even remember the last time I saw the oscars come to think of it.
Anyways Ill just end with if you enjoy great special effects (I mean seriously freaking jaw dropping sometimes in 4k) while laughing at the almost parody of a mystery 3000 movie script, for example Simmons literally says the word "something" twice in a sentence as if to say nobody "gave me a line so I said it" TWICE with a face of like "seriously?" Oh ya or when someone says 3min till we bomb the city, literally 7 seconds later boom. Or later how an entire like 5 days pass by this time in less than 7 minutes. Honestly I dont wanna put too much blame on the director cuz clearly he got plenty right, but to follow the blueprint that was that screenplay, well lets just say if he was building a house it would be somehow be inside out, yet surprisingly at angles eye catching.
A mess of a movie with some great eye candy.
Silicon Valley: Maximizing Alphaness (2019)
Compare this to any earlier season and the quality drop is apparent
I will be the last to admit the last few seasons have increasingly gotten somewhat lackluster especially in its finale's compared to the first 2 seasons. Yet I would argue at least sprinkled throughout season 4 & 5 there were some surprise hitters that struck me as almost hysterical like Dinesh with the underage users or Jareds increased manic rants or weird one note comments about his past that were both dark but oddly funny.
This episode is a perfect example of how this last season they clearly were not using the same writing talents or taking as much time to hone the story or jokes of any kind. This episode had possibly the least amount of actual humor in the entire series, it reuses old jokes which were at best ok when first used like seeing someones reflection in the clean plate referencing waaay to many bad horror movies. All this to say I just all around did not like the writing efforts foe this season or especially these brand new guest directors who have clearly no charisma in direction style or fresh to add since even the last few seconds with jared & his once apprentice/stalker victim now as creepy if not creepier than jared ever was but they just stare at each other with the same confused look I had on my face wondering, how was any of the last near 30 min funny or informative of anything. When I tried watching the next episode a day later I was literally lost and confused as to even where the story was last left off and I had just seen the episode less than 24 hours before! Which case in point, the transition is non existent or borderline a complete disaster. From the new south american pablo escobar dude who is really less threatening than they made him out to sound early on to these kinda depressing & almost humorless episodes with inexperienced directors. This is a perfect example when comparing earlier episodes of Silicon Valley to later ones in the series of how far down the hooli app list a show of once great caliber can go. RIP Pied Piper and Bachmanity. Parts of you will be missed.
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
If only the rest of the film was as good as the opening
The first 15 minutes ended being my favorite part of the entire movie. Almost seemed like it was a deleted scene from the first film. From the well choreographed action to even the cgi being at its best compared to that eye rolling awful fight sequence which I think enough people have already appropriately bashed that sequence. And of course the short but such impactful dialogue that should have been translated to the rest of the film but its like for the rest of the film the director completely forgot to tie in that powerful line wonder womans auntie or whoever that warrior woman was who trained her, cause her line about heroes not being born of lies was somewhat cheesy but well delivered with the impact of that sweet intense race build up to what I really expected was gonna be wonder woman winning despite taking that shortcut, which I thought was a great little "life lesson" to kinda remind all of us about the shortcomings of shortcuts on a personal scale & how it can & does change a persons ideals or skew them because thats how being dedicated to doing ones best is excused because there will always be easier paths in life, but that doesnt necessarily mean its the best or healthiest path. Overall it just seems to me the screenplay was its weak point and that to me is the equivalent of being surprised a house falls down if its missing half the support beams or foundation to hold the structure up. Unlike the first wonder woman, this movie had a strong start only to quickly rely on cheap thrills & sappy overused 80's campy mantras but not even in the best way some of the all the time great 80's flicks pulled em off like Army of Darkness or hell Ill even throw Breakfast club out there or personally one of my faves Better off dead. All three relatively diff kind of 80's movies but all very much set in that era while still incorporating a timelessness feel to the stories & dialogues that I think this movie was attempting to recreate but like another example Ill give, like die hard 2 proved, more money thrown at a production set for bigger explosions & more deaths & cheesy lines does not make for an entertaining watch or timeless classic like I would even argue the third die hard was, die hard with a vengeance would have been such a better sequel to the amazing first die hard so as it is already confirmed patty jenkins is not only back in the directors chair but once again writing the stupid script again for the third one so fingers crossed she can sharpen those creative writing skills before she ends this saga with a fizzling out fandom cuz I think despite the plenty of people who liked the film & thats fine, by far it wasnt the worst thing ive ever seen but for the talent behind & in front of the camera and especially the stacks of cash used to pay it, I just would have hoped someone could have mentioned once "hey, maybe this script could use a fresh pair of eyes" then again maybe if someone did they just got moved to a diff department or fired all together I honestly wont pretend to know what its like to work for patty but I think if the last 10 years have proved anything its that Hollywood does not like to sew unity or fairness in its industry. From execs high rise offices to simply being in the sound department or a caterer, its a hungry machine with hungrier people who most even if not intentionally are far too quick to use someone else's pitfalls as a climbing ladder to the top. I forgot to mention this before but patty jenkins had no screenplay or story credit whatsoever for the first film and her credit for writing WW84 is her first writing credit in almost 20 years. Coincidence? I think not.
Archer: Best Friends (2020)
Old school Archer is back!
Not much else to say except go see this one now! Even as a standalone it may be one of the all time best in the series with a touching homage to the late greatest butler there eva was Woodhouse RIP... but the show must live on as tv's micheal grey might say!