Change Your Image
blende
Reviews
The Mandalorian: Chapter 20: The Foundling (2023)
Quality is more important than episode length
For everyone complaining about a half hour episode, imagine this....
What if we had Season 1 level quality packed into 30 minutes? I propose we would all be very happy. Why?
Because that would be excellent Star Wars television 1/4 the length of a feature film on a weekly basis. I'd be ok with that as long as the writing and intrigue was there.
Why is everyone complaining about short episodes when we are getting the equivalent of a 1990s Saturday morning Goosebumps production? Clearly the show has lost direction.
Can you imagine these episodes being any longer? Can you imagine how much more fill material they'd have to create?
Jon Favreau must be focused on other projects right now because Season 3 is not at his level of Quality.
On a for real note, Congrats to Carl Weathers for doing a pretty good job with the material he's given.
House of the Dragon: Second of His Name (2022)
EPIC...in all the ways of GOT
Epic like all the best Episodes of the original GOT. When this series is over, Season 1, Episode 3 will be among the top ten best episodes.
It takes time to grow accustomed and accept a new cast of characters and the actors that embody them, but with Episode 3 I have felt myself begin to settle in to these characters.
I never expected this series to reach this level of filmmaking, but credit goes to the creative team, show runners, and cast and production crew on the ground. They've nailed it and I hope it may continue this level of quality.
It's rare that a series leaves me on the edge of my seat, in anticipation for the next episode, but HOD is accomplishing that very feat and I hope it continues.
The most shocking thing of all and something that is setting this series apart from GOT is the lack of shocking deaths among the main characters, however I feel that may come sooner rather than later.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)
A MARVEL SHOW FOR ADULTS - AND A BLAST
Do NOT believe the negative reviews about She-Hulk. This is the most fun I've had watching a Marvel Series yet.
Tatiana Maslany's casting is perfect and having Mark Ruffalo along as such a major character is very satisfying.
The show is witty and sharp and a helluva lot of fun. I would say this is truly the most accessible and fun Marvel series yet and a great entry into Marvel for non superhero people. I also like that this feels like a show for adults.
Is is a superhero Ally McBeal? I see some similarities in the overall tone for sure. . I specifically love the Easter eggs and callbacks to the old comics and I'm thrilled these references stand on their own without feeling desperate to please.
The acting is spectacular (see Tim Roth In episode 2 for a master class) and the characters are just really likable.
I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes and I hope it maintains its high level of fun and creativity.
The Terminal List: The Engram (2022)
How NOT to film action scenes
This may end up being a enjoyable series, but the action scenes in Episode 1 we're chopped up, confusing, dark, and used overly shaky camera work.
Frankly, I have no idea what happened and couldn't tell the good guys from the bad guys.
I'll keep watching, but if the remainder of the series is filmed like this I will not finish it.
Svart krabba (2022)
John Carpenter on Ice
I thoroughly enjoyed Black Crab. It is the most entertaining and interesting action movie since Extraction.
There were times throughout the movie where I felt like I was watching one of the better John Carpenter movies of the mid to late 80's.
Although the acting is uneven by the secondary cast, the intrigue and high stakes presented more than make up for it.
The cinematography and bleak landscapes are quite spectacular to see
This is a cool movie with some neat ideas that effectively blends the action, sci-fi, and survival elements with great success.
The Adam Project (2022)
Overlong with Characters Verbally Abusing Each Other
More of something doesn't necessarily make it better.
An overlong, barely above average film that might have been better as 95 minute movie. This has an LOL factor of zero. Meaning, I never laughed out loud one time and rarely even chuckled on the inside.
Can anyone tell me why modern screenplays are filled with characters who treat each other like crap and constantly verbally abuse each other?
Are we really a society who communicate with abrasive one liners and leave all interactions unapologetically unresolved???
Maybe so. Maybe that's why YouTube videos of people arguing and fighting in public get millions of views.
The Adam Project is highly derivative with slightly above average casting, however, as much as I like Mark Ruffalo, he felt a little miscast as the father of Adam...errrr...Adams.
Nearly every actor in this film is playing the exact same character they've played before.
Reynolds the wise cracking antihero.
Saldana the butt kicking heroine (and diversity hire for this film)
Ruffalo the reluctant scientist caught between ethical and personal decisions.
It would have been nice to see the wonderful Catherine Keener play more than a one note bad guy, but who has time for character development in a movie filled with characters we've already seen before....many times.
This is neither a heartfelt sci-fi flick or a dedicated comedy and ultimately fails trying to be both.
It's a passable, overlong Netflix film with no real longevity and makes barely a blip in the noisy and chaotic streaming universe where quantity is valued over quality. But what more should I have expected when these streaming platforms still can't get my personal viewing Algorithms right. Netflix thinks I want to watch Shooter with Mark Wahlberg? Really? That's what you've learned about me in 5 years?
Nobody will not be talking about this movie in a month. It will be forgotten just like Apple's Tom Hanks sci-fi film, Finch.
In defense of Netflix, Don't Look Up, Power of the Dog, and Extraction still give me hope for the future of streaming.....go rewatch one of those movies, you'll enjoy it more.
The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 7: In the Name of Honor (2022)
Tropes Tropes Tropes
This "theme" of this episode is like a children's version of the Red Wedding from GOT's The Rains of Castamere crossed with Godzilla vs. Mothra. I would describe this series thus far as a fun, dumb, big budget children's show.
The Mok Shaiz's Majordomo character is far more annoying than Jar Jar Binks ever was. He's like the weird uncle your parents kept you away from as a child. Really gross character.
The Cad Bane character continues to be awesome.
Much of the acting is still on the level of a grade school drama program.
From a strategy perspective when Mando and Boba flew out with their jet packs to attack, one of them should have flanked the enemy to divide the enemy ranks and fire. Come on writers, aren't these guys hardened bounty hunters?
The Mod kids can build sophisticated robotic body parts and suped up speeder bikes, but can't muster anything more than tiny peashooter blasters? Seriously.
I would not be surprised if the Mod kids show up in Fast and Furious 12. (My idea, I want royalties)
The Rancor can destroy two giant scorpion droids taking numerous direct hits from their giant guns, but can't manage to deal with 2 blasts of fire from Cad Bane. L-A-Z-Y writing. (Note that later in the episode Mando's fire didn't phase it)
Can anyone tell me what happened to R2-D2?
As fun as this series can be, the writing is just one tired writing trope after another. But who cares, It is just a children's show after all. Right?
Enjoy.
Hawkeye (2021)
Marvel for Christmas
I'll keep this short and sweet.
Unlike WandaVision, Falcon and Winter Soldier, and Loki, this series seems to know exactly who it's characters are and where it's going.
A Marvel series does not have to be all brainless action to be enjoyable and Hawkeye proves that good characters, mystery, and plot can create a fantastic watch.
The dialogue, although slightly clunky, is quick and witty. The pacing is just about perfect. From a pure enjoyability perspective Hawkeye is superior to The Falcon and Winter Soldier and Loki and I found it every bit as fun as WandaVision. Frankly, Hawkeye is superior to the Black Widow theatrical film.
This far in, I think it's the most likable and accessible Marvel series yet and I didn't get bored for a second. Marvel comic fans deserve this series.
Black Widow (2021)
Marvel meets WWE - - But still better than WW84
The first half of the movie feels like a Marvel Film with nice character development, smart dialogue, and creative and exciting action sequences, especially the motorcycle sequences.
The second half of the movie feels like a slick WWE production where the action sequences become routine and the dialogue and convenient plot devices serve as nothing more than a generic propulsion system for the loud climax.
All in all I did enjoy Black Widow although it was slightly disappointing to see a legendary actor like Ray Winstone fall in and out of a Russian accent like Keanu Reeves attempting a British accent.
The "severing" of the olfactory nerve was just silly and even more ridiculous when Natasha simply realigns her nose to fix it.
Considering the CGI standard set in Infinity War and Endgame, I was shocked to see that some of the CGI was poorly executed, Natasha's auto wreck on the bridge is a prime example.
Surprisingly, Natasha's intelligence as a super spy and leader of the avengers is sacrificed throughout the film and she consistently makes silly decisions that only serve to unnecessarily prolong action sequences. Why not create exciting action sequences that capitalize on her skills and problem solving rather than minimize her character's capabilities and reputation.
One last thought, as many times as the word "avengers" is mentioned throughout the film, it almost felt like a psychological writing technique to ensure the audience is still programmed to be Marvel loyal. Either that or they felt it was a cheap way to remind viewers that this is a Marvel film.
Overall enjoyable even if it became a loud heartless mess at the climax.
Hunter Hunter (2020)
Watchable, passable suspense, not a classic
Things to know:
# 1 - The acting is average at best. It's a good thing the father has very few lines because he cannot act. Thank goodness for the Game Warden character. His acting is actually quite good. But does he live or die??
# 2 - The film has no soundtrack. It's just one long generic pulsating ominous tone. This can become very tedious once you notice it. And you will.
# 3 - The husband/father character disappears for days on end and the wife does not to file a missing persons report (Even though she previously attempted to make a nuisance wolf report at the first sighting)
# 4 - The grisly ending is entertaining, yet silly and out of character for the mom. If she was gonna fully break and go that dark, maybe some foreshadowing next time?
# 6 - This is not a cult classic or worth more than a single viewing unless you are the make-up artist who created the skinned serial killer effects. Great job on that. Seriously.
# 7 - The forests and natural scenery elevates the film.
# 8 - Where can I get the batteries they used in the Walkie Talkies? Those things last forever.
# 9 - The father is professional survivalist, but can't seem to clear a few trees so they can park the truck near the cabin? Come on.
They did well enough with a tight budget. The movie does take quite a while to gain any momentum. It's a solid 5 out of 10.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 12: The Siege (2020)
Worst Episode of Season 2...Stormtroopers??
Could the acting have been any worse? Seriously, Gina Carano needs acting lessons ASAP. Her acting is so bad it makes me uncomfortable to watch.
Carl Weathers acting in this episode was also really lifeless. I'm impressed he pulled double duty here, but maybe he bit off a bit too much.
Overall I thought the script was boring, convenient, and predictable. Were there important revelations revealed? Yes, however, these revelations were wrapped in a "Bruckheimeresque" episode.
I never thought I'd miss CGI, but some of the practical effects were bad. (See the ferret)
Now to Stormtroopers.......So the Empire has been defeated and yet there is an endless supply of Stormtroopers all geared up just for target practice. I realize this is a fantasy, but can we not at least question whether these Stormtroopers would maintain their loyalty after a crushing defeat and being treated like 1930s coal miners by the Empire???
Are these stormtroopers really gonna walk around this isolated base with supreme loyalty like mindless droids? And why are there Speeder Bikes on an isolated base where the Empire is trying to be incognito? And are the stormtroopers in speeder bike gear just sitting there wearing this gear for years just in case they need to chase someone?
It seemed like 20 full minutes of this episode were repetitive scenes of our heroes shooting Stormtroopers in a corridor.
I found this episode very difficult to watch and very contrived.
Love and Monsters (2020)
A well crafted ride with quirky dialogue & heart
What a pleasant surprise! A fun and extremely well crafted monster movie with great (sometimes spectacular) CGI, great acting, and a stellar script. Perhaps the single best decision the creative minds behind this movie made was not making "Boy" the dog a CGI character.
Every single detail has been carefully considered from the storyline, character relationships, to the gorgeous Australian landscapes.
Simply put, this movie is about Love and Monsters, but taking the journey with Joel and Boy offers the viewer so much more.
You'll watch it more than once.
Westworld: Parce Domine (2020)
Wow what an Improvement Already
Ok, I'm blown away!
With a Vangelisesque soundtrack and stunning visuals the first episode was a treat for the senses.
I'm optimistic that season 3 will continue being this gloriously entertaining, especially after Season 2 become a convoluted and dull mess.
The action sequences were spectacular! Watching Dolores kick ass through a back up camera was inventive filmmaking and I laughed out loud when she backed up over the thug.
I'll be rewatching that entire sequence.
Evan Rachel Wood is entirely irresistible and convincing as a robot out to take over the world.
It's nice to see Bernard back and I loved his push button mojo key fob.
The only actor I'm not sold on yet is Aaron Paul. I know he's well loved from Breaking Bad, but I've always found him unconvincing as a tough guy and let's be honest ladies, if he wasn't famous he'd be in your friend zone.
Don't miss the fascinating post credits scene with the stunning Thandie Newton.
Peace
The Outsider: Must/Can't (2020)
Great series with an Amateurish Finale
Overall I've loved this series. Ben Mendelsohn is such a naturally gifted actor. I've become a real admirer of his acting based on this series.
This brings us to the last episode and how it went off the rails. Here are my issues.
1. The Seasoned Police Officer's behavior during the sniper scene was really bad writing. They failed to take proper cover. Running around in the open, failing to formulate a team approach, nobody considering running behind the cabin for cover or to flank the shooter. And after all the shooting and chaos the make up department didn't consider adding a single bead of sweat to the actors faces?
2. Rattlesnakes are reclusive and aren't going to go out of their way to attack a large human on top of a rock. Especially after already being relocated once.
3. Ralph and Holly stroll casually into the cave as If the "monster" they all fear is no threat. Ralph didn't even have his gun pulled when they were entering the cave.
4. The Monster, who was supposedly strong enough to try to eat them, didn't even try to escape or elude them the during the shootout. Which is very odd considering the monster is a master of being unseen and had spent the entire series moving from place to place, even when weak.
5. After the cave in, Ralph was the only person able to see the "ghosts" although the series had set Holly up as the character with the most uncanny abilities to detect the supernatural.
6. Holly seemed content to simply walk out of the cave with little interest in the demise of the monster after spending a series showing her as basically obsessed understanding the monster.
Overall the series ended with a fizzle. With little suspense and little mystery. The character's behavior was entirely inconsistent with the previous 9 episodes. Including the monster.
Overall a great series with a ho hum ending.
The 13th Warrior (1999)
One of the most underrated Epics of all time
Perfect Script
Incredible Casting (especially the northmen)
Unbelievable Action Scenes
Old Fashioned Stunts
Top Notch Score
Evidence based Mythology
Beautiful cinematography
Perfect from start to finish
Game of Thrones: The Last of the Starks (2019)
Low Point of the Season
Pretty poor episode overall.
Problem #1 Dany flys away from Euron's fleet when all she has to do is fly around and approach them from behind to burn them to a crisp.
Problem #2 Ghost gets "sent away" as if he hadn't lived in Winterfell all his life.
Problem #3 Bron makes weak demands and then makes a weak exit. Great to see a well loved character written off so sloppily.
About the only positive that came out of this episode is seeing Arya and the Hound back together.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
HONEST SHORT REVIEW FROM A MCU FAN
Endgame is too long.
Why is that a problem?
Because the length prevents the film from truly soaring to the heights achieved by Infinity War.
I love the MCU and was as geeked out as anyone for Endgame, but I have to be honest.
So here we go.....
The movie is largely built around the original 6 Avengers and that's fine to set up the film, however, Endgame takes a VERY long time to get any real momentum.
A VERY long time.
It isn't until Ant Man arrives that any life is injected into the film.
So here are a few let downs in my opinion...
1. Captain Marvel is little more than a cardboard cutout and the personality she expressed in her movie is nowhere to be found.
2. You will be very disappointed if you enjoy seeing "Hulk Smash!"
3. You will be very disappointed if you hope to see much of Black Panther, Loki, Bucky, Nick Fury, Groot, or Gomorrah.
4. The film rarely lets loose the personalities we've all come to enjoy in Rocket, Star Lord, Happy, or even Captain Marvel for that matter.
Now for some positives:
1. There are some very good laughs that thankfully lift up the long run time.
2. Its a blast revisiting some moments from past MCU films.
3. It's nice to see the female empowerment themes and the potential set up for the Young Avengers
4. You can go to the restroom without missing something truly crucial. Seriously.
Overall: Endgame is 30 minutes too long and this prevents the film from achieving a solid and consistent pace.
It allows moments where we have to think about the "science" behind the action.
The emotional highs and lows are simply not as impactful as Infinity War and some serious stuff happens in Endgame.
The climax is enjoyable, however we have waited over 2 hours to see if our favorite characters from the extended MCU are going to appear and by this time the climax has to be compressed into a 45 minute "epic" battle that is barely on par with the battle of Infinity War.
In short, Endgame is inferior to Infinity War.
I should have felt deep sadness at times throughout the film and the movie was unable to create that feeling in me.
I wanted to feel the same highs I felt with Infinity War, but those highs were few and fleeting.
It wraps the Avengers MCU in a beautiful box, but when opened, I was underwhelmed.
I got my money's worth in sheer length, but that running time was detrimental to my ability to deeply invest.
Sean
Brené Brown: The Call to Courage (2019)
Daring Greatly Once Again!
It's helpful if you watch Dr. Brown's life changing Ted talks on YouTube prior to diving in to her wonderful Netflix special, but not necessary.
This special seems like the natural growth progression for Dr. Brown, a self proclaimed introvert, and plays out like a much needed conversation between friends.
It varies between candid and quite funny personal stories, continued observations on courage and vulnerability, and overcoming the challenges of overnight fame as a researcher and intellectual.
Dr. Brown is a soothing voice of calm and reason in a time where people's fear of being hurt outweighs their desire to feel joy and happiness.
There is so much to be gained from the words of Brene Brown and time with a trusted friend is never time wasted.
A Lonely Place to Die (2011)
A Taut, Smart, & Thrilling Adventure for Intelligent Viewers.
Every so often a well made and thrilling action/adventure movie comes along that reassures my faith in filmmakers.
It's such a wonderful feeling when you're totally engrossed in a movie and invested in the fate of the characters.
Although the story unfolds in a straight no nonsense manner, it manages to feel unique and fresh with crisp and realistic dialogue.
Let me tell you, this is a VERY well written screenplay.
The Gilbey brothers have managed to create a sense of dread and tension that continually increases scene by scene until the satisfying climax.
Beautiful cinematography, A+ Acting, characters we care about, wicked bad guys, thrilling action, and.......the fantastic Melissa George.
The question I thought after seeing Melissa George in A Lonely Place to Die was, "why is she not every bit as well known as other less deserving and less interesting actresses.
If you loved her in 30 Days of Night, then you'll love her even more here. She's a strong lead with depth, complexity, and competence.
Fresh, Compelling, exciting, and a must see.
Directing-A
Cinematography-A
Screenplay-A+
Acting-B+
Character Development-B
Pacing-A
Like Father (2018)
Lauren Miller Rogan is a Triple Threat!
Lauren Miller Rogan took on an enormous task for an up and coming filmmaker having performed the triple crown of writing, producing, and directing 'Like Father'.
Her biggest strength is in the writing. The screenplay is grounded, realistic, and doesn't pander to the audience. She lets story unfold patiently while keeping a solid pace and not being too dialogue heavy. There are some nice ideas here and who doesn't love a father daughter movie? And Lauren, thanks for staying in the drama lane and not veering into comedic distraction for this story. If LMR keeps channeling John Hughes she may evolve into a creative and revered filmmaker.
Screenplay B+
Her second best strength is in Directing. LMR clearly relates to people on an emotional level and that comes through with the acting.
Fortunately she was directing two proven leads in Bell & Grammer, but LMR has done a very nice job of allowing the actors to express themselves as much visually as verbally. As for the rest of the cast, it felt like an ensemble of characters you meet briefly standing in line at a concert and not for days on a cruise.
They were essentially stereo types and none terribly memorable. 'Like Father' doesn't rise to the success of 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' when it comes to creating an enormously loveable ensemble cast, but you could clearly see LMR was consciously or unconsciously influenced by that film.
The technical side is adequate, but this isn't a cinematically driven epic. A few too many shots of the cruise ship activities made the film feel a bit like a travel infomercial for a few fleeting seconds here and there. (Still love you Lauren)
Directing B
I'll admit I know very little about the role a producer plays, however I hope Lauren's next film take's place far away from New York or Los Angeles. I can think of a hundred small towns with exceptional drama just waiting to unfold and with LMR's talent of writing and clearly being an 'actors director' she would be far more effective exploring life in the middle. Leave New York to Woody Allen and Los Angeles to everybody else.
Producer B
Good Job Lauren.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
The Jaws 3-D of the Jurassic Park Franchise
I cannot Believe the Studio approved this script, let alone Financed the making of this film. What a shame to see the legacy of Spielberg and Michael Crichton so disrespected. The is the Jaws 3D of the franchise. No wonder Sam Neil turned it down.
Why?.........Let me point out a few reasons.
***Chris Pratt is going through the motions. He's clearly not into this character. His acting is lifeless and his face is pretty much blank most of the time. Even his humor is flat. Not to mention the odd choice by the director to have shots of the actor's faces looking rather uninterested while they stare at supposed horror all around them.
***Just terrible editing, jumping forward in time, and plot holes the size of a T-Rex
***The heroes steal a truck and jump it onto a ship of bad guys who never even see a truck land on the ship, not to mention who would be driving it. The heroes then spend the remainder of the boat ride making as much noise as possible and playing with dinosaurs and never a single risk of being seen or caught.
***A bad guy who looks just like Jason Sudeikis in glasses. His character so mute and bland that when he finally gets it in the end you feel literally nothing.
***Ted Levine as the great white hunter, once so scary in Silence of the Lambs, is frail, weak, and his dialogue so poorly delivered that is completely incoherent.
***Contrived danger copied from previous installments and a Volcano scene of Chris Pratt running stolen straight from the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Not only did they tarnish Spielberg's original Jurassic Park, but had to take it a step further and visually plagiarize scenes from his other masterpieces.
***An abrupt ending poorly executed with a Jeff Goldblum voice over as deep and philosophical as a high school locker room.
If you watched this and enjoyed it, then you are why movies of substance are rarely being made.
I'm so glad I didn't pay to see this at the theater. It's a disgrace to the art of filmmaking.
Please Chris Pratt, don't take the money for the next one. Choose your career path with some integrity.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Should be considered a Classic
Top notch hilarious screenplay, relatable characters, layered story, and a gorgeous tropical backdrop.
Once every 4-5 years Hollywood makes a comedy that is thouroughly enjoyable upon the first viewing and actually becomes more enjoyable with every viewing.
Rather than giving an overview of the plot as I'm sure there are many other reviews for that, I'll discuss why I believe Forgetting Sarah Marshall deserves to be considered a classic Hollywood comedy.
The first strength of FSM is in the character depth, complexity, and rawness.
Jason Segel Portrays a deeply depressed and conflicted man who believes his recent break up (he was dumped) is the reason for his depression, but as the movie progresses, it becomes clear he was already unhappy in the relationship. As fate would have it the ex lovers end up at the same vacation resort and the story unfolds from there.
The movie is FULL of top notch comedic character actors playing in supporting roles. Highlights include Bill Hader, Paul Rudd, and my personal favorite Jack McBrayer. Kristin Bell is solid and Mila Kunis is glowing in her role as the beautiful new potential romantic partner. The casting of Russell Brand as the aloof Brit Rocker is simply stellar.
The Hawaiin location adds amazing flavor and culture to the backdrop of the film, bringing in some great locals to tie the scenery and story together.
As the film progresses, every actor gets a chance to shine. There are a countless number of classic one liners in the film.
A raw and hilarious beginning, tons of hilarious situations, and a satisfying ending make for a classic comedy worth watching again and again.
Standoff (2016)
Plays out like a high school theater drama
The director of this film must have financed the film by breaking into his children's piggy bank. I have seen many excellent movies that were filmed on a shoestring budget. This was not one of them. Let's keep it simple:
1) The plot holes were so glaring it was laughable. Missed opportunities galore for the characters to remove themselves from the peril they found themselves in. You will likely find yourself shaking your head at the contrived dramatic sequences.
2). The screenplay was simply juvenile. The only way it could have been worse is if the characters announced to each other their actions before they performed them. Oh wait, they did.
3). The acting was horrendous. Ranging from very bad, to flat, to grand histrionic over acting.
4). Zero character development and with only two main actors in the movie It wouldn't seem hard to make the characters endearing. For example, was Thomas Jane's character smart or dumb? He was set up to be a military veteran, yet time and again the character's actions were totally out of step with who the movie set him up to be.
Do not waste your time. Go look for shooting stars.