stu_hasic Reviews

Strange Way of Life (2023)

A Strange and lazy film

[3/10 · 6 October 2023]

I'm particularly a fan of Ethan Hawke and recently watched his excellent performance in The Good Lord Bird, and have watched many of his westerns with delight. But this short film was just wrong. I have no problem with the premise of gay characters in any setting on screen. That wasn't the problem. But you could tell from the outset that this was forced. The characters were uninteresting, the script was quite terrible and the bright green jacket made no sense at all. I see other reviews calling for a full length feature, but honestly, if this presents the condensed synopsis, I have no desire to experience more of this 25 year long saga. 🙄 3 stars for the ladies in the flashback.

What Is a Woman? (2022)

It's a must-see eye opening documentary

[10/10 · 6 June 2022]

This documentary listens carefully to all sides of the argument, then delves into the history and the reason this has "suddenly" appeared in the western world in particular. Matt Walsh brings a level of calm to every one of his interview subjects, allowing them to clearly express their thoughts and allowing the viewer to understand for themselves what each person is saying and come to their own conclusions. I feel sorry for people who are struggling with their own identity and finding their place in the world, but I also abhor those who choose to exploit these children for their own gain - the doctors and psychologists who see another money spinner for themselves. Thank you Daily Wire for so powerfully exposing what's actually going on as just another aspect of the slow march through our education system.

Spencer (2021)

Christmas 1991 was clearly a depressing time

[4/10 · 30 January 2022]

I see from the trivia section that multiple people from Diana's inner circle have said that Stewart's performance captured Diana Spencer perfectly. But mimicking someone alone does not make for a great film. This one is pretentious, the script banal and the musical score the most jarring I've heard since Eyes Wide Shut. In all, it's an unnecessary dramatic venture into one of the most undeserving, privileged families on the planet. Diana had a mental illness. She was the odd-person out in a family of entitled odd people. Did we really learn anything new of importance? Or was this just a voyeuristic view of a what is technically a selfish fantasy world that heartlessly suffocated a tortured soul? If humanity truly wanted to end world poverty and hunger, ridding the planet of ancient wealth locked in elite families would be a great start.

The North Water: The Devils of the Earth (2021) Season 1, Episode 4

Astounding episode

[9/10 · 6 August 2021]

As Winter starts to set in the surviving men are stranded on a remote island of northern Canada. So much happens in this one hour, all wrapped in an incredible environment that few know of. Excellent performances all round with Colin Farrell at his fiendish best. It's a jaw-dropping episode. Just let it all wash over you like the snow hits the men.

Planet of the Humans (2019)

Not your typical Michael Moore documentary

[9/10 · 23 April 2020]

I can see greenies being very upset with this documentary - but by no means is it a fossil fuels lobby piece. It's an eye-opening look at Big Green and their hidden secret that renewables like solar, wind turbines, biomass fuel and mega battery storage is actually worse for the earth that Big Coal and Big Oil. Don't be blinded in thinking that today's big renewables are actually going to save us, because they clearly aren't. The bad thing is that this documentary does not offer any solutions beyond depopulating the earth.

Lost in Space (2018–2021)

"Too PC!", "Too many plot holes!" - bad reviewers miss the point

[9/10 · 24 April 2018]

I am stunned that there could be a vast majority of poor reviews for this reboot, but the rating still holds up in the 7s, with high individual episode ratings as well. All I can imagine is these reviewers have missed the point. I grew up with the original series and loved the first black and white season which sadly, due to the competition in its time slot was forced to change the show dramatically in seasons 2 and 3. But overall, the show remained faithful to its key concept - a family adventure in space. There were plot holes galore in the original series, but we turned a blind eye because it was sci-fi and because we didn't know any better.

Yes, today, we do know better. We know a lot more about space, rockets and technology and that makes us more critical - but this new Lost in Space is still a FAMILY ADVENTURE in space. Relationships and characters are still the core of the series. As a reboot, I think this Lost in Space takes the basic characters and relationships and evolves them by the 50 years that have past. The new Penny, unlike the original is strong and forthright but is still the middle child. Don West is opportunistic and no longer directly related to the Robinson party, but is still reckless. John and Maureen have swapped power-levels and Will and the Robot are still Will and the Robot even though the robot is alien-borne. Doctor Smith for me is the best evolution. Parker Posey's performance is excellent, and I only hope we can get a second series to see her develop further.

Complaints about the acting make little sense to me. Everybody portrays themselves as believable, but in this family situation, decisions are at times clouded and influenced. From the story-telling point of view, the ensemble works. Many have commented that the show "looks" amazing with great effects and I have to agree. The visuals indicate to me that this is not a low-budget remake. What I haven't really heard mentioned is the score. Sure, it's not Johnny Williams, but what they've included in every episode has helped to lift the whole experience. The various homages to the original series (June Harris, Goddard and the inclusion of Billy Mumy as the actual Dr Smith etc.) were appreciated. Bring on Season Two!

Godless (2017)

A classic Western tale given the time it deserves

[10/10 · 8 December 2017]

Godless is a remarkable return to classic Western storytelling. Its grand visuals, haunting soundtrack and multiple characters are all given the time to develop and breathe and make for riveting viewing over its 7.5 hour duration. The two leads, despite being British actors, deliver completely believable tortured souls, as a single-mother rancher and orphan-turned-gunslinger.

Jeff Daniels as a one-armed, compassionate desperado gang leader is both formidable and psychotic. His versatility is clearly on full display. Scoot McNairy's Sheriff is another brilliant performance in this fantastic ensemble.

This mini series is highly recommended.