bubbahotepone Reviews

3 Body Problem (2024– )

The Farthest We Will Have to Travel Is Within

[8/10 · 25 March 2024]

I was surprised when someone told me this series received only mixed review. Hmmm, it's made me wonder what the hell people want from sci-fi these days. The show definitely has a brain and is definitely striving to have a heart; but it doesn't have to travel far to find its soul. Superficially concerned with First Contact it's more about the lifespan of humanity and whether we deserve to inhabit our beautiful world and as the first season closes in on its ending the question looms larger sending its tentacles to every aspect human life. The actors are committed and the production values fit the proceedings and I'm looking forward to the resolution of some plot questions which give the show its propulsion. Keep going folks. Most of us are with you all the way!

Tokyo Vice (2022– )

It's All About Me - Again

[1/10 · 27 February 2024]

Give me a break from Ansel Elgort, please. He struggles like a beached whale to make himself believable and in a way he is - he portrays the All About Me American very well and messes up everything he touches in this show expecting Japanese gangsters and dutiful cops to give him a break after he violates their trust trying to land the article of the century. I love the way self-centered Americans so casually exploit the lives of people in other nations. Are we supposed to be rooting for this hog who doesn't really care about anyone's welfare but his own. I was so hotly hoping that some Yakuza took him out behind the noodle shop and beat some thoughtfulness into him. My god, he certainly needs it. Would someone send me a postcard when Elgort learns how to act? Thanks.

Monsieur Spade (2024)

A Spade for the Times

[8/10 · 26 February 2024]

Some viewers claim this series was plodding. For sure, it took its time, but they prepared us well for what was looming. After all, it's a mystery. I was unsure about Owen in the lead, but he seems very aware of who Spade is and more importantly, was. It's a point which surfaces often in the piece and Owen understands the circumstances well enough. This is a poignant interpretation of the aging process as his vulnerabilities give us something to latch on to, something which reassures us about his humanity. Much of my enjoyment stemmed from having Spade back in our lives again and it proves the old school is still a good school. Three toots on the harmonica for this well-planned and very well acted attempt!

Alaskan Killer Bigfoot (2021– )

Full of Potential and Possibilities

[6/10 · 26 November 2023]

The native Alaskan people involved in this show possess a sincerity not usually found in historical.documentaries. They are dedicated, earnest and above all, honest. I appreciated their approach which is no approach. They have a sacred task to restore a once thriving village which was once their ancestors source of survival in the harsh Alaskan climate. They are nor performers, simply people and that's the way it should be. My one hesitation makes me wonder why they are not invoking the magic and power of their tribal members instead of relying on the divinations of outsiders. Maybe we'll find out if there's a season two. All in all,this is a charming look into the magic and mystery of native Alaskans and their special relation to the m9ther of us all. Recommended and if you're patient there are rewards.

Reptile (2023)

Energetic Production - Tired Script

[6/10 · 19 October 2023]

Once into the current of the film I knew it would all be decided in the last few minutes. Corrupt cops bent civil servants - will justice be able to prevail within a system like this? This film desperately wants the justice system to work like it supposed to. It's like a Tom Clancy film - in the end the steadfast, loyal and true blue members of the American military, CIA, FBI, US CONGRESS etc. Will through their inherent honesty and Boy Scout morality make certain that evil doers will get their comeuppance. Sorry to tell you folks - it doesn't really work that way. This is a nice propaganda piece to convince us that everything is still operating as it should be.

Blight (2022)

Wanderers

[3/10 · 17 October 2023]

This is an excellent discourse on what happens when trust funders wander too far from their annuities. I think there might be a revenge motive lurking beneath all of the twenty-something angst running amok in the narrative. Getting back at dad maybe? Are events symbolic, metaphoric or just plain nagging rashes waiting for all those climbing out of their teen years. I do know a plea for help when I see one though. Maybe a few weeks in a soup kitchen? No, no I understand now! This is only a Korean game show fitted to the dilemmas found in the good ole USA. Please, get me outta here - descent awaits.

Cryptid (2022)

Small Surprises Found in Cryptid

[7/10 · 16 October 2023]

There's a nice flow to this film. They crew obviously paid attention and knew what they wanted. The actors also seemed to be enjoying themselves which more often than not makes for a fun watch. I didn't expect much initially, but I noticed a commitment after things got rolling. The filmmakers avoided many horror cliches and instead painted believable characters. One problem, however, was small town Maine would have been armed to the teeth and tracking the creature until they'd shot it full of holes. Monster hunting requires lots of weaponry, pistols, shotguns, assault rifles especially after some of the townsfolk had been ripped apart. Not bad for an 8nitial effort. This writer/director has a future.

Halo (2022– )

Good Things Take Time

[8/10 · 19 May 2022]

Waiting for the Halo tale to engage and finally begin to spin its legendary magic has been painful, especially for those of us who are unfaltering fans.

I imagine the creators of the show yanked their hair out in frustration on more than one occasion over the problems they encountered in translating the game into a viewable storyline; but I believe The Halo cosmos and its narrative were finally redeemed in the last episode (It IS sad that we had to wait so long) and that now we can finally get on with the main task OF Master Chief and his Spartans: killing Covenant long necks. GO GET 'EM AND TAKE NO PRISONERS!

Wavelength (1983)

Hopeful Filmmaking

[9/10 · 26 April 2017]

Mike Gray came up with a minor masterpiece. I went to see the film because a friend whose judgement about movies I always respected suggested that I take myself down to the dollar theater and watch what can be made for little or no money and a ton of heart and soul. I wasn't disappointed. Gray must have had a particular form of charisma as the actors all seemed to be working to the full extent of their talents and his obvious ability to do so much with so little deeply impressed me. If he'd only had a budget! I wonder what he could have done if Spielberg had donated the crew for Close Encounters meal budget to Gray. As it stands he didn't need more help really. In any case, highly recommended!