hlash-89443 Reviews

When the Starlight Ends (2016)

High Hopes Dashed

[7/10 · 17 August 2019]

I love Sam Heughan but thought this script a little pretentious perhaps. And I couldn't help but smile at his attempt at an American accent. I kept thinking it was Christian Slater talking. I think he tried to slow his speech down so he could sound American but it came off a little weird and he slipped into mild Scots every now and then. I guess he gets bored being Jamie Fraser and wanted to try something new and different. I think this was a little too different. Especially since I have seen him in an interview say he likes the action parts of Outlander. I think all actors like to experiment. Look at Keanu Reeves. He's been in quite a few duds and I honestly don't think he has quite the range that Sam does. Better luck next time, Sam. Still love you.

Ashby (2015)

What's not to like

[9/10 · 16 April 2019]

I found it to be a funny, quirky and very enjoyable movie. I didn't know what to expect and I felt like taking a chance from my usual action thrillers and historical dramas. The writing was very good and the characters lived up to their roles. I might even watch it again!!

Tin Star (2017–2020)

Not my cup of whiskey

[6/10 · 5 April 2019]

Not sure what the movie was aiming for but to me it came off as a clunky, mishandled attempt at what I don't know. Characters were unbelievable, especially by the time you get about halfway through. The Chief's wife's tolerance for horrid behavior, drunkenness and crudeness were way over the top. I found her to be borderline psychopathic. A man of the Chief's size and weight could not be quite the superhero he is made out to be. Also, no one could drink that much whiskey and still stand up. Perhaps that was intended to be some dark humor but it just struck me as ridiculous. I saw that many of the episodes are written by different people or directed by different people so maybe that could explain some of the disjointed effect that the movie engenders. I finished the first series but have no intention of going further. It could only be a waste of my time.

Redbad (2018)

A different take

[8/10 · 27 February 2019]

This movie is a good bit darker than The Last Kingdom but shares some of the same themes. The style of filming makes it seem even darker because no lush colors are ever used. One thing I did find striking was the inclusion of several powerful women warriors. In the news recently was the discovery of a grave of a Viking warrior and they finally figured out through DNA analysis that it was actually a woman buried with full warrior regalia. The film also makes no bones about the destructiveness of Christianity to the so-called pagan peoples. Baptisms then were certainly not dainty affairs. There are several good battle scenes that are pretty brutal. The post script to the movie stated that Redbad was actually removed from history by Christian historians. Not too difficult to believe.

Fortitude (2015–2018)

Mesmerizing

[9/10 · 2 January 2019]

Kept my chest tight through most of the episodes. Good cast and lots of weird twists. How can people live in a place like that? The focus on global warming and melting of the permafrost was prescient considering this was filmed or released in 2015. It's scary when you think what could be ready to emerge from the permafrost. Actually, I have read that anthrax has surfaced in some Siberian towns. Will there be a series 3?

The Land of Steady Habits (2018)

Enlightening, depressing

[7/10 · 27 December 2018]

Future sociologists will find this movie an interesting subject, delving into the ennui of the alcohol-infused upper middle class. Self-absorbed, self-pitying characters with a decidedly small-town ethos mope about but never seem to develop any passion or joie de vivre except for the graphic artist youngster who does an Amy Winehouse when confronted with rehab. Ben Mendelssohn can't seem to decide if he is truly filled with angst or is still portraying the snarky Bloodline character. I found his acting less than believable. The movie was, however, better than watching some dumb Batman or Aquaman or one of the other "superhero" films out there.

The Last Kingdom (2015–2022)

Amazing and captivating

[10/10 · 28 November 2018]

This series is one of the best ever. As one of the characters said, "It is life." So much happens.... characters live and die, sometimes unexpectedly and certainly not what you wanted to happen. Despite being set in the 9th century, the series makes it clear that politics and power have not changed and The Last Kingdom amply demonstrates this. The role of religion and the power of the church also are treated as they should be.... sometimes good and sometimes evil, just as humans are. Watch it. I can hardly wait for season 4.