popnruss Reviews

Ezel (2009–2011)

Is that all there is?

[6/10 · 2 September 2017]

I have just completed viewing 72 episodes of Ezel. I am extremely disappointed in the ending. Did Netflix show the entire series? It seems as if the producers, writers, directors expected a third season with such an ending. I had read a synopsis of the series in a few websites and nothing that they mentioned as a finale ever happened in what I watched. At this point I a confused. For the most part I enjoyed Ezel but the dubbed voices for some of the characters were annoying, examples: Bahar, Can, Serdar,and the entirely new voice Ezel took on about halfway through the series. I also think that the story could have been told in half the amount of episodes. The actors portraying Ezel, Cengiz, Ali, Mumtaz, Ramiz,Teyfek, Omer's mother, and Mert were very good in their roles. I did not enjoy the performances of the actresses portraying Eysan and Sebnem. I had previously watched another Turkish series, Behzat and enjoyed it so much more.

Behzat Ç: An Ankara Detective Story (2010–2019)

Episode 78

[10/10 · 8 July 2017]

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this series. When I have reached the final episode it will feel as though I am saying farewell to friends. This is an incredibly written, directed, and acted series. It is so realistic in many instances, to me, who knew very little of Turkish culture. I have learned so much having watched this series through 78 episodes. The characters are so dynamic, unpredictable, funny, loyal, and likable despite their flaws. I particularly enjoyed Episode 78 due to how incredibly honest it was. Vulture painfully recalling why the woman he had loved for so long committed the murders she did and Behzat admitting that Sule is his daughter. How many times have we sat with friends, drinking, recalling past stories that have made our lives what they are? I felt as if I was sitting with Behzat, Harun,Vulture, Ghost, and Cevdet sharing their pain , yet on the outside,able to laugh at their expressions and antics. I will miss you, Homicide Bureau and all those characters who have made this a remarkable series. I have come to the end of this incredible series that has captured my attention and heart through 96 episodes. To me, the finest police drama I have seen to date. Thank you, Behzat and all the members of your world.

War Machine (2017)

A very good film!

[9/10 · 27 May 2017]

I really enjoyed this film simply because it took a very serious subject, poked at it a bit but without causing too much pain. It is a satirical account of the exploits of General McCrystal which eventually led to his removal as commander of the troops in Afghanistan with President Obama as commander-in-chief. Brad Pitt portrays General McMahon as a man willing to devote his life to the Army, and has done just that. He does an excellent job in the role. Anthony Michael Hall gives an over the top performance as a ranking member of McMahon's team. The supporting cast that make up the rest of the team are equally as convincing as McMahon's minions who are at his beck and call. Meg Tilly is very good as McMahon's wife of 30 years who points out to him that they have spent a total of 30 days together in 8 years. Talk about long suffering. McMahon is portrayed as a man with a sense of complete control yet bit by bit it is taken away.

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Inglorious mess of a film

[1/10 · 24 May 2017]

To begin with I am not a fan of Quentin Tarantino's films: too bloody, too violent, too disturbing. However, I am a huge fan of films with WWII as the subject, so I decided to give this one a try. Mistake, but it doesn't end there. This was my third try. I actually fell asleep the first two views. Christoph Waltz's character was so nauseating, I cringed each time he was on the screen. The plot was so unbelievable that it was laughable. Was that what Mr. Tarantino was attempting to achieve? The subject matter was anything but amusing. This is a terrible film. And on the third view, three strikes and it's out.

To the Ends of the Earth (2005)

As if I was on board.....

[10/10 · 22 May 2017]

To the Ends of the Earth is an exceptionally well written, directed, and acted film. It is probably the best sea voyage film I have ever seen. And I have see all three versions of Mutiny on the Bounty. The writers had an excellent trilogy by William Golding to work from. Benedict Cumberbatch is tremendous as the naive, somewhat pompous, self possessed Mr. Talbot. Jared Harris is formidable as Captain Anderson. The supporting cast is equally as talented, richly portraying characters from the early 19th century. However the real leading "character" is the ship, tossed and turned, battered and beaten. It determines the fate of all those on board.

Enemy of the State (1998)

Really makes you think.....

[10/10 · 19 May 2017]

This is one terrific film that sends a very strong message. It speaks volumes of just how dangerously close we are now to "never being alone." Will Smith is always fun to watch and he doesn't disappoint in this film. Jon Voight is terrific as the megalomaniac leading a goon squad that makes Tony Soprano's crew look like the Seven Dwarfs. Gene Hackman is always good no matter which role he's in. The action is non-stop, to say the least, never a dull moment. Really enjoyed this one!

Dead in Tombstone (2013 Video)

One Hell of a film!

[4/10 · 13 May 2017]

I have to admit that Death in Tombstone is an interesting take on the American western. There are not too many westerns out there that incorporate the way of the West with Satan calling the shots. Unfortunately, not even the blood and guts performance of Danny Trejo and Mickey Rourke's creepy take on the Evil One can rescue this film from going to Hell. With a better script, more talented actors, and improved direction, this film might have had great results.

Force of Execution (2013)

This film should be executed!

[1/10 · 11 May 2017]

I don't know why I am drawn to these Steven Seagal disasters. Maybe I'm trying to discover if the films can get any worse or by some miracle, improving. I have to admit, though, that I am a Danny Trejo fan so that was a draw in itself. Back to Mr. Seagal . He has to be one of the worst actors out there. His character in this film is like all of his other characters: totally unbelievable. Is he still able to do his own stunts? I think he's in his mid 60's. The actor who played his protégé was so not talented except for his flying hands and feet. The actress who played Karen was so blah she could have put the viewer to sleep. And as always, I watched it till the conclusion. I am going to have to talk to my therapist about this.

Escape from New York (1981)

Well worth another look!

[9/10 · 9 May 2017]

I had not seen this film in several years but decided it was worth another look. Of course it is now outdated in so many instances but it is interesting to see how the writers perceived what New York City would be like in 1997 from the perspective of 1981. A whole lot of imagination went into that script. But then again, we are talking about the very creative and talented John Carpenter. It was sad to see that the Twin Towers were still standing. No one in 1981 would have ever thought that they would be the site of an American tragedy twenty years later. Kurt Russell was excellent as Snake Plisken, Harry Dean Stanton, Adrienne Barbeau equally good as the Brain and Maggie. I always enjoy seeing Ernest Borgnine and he didn't disappoint as Cabbie. I have always said that Manhattan can be a zoo, but a maximum security prison? Very creative, Mr. Carpenter, I also enjoyed the soundtrack!

Sniffer (2013– )

Wow!

[10/10 · 5 May 2017]

This is a very uniquely, creatively written series. Having taught forensic science for a number of years, I find the premise of this series fascinating, if a bit unbelievable. Nevertheless, it is totally enjoyable, never predictable. The characters are interesting to say the least and certainly contribute to the fact that this is not your usual whodunit. The actors are extremely talented, especially the lead and his ex-wife. She puts the "b" in that unladylike word. The story lines are terrific.

The Daughter (2015)

Excellent film!

[10/10 · 29 April 2017]

There are spoilers in this review. The Daughter is an exceptionally well done film.The acting talents of Ewen Leslie, Odessa Young, and Sam Neiill are phenomenal. They bring to each of their characters believability, honesty, and vulnerability. Miss Young's last scene with the duck she has been caring for is the most touching. Sam Neill is incredible as the grandfather who truly loves his granddaughter. Ewen Leslie is tremendous as the betrayed husband who has done a great job raising the daughter he learns is not his. Paul Schneider does an excellent job convincing the audience that he is a broken man who has nothing else to lose but to tell his good friend the truth about his friend's wife and daughter. Geoffrey Rush is always good. I really enjoyed this film. Most of the films produced in Australia are very good.

The Fear (I) (2012)

Should have bowed out after episode 1

[3/10 · 23 April 2017]

This series was totally unrealistic and difficult to watch. The main characters had no redeeming qualities whatsoever and for me were extremely irritating. I could not even empathize with Rich Beckett''s medical condition of early onset Alzheimer's. The Albanian mobsters were so over the top that it was almost laughable. As previously mentioned, I should have stopped watching after episode 1. I thought it might improve, but , sadly it didn't.

Shetland (2013– )

Hooked on Shetland

[8/10 · 19 April 2017]

A thoroughly enjoyable detective series that captured the unique and exquisitely beautiful Shetland Islands. The story lines and characters were well done. Doug Henshall was excellent as Perez as well as a supporting cast equally as talented. I especially enjoyed season 3 that spent the entire time on one case. I am hoping that Netflix will offer season 4 in the near future.

The Asian Connection (2016)

So bad!

[1/10 · 18 March 2017]

First of all, I turned the film off. I simply could not watch the entire fiasco. The acting was so amateurish that it was laughable. How old was Jack's girlfriend? All of seventeen? Where do they find the actors for these disasters? But to make matters worse, the three minute segments with Steven Seagal who is way too old and out of shape to be in all these action films he so call stars in. I watch these films to see just how much worse they can get. This one certainly met my expectations.

Sniper: Special Ops (2016)

Beware! Terrible movie!

[1/10 · 24 January 2017]

This must be the worst military filmI have ever seen. It was so improbable that it was laughable. The acting was amateurish, especially the actress who played the photojournalist/Ninja warrior. Steven Seagal, the draw for this fiasco, played a minor role. That's just as well since he's a bit too old to be still playing these roles. He should remain in a production role for these type of films. He seemed to sleepwalk through the scenes he was in. And how old is Dale Dye? Still playing officers in war films? I realize that he's a respected, retired military officer but he was definitely too old to be in this film. I read that this film was completed in twenty days. It certainly showed. Perhaps more time should have been spent filming it. Better yet, creating the story and writing the script. This was a terrible film that I'm sorry I took the time to watch. I couldn't help myself,. It was so bad that I had to keep on watching.