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Reviews
UFO Witness (2021)
Former FBI investigator host must have forgotten all his training
I don't expect much from the UFO shows but the "investigation" carried out by the host, a former FBI agent, is so bad that it is laughable. I could only stand to watch 3/4's of one the earliest episodes in the series called "Secrets Of The State."
For instance, Ben Hansen makes totally unfounded statements like the Tic Tac videos showed craft very much similar to a helicopter case that occurred in the 70's. The reported shapes of the craft were totally different beyond both being some kind of cylindrical shape but not really similar at all.
Another example of the show quality, is the voice over narration script repeatedly claimed that both Kevin Day, a radar operator onboard the USS Nimitz, and the fighter pilots involved the incident both had "close up" experiences when clearly Kevin Day was perhaps MILES away from the encounter while operating the radar sensors. The show would make sensationalist statements like that during the entire episodes just to hike up the excitement. That's not to say Mr. Day wasn't affected, he clearly was and yet he is more credible than Hansen.
Another common issue with this episode was Hansen misrepresenting what witnesses told him - again - just in order to hype things up.
I'm an experiencer myself and hate these kind of overly dramatic UFO shows relying on snazzy video editing techniques vs solid reporting or documentary technique. To me Ben Hansen has no credibility on the UFO/UAP subject.
Other than that I liked it! (which is why I gave the show a generous 2 star rating!)
The Minimalists: Less Is Now (2021)
What's wrong with simply talking?
Although I'm 100 percent in alignment with the basic message, I think as a documentary film it's very confused and frustrating. The basic issue I see is that it is presented in a "Ted Talk" monologue heavy style which comes across more as "presenting" versus simply talking to camera. It felt like a sales presentation not a heartfelt sharing of experiences even when dealing with issues like the death of a parent and the impact it had. I guess in some ways they ARE selling (their books, events etc) but, to me, the awkward format is hindering that goal not supporting it. As a video producer I know first hand when a video camera is brought into the situation how people are so nervous to do the most simple thing in the world which is just to have conversation - reciting memorized speeches to camera or reading off a teleprompter doesn't come across as genuine for the vast majority of people and this film is a great example of how NOT to produce a documentary.
The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show (2020)
Another talented Comedian Puts Out A Lame Show
I am surprised how great stand-up comedians that do so fantastic on their own get roped into these banal, cringy, totally un-funny "sketch" shows that are so bad. I think I lasted less than 5 minutes including skipping around trying to find some bit I liked. Didn't anyone in the writing room have the guts to say, "Hey Guys, this stuff is really bad, let's try something else"? I saw nothing of her on-stage persona which is so cool, I really admire her stand-up. Some other reviewer used the term "garbage fire" and I have to agree with that but I place the blame on Netflix, the production company, the writers etc - it's not all Iliza's fault except for not backing out when it became clear how unwatchable the show was turning out to be.