Reviews

I entered the theater for the first time in nearly twenty years with more excitement about visiting a historic 1950s theater rather than seeing the film. The movie started, I enjoyed it, but I was a bit antsy and eager to see how the dog's role would unfold in this true story. The action scenes were nice. Yet, my recent knee replacement diagnosis thwarted any and all inspiring thoughts of sports activities. My jogging will probably not be revisited once again. I am not an adventure seeker anymore. Too many adventures have impacted my middle aged body. Hence the expressed antsy adrenaline I mentioned earlier. Towards the end of the movie, I became engaged. And as the credits rolled, after seeing the "true" inspiring man and dog, I hurried out of the classic movie theater to wipe away my tears before others saw my tall strong figure shedding my emotions in the form of unexpected tears.

Very nice movie. A few swear words. Watch paying to watch.

Call me crazy, but I am questioning the themes I witnessed in this movie: doofus dad; non-stop talking high-pitched vocal mother who settles EVERYTHING; son who dreams of receiving a gun and when he gets the gun he shows his family how he becomes a hero; lying and swearing kids; son beats a bully until the bully bleeds, which is the son's reaction after receiving a bad grade on a paper he fantasized as his teacher's favorite story of all; the son finally receives a gun for Christmas and the target of his shooting is "Black Bart;" and as the story ends, the main characters, a typical Indiana family, must reluctantly sit amongst Asians, who are unable to sing English American Christmas songs without an Asian dialect, which happens after the leading characters of this "favorite" movie fails to close the door to their home (and the "Hillbilly" neighbor's wild dogs ravage their Christmas dinner), so they MUST settle for Christmas dinner at a Chinese restaurant where the Chinese people serve them a duck that is served as a turkey.

Ah. No.

This show sends enough subconscious biases hidden within the many subtle messages that the entire show sickens me! The only theme this show consistently aimed to tell is how fantasizing is the best part of life. I guess I would not feel this way if "nostalgic" America were not still shooting "Black Bart," and Asians were no longer mocked. And young white boys did not rely upon violence and guns to make them feel like heroes, especially when seeking revenge against bullies or when processing the disappointment they feel after receiving a bad grade. Sorry. This is no classic movie in my eyes.

Guy Pearce is one of my favorite actors, hence the reason why I chose the show. Movie actors in a tellie series can be tricky: can they carry such a long standing role. Guy is acting, I think. The actors take on each role. The episodes have plots. And the series has promise, for me. This is especially true since I am just discovering it in 2022. However, I am having issues with following each of the season long plots. Maybe there are too many characters and side plots. Or maybe I simple don't catch Australian humor. But what I do encounter, consistently, is the rhythm pattern of the characters: antagonist, protagonist, violence, balancing characters: old men, horses, frustrated teen; all serve as a clockwork track. Honestly, the angry teen character...once again in a series...seems to act as a possible draw for a younger audience. But please, teens, don't copy her attitude, really. And the successful professional ladies softening, or whining, to have sex with Jack, geez, that's a bit old as well. But my experience with three of the season's has made me detect the series necessity to fill all quotas: violence, mystery, sex, and a good needy leading character. If that is what you long to see, Jack Irish is your show; it rhythmically and predictably fills those quotas...thoroughly, in my opinion.

Updated after watching Seasons 1, 2, and 3.

I was drawn to the show due to Morven Christie and Sharon Small. I enjoyed Christie's acting skills in Grantchester and Small's in Inspector Lynley. Both are great performers, in my opinion. And regarding the acting in this series, I think they are all stellar. However, the plot in Season 1 episode 1 caused caution. Overall, however, after watching Season 3, I enjoyed the entire series. Some episodes were a bit slow, at times. But all three seasons were a nice binge.

At first, whilst watching Season 1, I was bothered due to the obvious lack of honesty. So, I did not think I would endure the first season. But the writing kept me. Some episodes dragged a bit. Yet overall, it was a nice show to binge watch as a means of trying to distract my brain from about due to the challenges of life. So, if you are in the same situation, you might enjoy this version of distraction. However, in all honesty, I think my feelings towards the show would hinge on the season of life I must confront: a good season or a very tough season. This means I would either enjoy the show and take the time to get into the plot, or I would dislike the show and think I have too much to worry about to spend time watching a series this has a plot that mimics a train approaching its wreckage.

Let me add, this might serve as a spoiler. I'll have at it. But don't read after this if you do not want a glimpse at the plot prior to watching the show.

If you are a Prime Suspect fan, Season 1's show's plot might ring familiar. I think the writers or consultants adopted similar music from Mirren's version of the Tennison character, in season 7. With that said, I think the entire plot is almost like a developed extended version of Tennison working outside of her lines due to an error, again, found in season 7 of that Prime Suspect series.

After reading reviews of Season 3 on this site, I was a bit reluctant to watch the series. But after watching a few episodes, I think the negative comments reflect the very theme the season's writers addressed. So, those viewers who were impacted in a negative way probably vented their internal embarrassment, after seeing their actions, externally on a public venture. As the saying goes, hurt people hurt people. Enjoy each season's original plot.

Nice movie to watch. Somewhat engaging. Because I no longer watch American cinema "popular" movies, I was hesitant to use the nearly two-hour block of time to view this project. But I am a huge fan of the late great British actor, (Sir, in my opinion) Alan Rickman and the great Dame, Helen Mirren. And being familiar with those two actors, I could actually digest the compassion driven plot. Yet, based on my true cinema addiction to documentaries, I cannot truly accept a nearly two-hour show involving a military decision based solely on a compassionate heart conviction. At least in this case, let's hope those who are possibly drawn to this type of artistry, especially expressed by such intellectually stimulating actors, will become those who will actually imitate such art in their real lives.