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Reviews
The Orville: A Tale of Two Topas (2022)
Excellent episode
No it's not about exploration of the universe or the more traditional science fiction tv series tropes: that's why it's so good. This was an ambitious episode with important character development at every turn. If you didn't enjoy it then orville is probably a little too nuanced/intrepid for you. Stick to your comfort zone and watch reruns of DS9.
As for the specific topic matter, if that offends then Isaac said it best: "I surmise that your capacity for reason has been compromised by your cultural indoctrination". At least Klyden's upbringing gives him an excuse...
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
If you don't like this, you don't like action movies
Stunning movie. Simultaneously manages to be a classic blockbuster in an honest-to-goodness old-school sense and yet breaks new ground in terms of visuals and thrills. You can't really improve on the concept of special effects which actually aren't effects at all. The flight sequences are breathtaking and are worth the price of admission alone. Add in a satisfying plot which leaves no emotional stone unturned, successfully addressing all the baggage of the first film, and you have, quite literally I think, the perfect sequel. I can't think of a better one to any movie I've ever seen. May have to see it twice...
The Orville (2017)
Best when it's tongue-in-cheek
A really fun show where, at least for two seasons, the serious: humour ratio is generally about right. Where it needs to be careful is in pushing the balance too far in the direction of seriousness, as we find at the start of season three. When that happens and the jokes evaporate, people start commenting on the plausibility of plots and sense of crew decisions, at which point the show has lost it's way. The beauty of this being a virtual comedy show is that such things are irrelevant so long as the episode is entertaining. Generally though I think the action sequences, story ideas and performances are at least on par with the best of the star trek universe TV shows and a lace of humour then washes it all down perfectly. So much potential here if the writers remember the show's roots and don't take themselves too seriously.
Tehran: Betty (2022)
Silly
I really enjoy this series but this episode was weak. What a ridiculous plan to kill someone - disable the brakes on their car. I mean if they can't drive you might get lucky if they panic, but anyone with some car control is going to avoid death and probably avoid a serious crash altogether. If you can assume control of steering/throttle then yes, that works. And what if there hadn't been a drone feed to hack into? They would have had no way at all to know when to activate the system. Also, guessing badly whose car was whose - seemed obvious to me that the new car would be the son's. A contrived episode and especially so if you know anything about cars. Just a blip hopefully...
New Amsterdam: This Is All I Need (2021)
What nonsense!
I usually enjoy the show. Yes, as a cynical Brit it can be rather too slushy and sentimental at times (cringe-worth even) but I enjoy the characters and generally the stories are worthwhile.
This sucked.
I echo people's comments regarding the negative manner in which the police are portrayed. As a left-wing TV show advocating the advantages of a free healthcare system to a nation capable of the moronic 'kill the bill' movement of a few years ago, it needs to tread a more delicate line than this not to appear laughably naive and cliched.
However: my gripe concerns the treatment of the mother with the brain lesions. This woman remains totally rational (at least we are not told she isn't) and so surely she can comprehend that she has a condition which will make it impossible for her to recognise her son's face (or anyone else's presumably??) Rather than seek to explain this to her, instead she is informed that her son is dead!! Can you imagine the law suit if she found the hospital had lied to her about this! Then (and apparently she feels much better after she hears he is dead) her son is introduced to her as a perfect stranger in the hope and expectation that they will probably get along! Does she really not recognise his mannerisms, walk, voice, clothes, etc. Etc?? What utter tripe. I would love to know how lazy, implausible writing such as this gets approved and filmed. In fact it was so bad I may struggle to watch any further episodes.
Shame.
NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service: Into the Light (2019)
Really?
NCIS has been sliding recently but the end of season 16 showed some promise.
Then this.
If there's a scene which encapsulates the rushed, ill-conceived, cringe-worthy mess that is Ziva's return to the show it is the contrived "fight" between her and Torres. Good heavens. How the mighty have fallen. For the love of all that is holy, hire some decent writers. You have some good actors here who plainly love their roles - it's painful watching them struggle with this nonsense.
NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service: Out of the Darkness (2019)
Good grief this was bad!
Are these episodes being written by 10 year-olds now? Dreadful script, lame action, brain dead plot, contrived. What a shame. I'm mean you wait this long for a character to return and this is the best they can do?
The Commuter (2018)
Utter tosh
Good grief - I realise he's getting paid a fortune but Liam Neeson is risking his reputation appearing in tripe like this. Written by children, for children... except children can't watch it due to the content. A movie for who then? I'd normally point out the holes in a movie plot but, in this instance, holes is all you get. Do yourself a favour and catch up on some housework. It'll be more fun.
Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)
Great action movie (so-so story).
Tremendous stunts, terrific action, fantastic fight scene - what more do you want from a summer blockbuster? Of course it is unoriginal. Of course there is very little logic or plausibility to the plot (apparently there was no completed screenplay when filming began - it shows!) No, it doesn't have the most intelligent storyline (or even the most intelligent MI movie storyline) but then how many action movies do?
Without question, what we have here is a series of conceptual stunts linked together with a passable, generic-action-movie sequence of events. Usually I'd give a movie of that sort about a 7; this gets a 9 because those concepts are so brilliantly executed and shot that you have to take a step back and applaud. Don't overthink it - let it wash over you, accept it for what it is (and isn't) and you'll have a whale of a time. Cruise may never win an Oscar for acting, but for his stunt work it is long, long overdue.