Reviews

332 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
2/10
Horrifyingly out of date
8 April 2024
Trapper John attacking a woman claiming sexual misconduct, literally using the logic "that a man's career is more important than a woman's allegations".

This show is terrible, and a horrible pail imitation of M*A*S*H. Awful writing, with everything centred around white saviour doctors telling everyone how wrong they are and how great they as Doctors are.

It was almost quaint until this episode, as the bogeyman of "what if a man had a false allegation against them". Egads! What a world would it be, it simply couldn't be true, the woman is obviously lying, but only because she is being forced to lie, because a woman could never lie to our hero on purpose.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
Cowardly writing
10 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
After Sheldon talked about a traumatic experience of witnessing his father having an affair in The Big Bang Theory, the writers of Young Sheldon have toyed with this bit of history by teasing a potential affair with George and the next door neighbour Brenda.

But, as basically a throw away tag of this episode, they played it off for humour, with Sheldon walking in on his father and his mother in a costume.

This betrays the patience of viewers, and shows a lack of courage by the writers to build Sheldon as a character, and create some drama with the family. It's not like the show hasn't had dramatic moments in the past.

Basically.. lame.
7 out of 26 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
Highly offensive to Ryans
16 February 2024
I am deeply offended by the overuse of the name Ryan - and that is my name. It seems that everywhere I turn, there's another Ryan being mentioned, talked about, or even worse, existing. It's as if the entire world has decided to collectively worship at the altar of Ryans, and I for one am sick of it.

I mean, come on. Do we really need so many Ryans in the world? It's not like the name is particularly special or noteworthy. It's not even that unique. It's just another generic, run-of-the-mill name that seems to be everywhere these days.

And don't get me started on the way people fawn over Ryans. You'd think they were some sort of demigods with the way everyone goes on about them. "Oh, Ryan is so talented," "Ryan is so funny," "Ryan has the best hair." Give me a break. I bet half of these people have never even met a Ryan in person, yet they act like they're the second coming of Christ himself.

I just can't take it anymore. It's time for a moratorium on the name Ryan. Let's give other names a chance to shine, for once. Let's celebrate the Chads and the Kelseys and the Darnells of the world. Enough with the Ryans already!

In conclusion, if I have to hear one more person gush about how amazing Ryan is, I might just lose my mind. It's time for a little variety in our lives, people. Let's give other names a chance, for the love of all that is holy.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Pachyderme (2022)
8/10
Doesn't like flowers to wither
23 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
That was disturbing.

Watched this Oscar Nominated Animated short called 'Pachyderme' thinking it was going to be a tale of an elephant or something.

What I got was a complex and horrifying take on child abuse, told largely through symbols, but the message was crystal clear.

A stunning bit of work which will leave me with thoughts, and really needs to come with a trigger warning with its subject matter.

The quote "doesn't like flowers to wither" is one of the most singular horrifying lines I've heard.

Great short to watch, braveky written and told, but beware, there be dragons here. 8 out of 10.
7 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Mad About You: Ovulation Day (1996)
Season 4, Episode 10
9/10
Ahead of its time
16 January 2024
This episode was truly ahead of its time, and Mad About You is a quality show that deserves to be thought of with Seinfeld and Friends, but for some reason didn't stay in the pop culture zeitgeist.

The sexual imagery and explicit references to Jamie pleasuring herself on a washing machine were surprising for a 1990s sitcom. It's amazing that the show managed to get this content past the censors of the time.

Despite the risqué content, the episode was incredibly funny and relatable.

One aspect of the episode that was particularly groundbreaking was the way in which a character came out without any of the usual gay fear that was prevalent in 1990s sitcoms. The handling of this storyline was done with sensitivity and authenticity, without ever becoming too sentimental or melodramatic.

This is a standout episode of Mad About You that pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for a sitcom in the 1990s.
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Return to form
9 January 2024
I wasn't expecting all that much from this film, but I gotta say I was quietly surprised with the quality. After being somewhat disappointed with some recent films in the "Tomorrowverse", it was a relief to see the franchise producing some exciting content.

What stood out to me the most was the way the film managed to balance the cosmic and multiversal elements with a key human heart - the love between Barry and Iris. This added a depth and emotional resonance that elevated the film beyond the pure spectacle of planets dying.

Matt Bomer's voice performance as Barry was outstanding and truly anchored the film. His portrayal brought a depth and authenticity to the character that made him relatable and engaging.

Despite being part 1 of a larger story, the film managed to stand on its own as a complete and satisfying experience.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this film was how it outshined the current live-action DC films. It's frustrating to see the animated films succeed where the live-action ones are faltering, but it's also a testament to the talent and creativity of the filmmakers behind this project. Perhaps a lack of studio interference? But I'm just speculating.

Flaws? As with most of these DC films, the animation is sufficient, but lacks flare or uniqueness. A lack of budget hurts it, and it isn't on the same level as the similarly multiversal Spider-Verse films.

This is a strong entry in the DC Animated universe and has me eagerly anticipating part 2. If you're a fan of DC comics or just enjoy a good superhero story, I highly recommend giving this film a watch.
40 out of 64 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
The Simpsons: McMansion & Wife (2023)
Season 35, Episode 3
4/10
Why?
15 November 2023
The previous episode showed some creativity and some heart.

This episode I'm struggling to think of anything unique, any particular splash of cleverness, or any satirical insight... Big houses? Bullying? All seems very tired.

Homer gets conned by a new neighbour. Yawn.

Bart gets bullied by Nelson. Yawn.

Plus, I found a lot of the episode moved at a painfully slow speed. The couch gag was silly, but not in a good way.

Lisa apparently has film of Nelson, no idea who filmed it.

To be honest, really struggling to come up with the 600 characters, and given I'm the first to review, imagine others did also.
2 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
American Horror Stories: Daphne (2023)
Season 3, Episode 2
5/10
Poor imitation of "Her"
29 October 2023
"Her" is one of my favourite films which this episode clearly took inspirational from. "Black Mirror" also routinely does this techno-horror thing frequently.

Happy for different versions of existing products, but this didn't really add anything unique to this particular premise. Also, AI is moving so fast that none of this seemed particularly shocking.

Reid Scott does what he can, but the plot was pretty predictable and the conclusion rushed and unsatisfying.

The scares were pretty light also. The main character wasn't particularly likeable, and my investment in him was minimal.

And RIP Manny Coto.
10 out of 16 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Archer: Breaking Fabian (2023)
Season 14, Episode 8
7/10
Solid individually but disappointing finale
12 October 2023
Edit: Has been announced they are doing a special final episode, but that wasn't known at the time.

There were many great moments in this ep. From hilarious weak necks and hand chopping, to Cyril's speech (It provided a thought-provoking moment amidst all the humor, displaying a depth rarely seen from his character and adding a surprising emotional touch).

However, as a series finale, this episode fell short and felt somewhat rushed. While the final season has been consistently solid, it lacked the necessary buildup and payoff for a dramatic conclusion. The last episode could have benefited from a more gradual and developed arc for the characters, allowing for a more satisfying and earned resolution to the show.

In an ideal scenario, the final season should have been crafted as a big buildup to an epic and dramatic conclusion. Instead, "Breaking Fabian" felt somewhat... meh.

Despite these shortcomings, the episode still managed to entertain with its trademark humor and witty writing.
8 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Four Minutes (2023)
Season 5, Episode 9
9/10
Curtain call
26 May 2023
A touching finale that delivers full-circle moments that are both heartwarming and a great reminder of what the show, and its title character, are all about.

Gordon Ford belligerently gives Midge her shot, but in a huge "screw you" fashion. Midge has to again assert herself, and fight to be recognised. That's who she is. And it was great having all the principal cast their to watch her to do it.

This was a very good last season that should have it competing at the Emmy awards again. The show successfully tried new things, without forgetting what it was. Beautiful production design, great acting and well written.
138 out of 144 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Succession: Church and State (2023)
Season 4, Episode 9
9/10
Acting Masterclass
22 May 2023
Wow. This proved to be a shining moment of ensemble acting from the entire cast. However, it was Kieran Culkin and James Cromwell who stole the show with their exemplary performances.

Culkin's portrayal of the troubled Roy sibling, Roman, was once again the highlight of the episode. He showcased his comedic timing and ability to improvise in the most unexpected situations. But he broke down, finally being human.

On the other hand, Cromwell's determined entrance as the intimidating and no-nonsense Ewan Roy, Logan's estranged brother, was huge. The veteran actor brought a gravitas to the role much like his on-screen brother Brian Cox.

Overall, the cast of Succession delivered a tour de force of acting in "Church and State". They will have to compete against each other for the Emmy Awards this year.
24 out of 31 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Taking Midge Seriously
20 May 2023
As a penultimate episode, this sets the stage for a fulfilling season finale, while also wrestling with larger themes of legacy and nostalgia.

The episode is full of nods to the past, as Midge visits her old school and wondering about the word "Don't" she wrote without context. Many scenes capture the essence of family and intergenerational relationships, as well as showcasing the cast's terrific talent.

But the real standout moment of the episode comes at the end, with a stunning scene featuring Tony Shaloub's Abe. The actor delivers a powerhouse performance, conveying a complex blend of emotion in just a few short minutes. His monologue about finally realising who his daughter was was poignant.

Look forward to finale.
31 out of 31 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Emotional
19 May 2023
This was a touching emotional rollercoaster. While we all knew that the ensemble of characters were going to be ok, it was still exciting to see them battle adversity together.

The standout of the episode was definitely Missy's arc, which was undoubtedly the strongest of the season. Watching her grapple with her feelings about her relationship with her family was both heartwarming and relatable. Her scene with her father in the mud was great.

It was a patchy season with some stories taking forever to move, but this was a strong episode. I wish the writers would get to the good stuff sometimes and not just tease.
45 out of 47 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
The Flash: A New World: Part 3: Changes (2023)
Season 9, Episode 12
5/10
Penultimate problems
19 May 2023
The third part of "A New World" is supposed to be the penultimate episode of The Flash; however, it felt like it was stalling for time. The episode was filled with clichés, bad dialogue, and cringeworthy acting performances, especially by Rick Cosnett (I'm sorry, but I don't feel he can lead an episode). Barry surprisingly absent for a large chunk also, when he should be front and centre.

The storyline itself felt like it was dragging on for far too long, and was very predictable

It's a shame that the penultimate episode had to be such a letdown, but hopefully the finale will make up for it. I have doubts though.
19 out of 24 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Ted Lasso: International Break (2023)
Season 3, Episode 10
9/10
Zag instead of Zig
18 May 2023
This show skillfully delivers on the show's ability to zag when you expect it to zig. As the name suggests, this episode occurs during the international break in the football season, a period when many fans and players alike lament the absence of their beloved sport.

In this episode, we see Nate's redemption arc in full swing as he surprisingly starts to make amends by quitting. The growth and development of Nate's character in this episode is truly remarkable, and it's exciting to see him come into his own.

On the other hand, Rebecca's character reminds us why we support football teams in the first place. Rebecca turns to her love of passion of fans as football as a source of solace and passion. Her connection to the sport reminds us that, at its core, football is about the love of the game and the camaraderie it fosters.
6 out of 13 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Succession: America Decides (2023)
Season 4, Episode 8
10/10
Terrifying and Hilarious
15 May 2023
Brilliabt episode proved to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with equal parts of terror and hilarity. The election, which has been puttering along in the background for a while, is finally happening. And ATN holds all the power. Roman on the dark side, Shiv on the light, Kendall in the middle, and Connor on his own side (elections are more interesting when you're in it!).

The writing of the episode is outstanding, with sharp and biting dialogue that captures the complex personalities of the characters. The tension and drama between the Roy family members make for compelling television, with unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The ensemble acting performance in "America Decides" is also phenomenal, with each actor delivering nuanced and layered portrayals of their respective characters.

However, the real standout of the episode is the hilarious moments sprinkled throughout the heavy drama. Greg and Tom scenes are brilliant as always.

"America Decides" continues the streak of brilliant episodes in Succession's last season. The writing is sharp, the acting is superb, and the mix of drama and humor is just right. It's a testament to the show's ability to make its audience simultaneously root for and despise its characters.
31 out of 42 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Titans: Titans Forever (2023)
Season 4, Episode 12
6/10
Modest finale
12 May 2023
This was a lacklustre conclusion to a show that never quite reached its full potential. Though the first two seasons had some great moments and interesting characters, the series as a whole struggled to find its footing and deliver consistently engaging storylines.

In Titans Forever, the team faces off against Brother Blood, in a final battle that ultimately feels anticlimactic and predicatable. The pacing of the episode feels rushed, with key emotional beats and action scenes glossed over in favour of tying up loose ends.

Titans Forever is a disappointing, but not terrible, finale to a show that had a lot of promise but was bogged down by uneven writing and tonal inconsistencies.
8 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Barry: tricky legacies (2023)
Season 4, Episode 5
8/10
Time warp
8 May 2023
What a wild ride. One of, if not the, craziest time jumps in TV history. We skip ahead 8ish years, and see Barry transform into a religious nut, adding a new layer of creepy to the already complex character.

Sally's predicament is heartbreaking to watch. Stuck in hiding, while her peers have had great success.

What makes this episode truly remarkable, however, is the great writing and the way it handles the time jumps. I was half expecting the events that unfolded to be nothing but a dream. But in the hands of talented writers, the time jumps add a unique aspect of intrigue to the already complex storylines.
18 out of 31 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Succession: Tailgate Party (2023)
Season 4, Episode 7
9/10
Party Tricks
8 May 2023
Yet another addition to the show's incredible streak of episodes, and there are just a few episodes left, to make this one of finest final seasons ever. One of the highlights of this episode was the performance of Sarah Snook and Matthew Macfadyn, both of whom stole the show with their outstanding interactions. Both actors are sure to be in Emmy contention once again.

As expected, Kendall is going all out and pushing himself to the limit, setting himself up for a fall. Meanwhile, Lukas seems to have lost a lot of standing and getting increasibgly desperate. Greg's descent into darkness is also of note, that guy is creepy.

Another great episode, and another example of the show's exceptional quality and consistency. Succession continues to be one of the best shows on television.
17 out of 19 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
The Golden Palace: Tad (1993)
Season 1, Episode 21
7/10
The difference in character from Blanche and Rose
5 May 2023
The Golden Girls remains a timeless classic, but as viewers re-watch the show, they can't help but notice the stark differences between Rose and Blanche's characters. While both women are essential to the group dynamic, it's clear that their views on life are vastly different. Unfortunately, as time goes on, Blanche's prejudices have aged terribly, while Rose's empathy remains a shining light.

Blanche is often portrayed as a vain, self-centered woman who always needs to be the center of attention. She flaunts her sexuality and often judges people based on their appearance or lifestyle. However, it's her prejudices that have not aged well. Blanche is often dismissive of people who don't fall into her narrow view of what's acceptable. She often makes jokes about minorities, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. While this may have been acceptable in the '80s, it's not something that would be tolerated in today's world.

On the other hand, Rose is the embodiment of warmth and empathy. She's always quick to offer a kind word or a listening ear to someone in need. Rose doesn't judge people based on their appearance or their lifestyle choices. She's always willing to learn, grow, and understand different perspectives. Rose's empathy is highlighted in many episodes, but one that stands out is when she shares her experience of losing her husband. Her speech is poignant, and it's clear that she cares deeply about her friends.

This episode highlights the differences in their characters, with Blanche's shame of having a disabled brother utterly indefensible, while Rose just showed basic decency.
4 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Beautiful and inspiring
5 May 2023
The Man Who Planted Trees is a masterfully crafted animated short film that tells the tale of a man named Elzéard Bouffier, who single-handedly transformed his barren surroundings into a lush and vibrant ecosystem. This inspiring story is a testament to the power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit, and it is told with breathtaking animation that captures the beauty and majesty of the world around us.

From the stunning landscapes to the intricate details of the flora and fauna, the animation in The Man Who Planted Trees is nothing short of breathtaking. Director Frédéric Back employs traditional animation techniques to create a world that is both realistic and dreamlike, with a rich and vivid color palette that brings every frame to life.

But it's not just the visuals that make The Man Who Planted Trees such a memorable and moving experience. The story itself is a powerful reminder of the potential we all have to make a positive impact on the world around us. Elzéard Bouffier's quiet determination and tireless efforts to plant trees, even in the face of drought and adversity, is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of environmental activism.

The Man Who Planted Trees is an animated masterpiece that demonstrates the beauty and transformative power of nature, as well as the potential for individual action to make a difference in the world.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Ted Lasso: We'll Never Have Paris (2023)
Season 3, Episode 8
8/10
Sad song and make it better
4 May 2023
This episode delivered a great performance from Juno Temple as Keeley Jones. This actress has always been one of the standout performers in the show, and this episode was no exception. Keeley is going through some tough times, and this episode showcased her vulnerability and strength brilliantly. Temple brought so much depth to the character, particularly in the scenes with Jack. It was a touching moment that brought out the best in both actresses.

But what really stood out in this episode was the message it conveyed about consent and shame. The conversations between Keeley and Roy and Jamie was particularly impactful. It highlighted how important it is to listen to and respect each other's boundaries, how speaking up about one's needs and limits is vital, and how shame should never be associated with who you are. It was a powerful episode that addressed a critical topic.

However, the episode did feel a bit talky in some scenes. The show usually portrays its messages subtly, and the dialogue can be concise and effective. Still, in this episode, some scenes felt like the characters were expressing themselves more than necessary, which may have affected the pacing.

It was a fantastic showcase for Juno Temple's acting chops and sensitively addressed a critical issue while delivering laughs and heartwarming moments that make the show a joy to watch.
33 out of 79 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Abbott Elementary: Educator of the Year (2023)
Season 2, Episode 20
9/10
A love letter to teaching
4 May 2023
This is a heartwarming reflection on the joys and challenges of teaching. The episode follows two main storylines, one of which involves Gregory's surprise that he won the "Educator of the Year" award, and the other of which sees Janine struggling to connect with a difficult student and his difficult mother.

What makes this episode so special is how it manages to balance these two stories perfectly, using each to highlight different aspects of the teaching profession. Gregory's journey towards becoming a better teacher is inspiring and relatable, as he learns that it is a team effort. Meanwhile, Janine's struggles with a parent yelling at her for doing her job shakes her confidence, but she still resolves (via Barbara) to persevere.

This is an excellent episode that shows just how fulfilling and challenging a career in teaching can be. The performances are all top-notch, with each actor bringing vulnerability and authenticity to their role.
6 out of 11 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Rocket and Love
3 May 2023
This is a fun and exciting space adventure that's elevated by the great heart and humor of its characters, especially Rocket. Throughout the movie, Rocket's character is at the core of the story, and his journey is one of the most interesting and impactful elements of the film.

The film features plenty of action and explosions, but at times it feels like there are too many of them. The plot also has a few flaws, with some of the storylines feeling rushed or underdeveloped. However, these issues are overshadowed by the film's strengths - and surprisingly dark themes.

This is a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, delivering plenty of entertainment. While the film has a few flaws, it's still a fun and engaging, with Rocket standing out as the heart and soul of the movie.
218 out of 329 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Succession: Living+ (2023)
Season 4, Episode 6
9/10
Grief+
1 May 2023
The incredible writing abilities of the show's creatives are again on display. While this episode is about Ken and Roman announcing a new app Living+, what makes this episode stand out is the way in which it portrays the characters' struggle to come to terms with their grief.

The portrayal of grief in this episode is absolutely heartbreaking, as we see Ken struggling to keep it together while he makes huge decisions about the company's future. Roman is also making rash decisions trying to be his father. While both men are grieving in their own way, it's evident that they aren't handling it well.

The combination of heartbreak and dark comedy in this episode is what makes it all the more compelling. Shiv and Tom are both sad and absurd. It's moments like these that are quintessentially Succession in that they depict the dysfunctional Roy family dynamic perfectly.
86 out of 92 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
An error has occured. Please try again.

Recently Viewed