Well, for starters, your "featured" review is from somebody who watched 2 episodes. Maybe you should revise your algorithm? For my part, this was the best series, bar none, that I have seen in the last 2 or 3 years. Ewen McGregor plays complicated, emotionally unsure character with a depth that I haven't seen in a lot of series. I can't think of a single character in this series, that I didn't think did a great job and was superbly cast. Everyone from the kitchen and hotel staff to his Russian keeper were characters of great emotional depth and play with great.skill. Also the story itself was intriguing interesting and even though the ending was left open to your imagination, I had no problem with that at all. I was shocked to see a 7.1 in IMDB. Oh well...
Reviews
53 Reviews
Leave the World Behind
(2023)
I. Can't. Even. What?
24 December 2023
Welp...
Thus shows what the power of hype and famous "producers" can do to create buzz where there deserves to be little or none.
The premise piques interest... is it an attack. One from within this world or without? Is there a goal? Occupation, submission, what? Is there an enemy, or has the infrastructure simply melted down?
The racial undertones were unnecessary and felt like pandering. The daughter of the homeowner was an unlikable brat.
Strong performances by Ali, Roberts and Hawke could not save this dystopian drivel. The "non-ending" didn't bother me as much as what I interpreted as its pretentious underpinnings. Yes I got it. No it wasn't clever. The narrative of our being slave to tech isn't new or compelling. Its just fact.
The premise piques interest... is it an attack. One from within this world or without? Is there a goal? Occupation, submission, what? Is there an enemy, or has the infrastructure simply melted down?
The racial undertones were unnecessary and felt like pandering. The daughter of the homeowner was an unlikable brat.
Strong performances by Ali, Roberts and Hawke could not save this dystopian drivel. The "non-ending" didn't bother me as much as what I interpreted as its pretentious underpinnings. Yes I got it. No it wasn't clever. The narrative of our being slave to tech isn't new or compelling. Its just fact.
Started Strong But Fizzled Badly
24 December 2023
In the beginning, intriguing characters and a murder mystery held my attention. Very unique characters, led by a strong performance by Clive Owen.
But then, within an episode or 2 of the murder/death, the plot fizzled and it became unclear if we were solving a mystery, or doing a biopic on a weird character named Darby.
The allusions to "high tech" were infantile IMO. Every suspect was vetted in the scope of their hacker skills. Even worse, the solution was clownish, not believable. If not for a strong start, this would have scored a 3.
Belaboring the quirky weirdness of Darby had little to do with the story, but that's what they seemed to be selling at the end. IMO, skip it.
But then, within an episode or 2 of the murder/death, the plot fizzled and it became unclear if we were solving a mystery, or doing a biopic on a weird character named Darby.
The allusions to "high tech" were infantile IMO. Every suspect was vetted in the scope of their hacker skills. Even worse, the solution was clownish, not believable. If not for a strong start, this would have scored a 3.
Belaboring the quirky weirdness of Darby had little to do with the story, but that's what they seemed to be selling at the end. IMO, skip it.
I Have a Headache
15 August 2023
Sorry, I cannot drink the Kool-aid. 66 minutes of screaming, over the top "drama" was borderline unwatchable. Look, I get it. I recognized the intent immediately. If you're awarding points because nobody ever portrays dysfunctional families this way, whatever. But it reminded me of Uncut Gems, and affected me the same way. IMO, its frenetic, not clever. Its chaotic, and not terribly realistic. There's a reason why you Don't see much content presented this way. Its annoying. I thought JLC was terrible. Was that some master class in acting? Hardly. Bernthal v Odenkirk was very good. Sorry, I gave it a 4, but only for stretching boundaries. Too clever by half.
Boston Strangler
(2023)
Not Good, Not Believable
25 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie felt like it was written to push a narrative, not tell a story. Buried beneath the chaff, there *was* an interesting story about the battles faced by female reporters fighting to tell the story in an era where men dominated the profession. But they overplayed this to the point where I wanted to turn it off. The writer/director seemed intent and making a superhero movie, and he failed on all levels.
A number of completely unrealistic events. Here's our lead reporter and intrepid mom of 3 going down an alley all alone to interview a guy who could be the strangler. What? She's going to risk her life with a potential serial killer for the story while Dad and the kids are safe at home? Oh wait, here she is drinking straight bourbon alone at a bar, smoking a hundred cigs while she mulls her next crazy idea. They turned her into an obsessed loon who had forsaken her family for fame as a reporter.
They barely told the real story which is the murders mostly remained unsolved, despite a confession and conviction of Albert DeSalvo. IMO Knightly was totally miscast. Tell the story.
A number of completely unrealistic events. Here's our lead reporter and intrepid mom of 3 going down an alley all alone to interview a guy who could be the strangler. What? She's going to risk her life with a potential serial killer for the story while Dad and the kids are safe at home? Oh wait, here she is drinking straight bourbon alone at a bar, smoking a hundred cigs while she mulls her next crazy idea. They turned her into an obsessed loon who had forsaken her family for fame as a reporter.
They barely told the real story which is the murders mostly remained unsolved, despite a confession and conviction of Albert DeSalvo. IMO Knightly was totally miscast. Tell the story.
Assassination Nation
(2018)
Tries Too Hard, Fails
21 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Not worth 1,000 words. The movie is fine until it tries to get profound at the end. That speech was comical.. we are teenage trash, but its your fault. LOL. I knew it was the little brother halfway through and I was barely paying attention. Bloody soft core porn.
The Old Man
(2022– )
Preliminary Review: Meh
17 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Had high hopes. Like Bridges, liked the story. And I'm not done, so I reserve the right to update. At the 80th percentile, my issues are writing. Unrealistic character arcs at at the top of my pet peeves. Amy Brenneman goes from broke, sniveling divorcee living in the woods to a badass telling a trained killer she gets half of his stake. LOL. The early Bridges fight scenes are laughable, and his acting throughout is stilted. I'll wait for the end to give a final grade, but so far, the hype exceeds the delivery by a lot.
The Counselor
(2013)
Ignore the Reviewer Vitriol, Its Incredible
10 July 2022
Its bleak. Sometimes obtuse. But to write a review and say you had no idea how the Counselor got dropped into this mess is idiotic. While we didn't see exactly what his money issues were, or how he became aware of this fateful opportunity, we didn't need to. The story was about the wages of greed. He was warned of the danger, although not specifically by Pitt. There was enough there to walk away, but he was addicted to a lifestyle he could no longer sustain, and he went forward. Diaz was incredible. Pure sexy. Fassbender and Bardem also stellar. I love Ridley Scott, and his movies always have a feel that others do not. Stop complaining. This was riveting. I wish I had seen it in the theater.
Face/Off
(1997)
90s Travolta + Cage + Woo = Awesome
7 July 2022
Have seen it dozens of times, but just watched again today and was reminded what a great flick it was. Entertainment was the goal. Not lectures, or woke goals or identity affirmation. If Hollywood rediscovered this formula, they'd be doing a lot better. I loved Joan Allen here and then in the Bourne movies, Gina Gershon at her smoking best, ridiculous shootouts all added to the fun. Entertainment is fun. Travolta and Cage are fun. More fun, please.
Top Gun: Maverick
(2022)
Could Not Have Been Better
4 July 2022
True to the original. Not a single second of lecture or identity politics. The female, cool and competent. Period. Same for the nerd. For all the criticism Cruise gets, he was great, the details were perfect. He is a gift, no matter what you think. The story was true, the call backs were perfect. It is so rare that we get just entertained. This. Was. That. My wife hates Cruise, loved this. Go. Enjoy. Revel in the good old days when movies had one goal. To entertain you. Very touching how they worked Val Kilmer in. Priceless. Thank you.
Tokyo Vice
(2022– )
Three Things Ruined It For Me
1 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
1. Hey, can we possibly have more smoking? Also, Let's keep smoking while WE ARE EATING!! AYFKM? Worse yet, most of the smoking was being done by people who clearly never smoked and looked completely stupid doing so. I'm no anti smoker, it never bothers me, but this was a juvenile attempt to make wimps look cool.
2. Jake stinks. Sorry, I hated the character. Jake goes from bumbling, wannabe newspaper guy to a tough guy talking smack to the head of the worst Yakuza, Tozawa. This idiot, bumbling gaijan worms his way into top levels of the police and mob, something no Japanese national could ever pull off. Yeah, right.
3. Samantha is just as bad. The producers clearly think she's a thing, not me. Unconvincing actress, phony, and another gaijin who suddenly turns into a badass. They try to make her a hottest. LOL.. Comical.
The good stuff: Sato was great. So great they had to kill him. Idiotic. They aptly portrayed his inner conflicts over his growing role as a bad guy. Ken Watanabe was great as usual. Great cinematography. Really put you into the feel of Tokyo. A strong production in that regard.
But when your characters are not believable, when their acting in unconvincing, nothing can save your show. There is clearly a second season planned because they didn't wrap it up. I doubt that I'll be back.
2. Jake stinks. Sorry, I hated the character. Jake goes from bumbling, wannabe newspaper guy to a tough guy talking smack to the head of the worst Yakuza, Tozawa. This idiot, bumbling gaijan worms his way into top levels of the police and mob, something no Japanese national could ever pull off. Yeah, right.
3. Samantha is just as bad. The producers clearly think she's a thing, not me. Unconvincing actress, phony, and another gaijin who suddenly turns into a badass. They try to make her a hottest. LOL.. Comical.
The good stuff: Sato was great. So great they had to kill him. Idiotic. They aptly portrayed his inner conflicts over his growing role as a bad guy. Ken Watanabe was great as usual. Great cinematography. Really put you into the feel of Tokyo. A strong production in that regard.
But when your characters are not believable, when their acting in unconvincing, nothing can save your show. There is clearly a second season planned because they didn't wrap it up. I doubt that I'll be back.
Sicario
(2015)
Yeah, Its a Full Rewatchable
11 April 2022
I don't know... 15 or 20 times I have watched? The directing is great, as is the acting. Emily Blunt perfectly plays the conflicted fed agent. Brolin is ideal for the "do whatever it takes" deep cover guy. Benicio is amazing with his mysterious fringe character. I love the way the story is interwoven, past and present.
The cinematography is amazing, but the musical score is haunting and sets a mood that cannot be ignored. Its brilliant. I have zero complaints.
The cinematography is amazing, but the musical score is haunting and sets a mood that cannot be ignored. Its brilliant. I have zero complaints.
Man on Fire
(2004)
Denzel + Revenge = Awesome
29 March 2022
I make no apologies, I love the revenge genre. Better still, we have the great Denzel, gorgeous Radha Mitchell ("Kill them all"), and the precocious Ms. Fanning who is adorable. A supporting cast to include Mickey Rourke, Walken, Giannini, and Rachel Ticotin. I'd give it an 11 if I could. I've watched it over and over.
Windfall
(2022)
Ridiculous Ending, Ultimately a Failure
27 March 2022
I like all the actors, and this was mildly interesting for awhile. Segal in a dramatic role was enjoyable. But the last 20 minutes made zero sense. To the fangirls calling this "Hitchcokian", I can only say LOLOLOLOL.
Pieces of Her
(2022)
Where Toni Collette Turns A 1 Into A 4
22 March 2022
Like a lot of current content, this is stretched out too long to retain pace and interest. There are not enough good writers to fill the many streaming outlets.
The backstory is mildly interesting, if a little farfetched. Toni puts in a decent performance but us hampered by the disjointed and unrealistic script.
The daughter, played by Bella Heathcote, is as unrealistic as she is annoying. Hey Bella, pro tip, please lose the vacant stare and close your mouth. This waif who has no life skills, suddenly turns into a super sleuth researching Mommy's secret past. Yeah, no. I like Toni Collette too much to have quit halfway through. But ultimately, she could not save it, she could only make it less terrible.
The backstory is mildly interesting, if a little farfetched. Toni puts in a decent performance but us hampered by the disjointed and unrealistic script.
The daughter, played by Bella Heathcote, is as unrealistic as she is annoying. Hey Bella, pro tip, please lose the vacant stare and close your mouth. This waif who has no life skills, suddenly turns into a super sleuth researching Mommy's secret past. Yeah, no. I like Toni Collette too much to have quit halfway through. But ultimately, she could not save it, she could only make it less terrible.
The Woman in the House
(2022)
It Doesn't Know What It Is
22 March 2022
Parody? Black comedy? Thriller? Yes to all, but a big no to any one of the three. It was funny in a few parts, but ultimately a failure IMO. Worse yet, they clearly seemed to be teeing up season 2 in the finale. I really don't know that they decided what they were trying to do before they did it. The ending was so stupid, it sealed their fate. No, I cannot recommend this. And I'm sorry I wasted my time on it. Proceed with caution and very low expectations. Ugh.
War on Everyone
(2016)
I Don't Get The Hate
8 March 2022
Sorry haters, but I found this to be hilarious, Skarsgard in particular. I have always liked Peña also and he did not disappoint. I had no prior knowledge about the film or the director, and maybe thats why I'm not all caught up in the negativity. Skarsgard is cartoonish, but in the best way. I'll be looking for more of his work in the future.
The Lost Daughter
(2021)
In Truth, It Was A Zero
6 January 2022
Pretentious. Vague. Meandering. If this is Gyllenhaal directing debut, stop now before you embarrass yourself further. Don't get me wrong, I get that there was a story attempting to be told, but it was still ridiculous. If this was written and directed by a no name, its rating would be halved. But the cult decided its edgy because it was done by a star. Avoid like the plague.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
(2000–2024)
Going Downhill Rapidly
28 December 2021
Have always been a huge Larry David fan since way back on Seinfeld. But he is totally mailing it in as we speak on Curb. Please spare me with your "no sacred cows" excuses, because this season is pathetic. Stage 4 cancer? Hilarious!! Really courageous. Mocking Trump because you're too lazy to actually create a funny plot? Putting political fraudster Vindman in an episode? Even Colbert thinks this is lame. Stealing Holocaust shoes? Priceless. Just retire already. Go back to your gated community (hey, is that a fence?) and keep mailing it in. You're now a parody, congrats.
Rogue Hostage
(2021)
LOL, I Was The Hostage to This Garbage
20 October 2021
My God. Tyrese can't act, and the writers can't write. Its a total clownshow. Glad Malkovich could steal a paycheck, because he was the only real actor in thus movie, but wow, he should be embarrassed. Horrific script, worse actors and a terrible result.
The Accountant
(2016)
Total Rewatchable Status
3 October 2021
Which means I will watch it to the end almost anytime I stumble across it. IMO, Affleck at his very best, credibly playing a brilliant guy with Aspergers or autism, pretty difficult task. Kendrick is also great, with a sweet innocence that permeates her character. JK Simmons at his authentic best and Cynthia Robinson as Medina is also great. It was clever how the backstory of Wolff was gradually interwoven throughout the whole film. Truly one of my favorites.
American Rust
(2021–2024)
Slow and Uninspired
21 September 2021
Where do I begin? It. Is. So. Slow. I don't know how many episodes are planned, but at the rate this story was being told, they could cut in half and be fine. Next, what we are seeing here is part of a new trend in television and movies. Dreary tales of sad losers in flyover country living desperate lives. There is a very cynical reason for these tales... Hollywood thinks they found a new niche audience.
But guess what? The joke is on you. The writers and actors still look down on you, but they think you'll watch if they tell "your stories". Its very cynical IMO.
I liked Mare of Easttown, but only for Winslet performance. I thought the pace was abysmal, and felt bludgeoned by the myriad ways we were informed of why Mare was living this empty life. Same thing here, middle America. He's crushing his pills, and living a garbage life. Can you relate? LOL.
You are the butt of the joke. These people don't respect you and these stories don't reflect you, but please watch. I'm sorry, but I have to walk away.
You are being played. You are the new target demographic. These movies and shows do not believe in you or your views. They know you feel left out, and they're trying to exploit your angst. Nope, I'm out, Jeffrey. Go back to your Hollywood life. We are not buying what you're selling.
But guess what? The joke is on you. The writers and actors still look down on you, but they think you'll watch if they tell "your stories". Its very cynical IMO.
I liked Mare of Easttown, but only for Winslet performance. I thought the pace was abysmal, and felt bludgeoned by the myriad ways we were informed of why Mare was living this empty life. Same thing here, middle America. He's crushing his pills, and living a garbage life. Can you relate? LOL.
You are the butt of the joke. These people don't respect you and these stories don't reflect you, but please watch. I'm sorry, but I have to walk away.
You are being played. You are the new target demographic. These movies and shows do not believe in you or your views. They know you feel left out, and they're trying to exploit your angst. Nope, I'm out, Jeffrey. Go back to your Hollywood life. We are not buying what you're selling.
Reminiscence
(2021)
Aimless and Disjointed
22 August 2021
If there was an actual story here, I missed it. Oh, there was a plot (was she real or not), but it was poorly-developed and nearly invisible. There was enough acting talent here to do something, but they couldn't overcome a weak, uninteresting story. It had a Westworld/Inception feel with none of their compelling stories. 68 million bought nothing. It will bomb in theaters.
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