Change Your Image
vandercobi
Reviews
The Ice Road (2021)
Better than I expected
I was expecting more of a Man v Nature type story. Instead, this was more a B grade action movie with plenty of thrills and spills.
Certainly not the kind of movie that will go down in history as a classic, but it was a somewhat original premise. The subplots were a bit iffy but as long as you manage your expectations I would say this is a pretty entertaining watch.
Liam Neeson was, of course, his usual grizzly yet charismatic self. The supporting cast was just okay - no real stand outs but no one was bad either.
Although I can understand this movie would not be everyone's cup of tea, it's definitely better than the poor reviews would suggest.
Bridge and Tunnel (2021)
Just turn off your brain and have fun
Many years ago I watched a movie by Edward Burns called "Sidewalks of New York" - and I absolutely hated it. I thought it was total trash. Art imitating much better art by much better directors.
The other day, the above movie popped into my head, and I googled the director... As it turns out, Edward Burns has just made a TV show! Why would I watch it when I hated his movie so much all those years ago? Honestly, I have no idea.
Cut to now. I've just watched the first episode. Lo and behold; it was heaps of fun. Despite some scathing reviews and a very low score of Rotten Tomatoes, I thought it was an enjoyable, nostalgic 30 min romp through fork-in-the-road troubles of youth.
The beer flows, the cast are young and unrealistically sexy, F-bombs are dropped every 5 seconds, and there's plenty of angsty pathos woven into the story. It reminds me a little of the Tv show "Togetherness" - sort of a Woody Allen-ish cast of characters directed with a mumblecore sensibility.
It won't be everyone's cup of tea. But for me, I say turn off your brain and enjoy the ride. It's a lot of fun (so far at least).
** Update ** Four episodes in and I'm still enjoying it... but I do acknowledge the one-track story is starting to drag a little, and a few clunky scenes (particularly with the parents going on dates) bring this one down to a 7/10. Still a lot of fun though.
*After watching more, I may come back and update this review.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Everybody Hates TROS
Even if one didn't like The Last Jedi, I can't see why they so lazily retconned out the previous movie, rather than incorporate the ideas/themes but give them some life and meaning...
The pacing was super weird too. It felt like the filmakers were continually trying to punch the audience in the brain...
They should have made a Thrawn/Heir to the Empire trilogy instead...
4/10 mainly because I think the actors (Rey, Kylo & Finn) really gave it their all, despite the crappy storyline. And the special effects were top notch...
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
Much better than the reviews suggest
Season 1 - 1.5 -- scores a 9/10
Season 1.5 - 2 -- scores a 5/10
Season 2 -- scores a 10/10
Amazing show, great acting, and season 2 had a fantastic storyline. And if the show isn't for you - hey thats cool, just don't watch it.
Star Trek: Picard (2020)
7.6 average - a decent score considering the review bombing
At time of writing Picard has received:
- Glowing reviews from critics
- Renewal for 2 more seasons
Not to mention a third Star Trek show announced (presumably due to the success of this show and Discovery).
Yes, I do agree they strayed a bit too far from the tried-and-true Star Trek universe for comfort... drinking, drugs, smoking, money etc... but honestly who cares. It's a good show, lots of fun. Just relax and enjoy it.
The first 8 episodes were 9/10 - and then the last two weren't as good, Perhaps 5/10.
Also at time of writing Picard has a 7.6 average on IMBD - a decent score considering the review bombing! Ignore all the basement dwelling "true fans" who have to hate everything new... and enjoy a damned good show. Can't wait for Season 2... and 3!
The First (2018)
Underrated slow-burn sci-fi drama
I've so far watched the first two episodes of this slow-burn sci-fi drama. I can't believe at the time of this review it has a dismal 6.7 IMBD rating.
The show revolves around a powerful female CEO and an ageing astronaut. There isn't a lot of sci-fi in the sense of spaceships and aliens, but sci-fi elements do infuse the storyline. I love how everything in the show feels realistic and scientifically very plausible. This is really the kind of story that might be happening 20 years from now. No photon torpedoes necessary.
The First is more along the lines of Arrival or The Martian (if Matt Damon hadn't yet actually taken off into outer space). It deals with the themes of sacrifice and purpose. What is Sean Penn willing to sacrifice in order to bring humanity a new sense of hope and wonder? And will short-sighted politics get in the way? Why explore space when so much work is still yet to be done here on earth?
This isn't a show that offers action and thrills like the new Star Trek Discovery, or maybe even The Expanse. I love both of those shows, and this show is equally as good - maybe even better. But in a very different way.
Don't be put off by the negative reviews. I think Hulu pushed it too much as a traditional sci-fi show in the trailer and press material when really it's a drama with thoughtful sci-fi elements. Give it a fair chance with an open mind and I think you'll probably really like it.
Bring on a season 2!