ninjabert Reviews

Lucifer (2016–2021)

Fun character, has potential

[9/10 · 2 February 2016]

Assuming you're not fuming at the mere thought of showing the devil in a TV show, you'll realize that it's fertile ground for some great stories. It's still finding it's feet but has some of the quirkiness of the comics that introduced this character in the first place. The production values are pretty low but they don't need fancy effects - the premise should be intriguing enough really. All actors carry their weight and there's enough character building to hint at more fun to come. Give it a chance - with Neil Gaimans involvement it deserves it. Escapist stuff but I like it - a hell of a lot more than boring a CSI procedural...

The Anomaly (2014)

Quite liked this one

[8/10 · 24 October 2014]

Low budget but a twisty story that kept me interested. Quite a few sci fi tropes here - hooker with a heart, hero without memory etc but some others that felt if not original, then at least welcome and not out of place. Acting is not as bad as some reviews suggest. Effects are pretty good for the budget - not intrusive and quite subtle in moments. The first 20 minutes or so are quite jarring but persevere and you'll be rewarded. Soundtrack is odd - but you get used to it and it oddly fits the mood of the movie. Fight scenes could be better - you don't really feel the impact despite the slowmo so they come across as a bit fake. That said - they could be worse. Matrix did it better though. Grab a beer or 2 and watch with a friend who is willing to enjoy a neat little sci-fi movie without being too much of a cynic.

Tron: Uprising (2012–2013)

Excellent show that deserves a chance to continue its tale

[10/10 · 14 January 2013]

This show has taken the themes lightly explored in the Tron Legacy movie and continued to build on them with a level of care that shows genuine commitment by the cast and crew of this production. Characters are fleshed out, links are formed to Legacy and the whole thing is knitted together with sneaky plots, a beautiful look and a soundtrack that evokes Daft Punks best sounds. Haven't felt motivated enough to review anything in over a decade on IMDb or other sites but this show made me dig out my login details and make the effort. It's tricky to find on TV (especially overseas), but make the effort and buy the episodes online or just buy the upcoming bluray (fingers crossed) and you won't be disappointed. Kudos to all involved. Hopefully Disney will look past the initial ratings and allow a second season to be made. Like Firefly, it would be a shame if this show were canceled based on ratings.

Children of Dune (2003)

Far superior to the first Dune miniseries

[10/10 · 25 March 2003]

It seems that everyone involved took a long hard look at the first miniseries and really learned from their original mistakes. The grandeur of the open desert which was painfully missing from the first one is there, the sets are more realistic and functional. the special effects are in most instances completely seamless and the acting has vastly improved. Alec Newman was a passable Paul Atreides in the first one, in this sequel you get the impression that he has really understood the character and and is far more at ease playing him. Alia is stunningly gorgeous and almost exactly as I imagined her after reading the books and the two kids are convincing, although Ghanima's makeup is a bit odd at times. Stilgar and Duncan fit perfectly and Jessica is at least Saskia Reeves match. Only Susan Sarandon plays things a bit over the top, but not terribly so. Usually sequels are inferior to the original, but this is the exception to that rule. I truly hope Sci-Fi plans to release another feature packed DVD set and more importantly, intends to film the other books in the series. Though not as absorbing as the first books in the series, they do have their moments and with some effort could be made into something at least as good as Children of Dune. Congrats to all involved.

Merlin (1998)

Beautifully filmed & perfectly paced

[9/10 · 23 November 1999]

Can't really praise this enough. It's a pity it wasn't released in the cinemas. Superior in my opinion to Boormans Excalibur.

Superb acting by everyone (even Martin Short, who I usually don't like, is very inventive and amusing) and a magical atmosphere lacking in almost all other fantasy movies. The scene where the camera follows a drifting dandelion seed is wonderfully original! All in all, a great film with precious few flaws.>