mvrampersad Reviews

Vikings: Valhalla (2022– )

Based on the first two episodes

[6/10 · 8 March 2022]

Reasonable storyline, costuming and location settings. There, that's the good part out of the way.

My beef with this and other historic pieces is that the producers insist on using modern-day slang and expressions in the scripting and dialogue. It's really disconcerting to place yourself in the 11th century and hear a Viking shout "Now listen up here!" when he's rallying the troops. More careful thought should really be placed on the authenticity of speech, language and expressions when crafting the narrative of these historic dramas. Puhlease!

The second beef is the range of actors playing characters. Maybe the Nordic talent pool is limited, but do we really need to hear Magnusson Magnusson with a broad thick Irish brogue? Or Dottir SonsDottir with a clipped British accent?

Third beef is simply - when? When did the Diversity police raid the set and insist that there should be a non-white queen Jarl-ess ruling over Kattegat? Jeez if you want to keep some semblance of reality, stick to the historic script.

Beowulf must be spinning in his grave.

Masaan (2015)

Fantastic

[9/10 · 17 March 2021]

One of the very few Bollywood movies that are world class - bereft of the cliched dancing, drama, good vs bad tropes, with stellar performances by Chadha, Mishra and Kaushal. The story plots twist in a way that you never see coming, and happily, there are no real happy endings. Excellent work up there with Dhobi Ghat (although much better).

Dark (2017–2020)

Moderately passable acting but fantastic soundtrack and cinematography

[7/10 · 3 December 2018]

Before I start let me say that the series is indeed good in terms of its storyline, cinematography and soundtrack. But here are a few things that drive me crazy: 1. It's very rainy in Winden. I mean VERY wet - it seems like everyone in the series MUST have at least one dialogue or scene in the pouring rain to make their part seem relevant. Guys, this isn't necessary, ever heard of umbrellas? 2. This is one of those series where un-necessary drama is written into the storyline just because, well, because its good TV. For example, there are several situations where there are many people around but the protagonist of the scene wanders off alone to explore some passageway, cave or hallway. Honestly? 3. To think that part of this scene was set in 2019, you'd think the producers would make more use of cellphone communications. Instead what we have is people turning up unnannounced at homes, stations etc. 4. Frustration continues when conversations go like this - Person A: "Honey, I have something really important to tell you..." Person B interrupts: " Hey sorry, I've got to run, can we talk later?"

All in all, I'd say give it a try but it ain't the 10/10 that others are raving about. A passable 7. For me, the best aspects of this series are the cinematography (really dark and foreboding), and the soundtrack/audio effects. If you're a fan of the late Johann Johannsson, he of Sicario fame, you'll love the overlay soundtrack and effects.

The Strain: Last Rites (2014) Season 1, Episode 12

Flawed broadcast

[6/10 · 11 September 2017]

In the scenario where Eph is allowed to broadcast his message, it would have been more effective for him to say what the general population could do to counter the attacks - he could've made better use of the short time available to give out good advice such as the use of UV lights, sunlight, modified nailguns, shoot at the head, protect your throat etc. Instead he chooses to explain what's happening and his idea of a cure. Reassuring no doubt, but useless given the urgency of having the population rise up against the strigoi.

Genius (2017– )

Made for TV and modern audiences, poor

[4/10 · 26 April 2017]

I was looking forward to this but after watching the first instalment, was disappointed. In the first place, there is no need to keep switching between Einstein's present and past, as this serves only to disrupt the flow of the viewer. Secondly, the scriptwriters have made too much of an effort to modernise the dialogue, which seems awkward and unrealistic in the setting of the early 1900s. For example, we hear of children using the terms "Relax, I'll get it" and other modern slang. In all, for a story that had so much potential, the representation falls flat dramatically.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

Long, dull and uninspiring

[4/10 · 25 November 2016]

This is certainly not Harry Potter or anything like it. I gave it a 4 because the story-line is convoluted, the movie is long and dull with very few substantial scenes or narrative to keep the viewer enthralled. The sound of Eddie Redmayne's voice is also so muffled that it's sometimes hard to discern what he's saying.

I wish I could relate in my review what the story is about but it was so convoluted that I lost track. The movie also goes overboard on the special effects and quite frankly I've seen enough movies with monsters and aliens rampaging through the streets of a city and demolishing buildings and parks - is all that grand destruction really necessary? Save your money for the DVD release.

Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)

Poor and disppointing

[3/10 · 14 January 2015]

What can I say? Historical inaccuracies, wooden acting, flawed dialogue. All for the price for one movie. My major irk with this is the dialogue and scripting. The actors and director made no effort to remove modern-day speak form the language at the time. I'm sure the Egyptians would not have used the words "won't", "economic standpoint" etc.

Coupled with this, was the worrisome use of multi-national actors who forgot that in those days, people would not have had Scottish / American / British accents. Please make an effort next time to at least set the oral environment in something at least resembling historical dialogue.