learner_2020 Reviews

The Departed (2006)

Interesting

[8/10 · 16 September 2022]

What a dramatic story - entirely transparent from the start but attention grabbing non the less.

The plot is unusually cerebral and has enough twists and turns to keep even the active mind busy. Hm great acting from all concerned and plenty of characterisation to make it believable. The usual weak editing style by Scorsese that we're all used to, but we'll overlook that given the actors' performances.

The only downside to it all is it's inaccessibility to the world outside the US. The whole "I'm Irish" thing just makes every non American cringe. In fact every time anyone other than a first generation American says it, yet another leprechaun dies.

Drain the Ocean: WWII (2016 TV Movie)

Good content

[6/10 · 15 September 2022]

Others have mentioned the annoying repetition throughout. I would add that I found it frustrating when measurements were dumbed down unnecessarily i.e comparing measurable ocean depths to "twice the height of the Empire State Building". Just give a measurement in kms!

The science and engineering aspects were fascinating and presented some extraordinary endeavours. Not all questions were answered and felt like padding to the series. Some interesting points were overlooked - such as other seabed wrecks in one episode. All in not a bad series, just try to keep your patience at the dumbed down elements.

Inside No. 9: Mr. King (2022) Season 7, Episode 2

THE WICKERMAN

[5/10 · 29 April 2022]

...but somehow, worse. First and second episode of series seven is lacking the usual shine and polish of Inside no9. We can only hope that the writers have found their inspiration in subsequent episodes.

Star Trek: Picard: Watcher (2022) Season 2, Episode 4

Dumb blonde

[5/10 · 25 March 2022]

Dr Agnes - the Earth's foremost cyberneticist, respected in her field...still being written as a dumb blonde woman-child in love with fairies, rainbows and unicorns. Why?

Star Trek: Picard: Assimilation (2022) Season 2, Episode 3

Episode 2: Everything wrong about America

[6/10 · 25 March 2022]

Yeah the title says it all. Would have been better if it was set in a less dystopian country. Had to research what ICE meant, as it means nothing to the rest of the world.

Snowpiercer (2020–2024)

Season one - great

[5/10 · 4 March 2022]

The first season really captured the viewers attention, much better than that weird film. The second series continued well with story line. I guess that by series three the writers fell asleep on the keyboard because it's like watching paint dry: so very boring and pointless.

Reacher (2022– )

He's big, we get it.

[6/10 · 9 February 2022]

Not too bad an adaption of the books and a good drift from the films. Worth a watch. If you're in any doubt, Reacher is 6'5" - just in case you missed it mentioned every scene.

Siberia (2018)

Rubbish

[5/10 · 16 May 2021]

Poor plot that makes little sense. Something about diamonds and a lost friend. The rest is just gibberish. Don't go into an armed standoff against special forces with a hunting rifle...duh.

Stowaway (I) (2021)

Bad story, copy? Copy?

[4/10 · 24 April 2021]

OMG let's be BFFs in space 4eva! Terrific performances from this small cast, but the story was very weak. Also, don't patronise the audience - those who watch sci-fi have a reasonable grasp on basic principles such as "gravity" and "centrifuge".

Spitting Image (2020–2021)

American Image

[4/10 · 14 November 2020]

In a World brimming with a rich buffet of satirical fodder, this show wildly misses the point of satirical observational comedy. Just look at the idiots of today's World stage.....they practically write themselves! As a fan of the original series in the 80s, particularly the humorous attacks on politicians, I'm left very disappointed in this series' complete lack of satirical humour and sheer reliance on pop culture characters and repeated slapstick gags (literally using the same jokees over and over). I can not recommend it.

He Kills Coppers (2008 TV Movie)

Poor

[5/10 · 11 October 2020]

This feature is really rather poor and full of historical inaccuracies, screenplay aside. None of the performances particularly stand out despite a robust cast. It's essentially a documentary with a bigger budget but no voiceover.

Fracture (2007)

Not bad

[6/10 · 27 February 2020]

Generally a good film and storyline. Well cast and dramatic. Would have been 7 stars if it wasn't for Gosling's terrible acting and single facial expression.

Quantum Leap: Mirror Image - August 8, 1953 (1993) Season 5, Episode 22

Weep and know ye better

[10/10 · 14 February 2020]

This episode; it does not matter how many times I watch it. It will always have me weeping like a schoolgirl by the end. A true masterpiece both in writing and in direction. Bravo to you all.

The Predator (2018)

Unwanted

[1/10 · 18 October 2019]

"Predator (1986) is the best film ever"

• everyone, everywhere.

"We need a reboot"

• No one, ever.

Worthless film that no one wanted or asked for. A mockery of the cinematic excellence of Predator 1986.

Temple (2019–2021)

Oh dear.

[4/10 · 18 October 2019]

Really very disappointing. This series had all the hallmarks of excellence, with positive first hand accounts by Mr Strong, fine acting and well known actors. However, it is marred by an extremely weak plot and poor writing.

Question to production team: why not get: police and medical advisors in? That way your show would be remotely accurate and believable.