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Reviews
A Man in Full (2024)
Entertaining, but a bit disjointed
"A Man in Full" is a show that brings Tom Wolfe's novel to the screen, capturing the complex interplay of characters and social commentary that made the book a bestseller. However, while the show has its merits, it also has significant drawbacks that hinder its overall impact.
To start with the positives, "A Man in Full" succeeds in creating an entertaining narrative. The show introduces viewers to two main characters, Charlie Croker and Conrad Hensley, each grappling with their own personal and professional challenges. Charlie, a flamboyant real estate mogul, and Conrad, a struggling warehouse worker, are worlds apart in terms of their social standing and life experiences. Yet, their stories are interwoven in a way that suggests a deeper thematic connection. This juxtaposition is undoubtedly intended to highlight the vast disparities in American society and the unpredictable ways in which fate can intertwine the lives of individuals from different walks of life.
Despite this intention, the execution of these parallel storylines leaves much to be desired. The transitions between Charlie's and Conrad's narratives often feel abrupt and disjointed, disrupting the flow of the story. While the contrast between their lives is clear, the connection between their arcs isn't developed enough to create a cohesive narrative. As a result, the show can sometimes feel like two separate stories running alongside each other rather than a unified tale with intersecting themes.
Jeff Daniels, who portrays Charlie Croker, delivers a performance that is both compelling and problematic. Daniels is undeniably a talented actor, and he brings a dynamic energy to the role of Charlie. His portrayal captures the larger-than-life personality of a man who is both charming and deeply flawed. However, one aspect of his performance that stands out - and not necessarily in a good way - is his southern accent. Daniels adopts an exaggerated southern drawl that is likely intended to emphasize the caricature-like aspects of Charlie's character. While this choice might work in theory, in practice it falls flat. The accent ends up sounding more like Foghorn Leghorn, the cartoon rooster known for his over-the-top southern accent, than a realistic representation of how people in Atlanta or Georgia actually speak. This distracts from the authenticity of the character and can take viewers out of the moment, reminding them that they are watching a performance rather than immersing them in the story.
This issue with the accent is symptomatic of a broader problem with the show's portrayal of the South. While "A Man in Full" is set in Atlanta, one of the most dynamic and culturally rich cities in the United States, the depiction of southern life and culture often feels superficial and clichéd. The show relies heavily on stereotypes rather than offering a nuanced view of the region and its people. This lack of authenticity is disappointing, especially given the potential to explore the complexities of southern identity and the unique social dynamics of Atlanta.
The character of Conrad Hensley, played by another talented actor, also suffers from the show's uneven storytelling. Conrad's journey from a warehouse worker to a man caught up in a larger socio-economic struggle has the potential to be deeply engaging. However, his storyline is often overshadowed by the more flamboyant antics of Charlie Croker. The show fails to give Conrad's character the depth and attention he deserves, resulting in a portrayal that feels underdeveloped and secondary.
In conclusion, while "A Man in Full" offers moments of entertainment and boasts a strong cast, it ultimately falls short of its potential. The disjointed storylines of Charlie and Conrad, coupled with the exaggerated and inauthentic portrayal of southern culture, detract from the overall viewing experience. The show aims to deliver a social commentary on the disparities in American society but struggles to do so effectively due to its structural and character development issues. As a viewer, I found myself wanting more coherence and depth, and less reliance on stereotypes and caricatures. "A Man in Full" is worth a watch for those interested in Tom Wolfe's work, but it leaves much to be desired in its adaptation to the screen.
Spaceman (2024)
Better than I expected...
"Spaceman" delivers a compelling and visually stunning experience that transcends the typical boundaries of science fiction. The film dazzles with its imaginative use of special effects and has a strong, evocative score that enhances the atmospheric depth. Although the narrative might challenge some viewers with its complex plot twists and dense storytelling, it ultimately rewards those who enjoy piecing together intricate details. The performances are solid, with the cast bringing genuine emotion and nuance to their roles, making "Spaceman" a must-see for fans of ambitious cinema. Despite its complexity, the film's ambition and creative vision make it a standout piece that lingers with you long after the credits roll.
Fallout (2024)
Review of "Fallout": Excessively Violent and Unnecessarily Gory
While "Fallout" had the potential to be an engaging series with its rich post-apocalyptic setting and intriguing plot, it is significantly marred by its over-reliance on graphic violence. The show's frequent and graphic depictions of violence often feel gratuitous, overshadowing the storyline and character development.
The gore in "Fallout" is not just present; it is pervasive and at times extreme, making it difficult to watch for those who are sensitive to such content. This overemphasis on brutality can alienate viewers who might appreciate the narrative or the world-building aspects of the series. It's disappointing that the creators decided to lean so heavily into these elements, as the show could have been captivating without such intense and graphic scenes.
The Report (2019)
The real story isn't told...
The real story is that the threat that Al Qaeda presented was well known within the Clinton and Bush administrations. They were both provided enough intelligence on Bin Laden and Al Queda but the resources they mustered to prevent al Qaeda terrorism were not proportionate to the scale of the threat. So the CIA gets blamed for 9/11 despite the numerous warnings and ends up trying to capture Bin Laden by any means necessary.
The Report' does an admirable job in its attempt to stay true to the documented facts, and its commitment to shedding light on a critical issue is commendable. However, it also exemplifies the inherent limitations of any such endeavor to recount historical events, especially those as recent and contentious as the CIA's post-9/11 activities in an unbiased manner.
Mid90s (2018)
A lesser knock off of "Kids"
I didn't hate it, Jonah did an admirable job directing, but it was a bit of a cliched 'coming of age' story, sort of like an LA-based version of Kids...Good soundtrack though
Holy Hell (2016)
Like an episode of Documentary Now....
Hard to sympathize with a bunch of young, attractive people from decent middle and upper income homes that fall under the spell of a creepy sociopath. I'm giving it 5 stars, because there were some parts where I just busted out laughing at how stupid these people are, was almost like an episode of Documentary Now
The Gentlemen (2019)
Thoroughly entertaining....
I have enjoyed Guy Ritchie's other films and was looking forward to seeing this movie. The cast is excellent, perfectly suited to portray the colorful characters you typically find in a Guy Ritchie film. Hugh Grant and Colin Ferrell steal the show.
I Am the Night (2019)
A dramatization that took major licenses...
Very little of the show is factual; it would be a good suspenseful neo noirish show if they changed the names and didn't try to pass it off as even being loosely factual. (For a factual account of the story check out the accompanying Root of Evil podcast).
The show tries to drop in these little snippets of the historical backdrop of the time...like this one scene where they just randomly drive through the Watts riots on there way to Chinatown, which they totally downplay.
Holmes & Watson (2018)
Terrible, do not waste your time or money
Like many have said, not funny at all, the characters are annoying, just plain awful. Walked out after 45 minutes.